Deputies from the ruling Georgian Dream party have introduced a set of new regulations in the Georgian Parliament to govern the import, export, production, sale, and use of pyrotechnics. The implementation of these regulations is scheduled in phases, with the first phase beginning on February 1, 2025. This legislative initiative follows the use of fireworks by demonstrators in ongoing public protests against the government’s decision to suspend EU accession talks until 2028.

Under the proposed regulations, demonstrators will be prohibited from possessing pyrotechnics during protests. The list of prohibited items will include firearms, explosives, flammable substances, radioactive materials, cold weapons, and pyrotechnic articles. The regulation outlines that permits for the import, export, and production of pyrotechnic products will be issued by the State Reserves and Civil Security Services Agency, which operates under the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The regulations also include provisions for technical standards regarding the market placement of pyrotechnic products, which the government is required to adopt by February 1, 2025. Businesses and individuals involved in the pyrotechnics trade prior to the enactment of the law will be given a transitional period until March 1, 2025, to bring their operations into compliance with the new regulations and apply for the necessary permits.

The proposed legislation also specifies a fee structure for obtaining licenses, set at ₾200 (approximately $73.13), with an option for expedited services at a higher fee. Violations of the new regulations will incur substantial penalties, including fines of up to ₾6,000 ($2,193.78) for repeat offenders, as well as potential confiscation of pyrotechnic products.

Unauthorized importation or sale of pyrotechnic products will result in a fine of ₾5,000 ($1,828.15), with higher penalties for repeated violations. Additional fines are outlined for selling pyrotechnics to unauthorized individuals or for unlawful purchase or use of such products.

The proposed laws also introduce a new offence for violations of permits or license conditions concerning the import, export, production, and sale of pyrotechnic products. Individuals found guilty of this offence will face a fine of ₾2,000 ($731.26). If a permit or license holder fails to comply with the established conditions within the stipulated timeframe, the fine for the initial violation will be tripled, with continued non-compliance potentially leading to the revocation of the permit or license.

The regulations also impose administrative liability for violations related to the sale of pyrotechnic products to individuals who are not legally permitted to own or use them. In such cases, the fine will be ₾2,000 for the first violation, with an additional fine of ₾3,000 ($1,096.89) for repeat violations.

Finally, the new legislation stipulates that violations involving the registration, storage, transportation, or use of explosives, flammable materials, or pyrotechnic articles, as well as illegal shipments via mail or luggage that lead to serious consequences, will be prosecuted under criminal law. Such offences may result in fines, house arrest (ranging from six months to two years), or imprisonment (from two to five years).

This package of legislative changes, aimed at enhancing public safety and oversight in the pyrotechnics sector, has been introduced in Parliament and is expected to be considered and adopted in an expedited manner within the week.