Customs Warned About Illegal Pyrotechnics
This year, up to December 9, 3,662 illegal fireworks were seized in 33 seizures, according to a press release from the Ministry of Finance on Sunday. Last year - including the period just before the turn of the year - 4,189 illegal crackers were confiscated in 67 seizures.
Vienna. According to customs information, a large quantity of fireworks without any markings was noticeable this year. But also the most dangerous and for private consumption prohibited crackers of categories F4 and F3 were often seized. Interim Finance Minister Gunter Mayr reminded of injuries and even deaths that recently occurred in Austria due to illegal fireworks. "Refrain from it and protect yourself and your fellow human beings," he appealed.
Fines to Prison Sentences
The customs office regularly carries out mobile focus operations to remove illegal fireworks from circulation. Often these are smuggled into Austria from EU countries such as the Czech Republic, but also from third countries. "According to the Pyrotechnics Act, the possession and import of fireworks are subject to strict regulations," warned customs office chief Heike Fetka-Blüthner in the press release. "In particular, products without markings or from unauthorized sources pose a high risk to consumers and are prohibited in Austria."
Violations of the Pyrotechnics Act can also have drastic consequences, even if there are no accidents. In addition to confiscation, fines of up to 10,000 euros or imprisonment for up to six weeks are threatened for producers or dealers who disregard the regulations on placing on the market, warns the customs office.
(APA/Red)
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