China’s toughest regulations on fireworks and firecrackers took effect on May 1, 2026, after the top market regulator released the standards on Oct. 31, 2025. The rules tighten safety, noise and chemical and explosive content limits across the industry. [1]
The new standards replace seven separate standards with a single framework. They reduce explosive content limits, set lower noise caps with different thresholds by product type, and ban certain chemical compositions. [1]
Fireworks products are now split into 11 major types and 25 subcategories, including a new C2 category for urban use. The rules also standardize labeling, requiring accurate and clearly visible hazard classifications and warnings on packaging. [1]
The standards add safety rules for mixed-product packages and bar explosive items such as double-bang firecrackers. Chen Guang, a professor at Southwest Jiaotong University’s School of Public Administration, said the new rules help curb unlicensed and homemade fireworks products, “effectively reducing the space for illegal and substandard goods.” [1]
The changes come after recent Spring Festival fireworks accidents in Jiangsu and Hubei provinces killed 20 people. In May 2026, authorities also launched a nationwide yearlong campaign to crack down on illegal fireworks retail and handling. [1]
The new rules are already in force, and the crackdown is set to run through the next 12 months. [1]