Enforcement Assistance Program for Firework Storage Sites
1 Introduction
A major firework explosion occurred in the Dutch city of Enschede in 2000 caused by the unsafe storage of fireworks. There were numerous casualties and considerable damage to property. This disaster led to more stringent regulations for fireworks and greater attention to the enforcement of regulations.
The tighter regulations for fireworks were incorporated into the new Fireworks Decree of March 2002. The Minister of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment holds political responsibility for implementing the Fireworks Decree. The Inspectorate is part of the Ministry and has two types of duties:
1. Enforcement of numerous regulations embodied in the legislation for which the Ministry is responsible, notably in respect of waste and hazardous substances. The Inspectorate acts as the enforcement agency when companies breach the law.
