Shanxi ends province-wide blanket fireworks ban

China's fireworks industry body has voiced support for Shanxi province's decision to scrap a long-standing blanket ban on fireworks and firecrackers, a move that has tri-ggered widespread public debate as Spring Festival approaches.

The Shanxi provincial government announced the repeal of 124 related documents, including a 2020 notice prohibiting the production, sale, storage, transport and setting off of fireworks and firecrackers across the province, effective on Dec 16.

The local emergency management authority issued detailed rules on Monday governing the sale and supervision of fireworks and firecrackers, stressing that sales are permitted under a licensing regulation.

The repeal in Shanxi marked a shift from a "one-size-fits-all" ban to more scientific management, the China Fireworks and Firecrackers Association said in a statement on its WeChat account.

The association, a national non-profit industry body, added that this is a response to the public's cultural needs during festivals and a reflection of the government's scientific approach to balance public demand with safety management in public administration.

Huang Chaxiang, director of the National Fireworks and Firecrackers Standardization Technology Committee, said the adjustment was more consistent with present social realities and the public's expectations. "It reflects people's demand for traditional festive customs while opening space for more refined governance," she said.

Huang said that many large Chinese cities have gradually eased blanket bans in recent years, introducing measures such as limited time periods, designated areas or approved product categories. "Such approaches better balance public safety, environmental concerns and public aspirations for cultural traditions."

Experts also called for follow-up measures and policies, such as deve-loping standards for the industry's development, facilitating the enforcement of a new set of related rules and clearly communicating changes affecting the public.

Besides cultural traditions, there is also an economic aspect behind fireworks and firecrackers. The related industry chain is interconnected, including sectors such as paper, gunpowder, printing, logistics, hardware, packaging and festival tourism.

Public reaction has been mixed. Some residents asked for clearer rules allowing fireworks to return in an orderly manner, while others voiced safety concerns and requested precautions to prevent accidents and environmental damage.

Jing Zhimei, a 31-year-old resident of Taiyuan, the province's capital, said lifting the ban could help restore a sense of Spring Festival tradition. However, she added, "I worry about how to buy quality fireworks through legal channels," saying that more education was needed on how to respond to injuries or fires.

Tabinda Noreen, a Pakistani student studying at North University of China in Taiyuan, said she was looking forward to experiencing her first Spring Festival in China. "I'm exci-ted to see the celebrations with splendid fireworks," she said.

The Shanxi fire and rescue department said it would remain on high alert during the Spring Festival period. A senior official urged residents to clear away flammable materials before setting off fireworks, ensure they are fully extinguished afterward and closely supervise minors.

Huang, from the National Fireworks and Firecrackers Standardization Technology Committee, said that a revised national standard on fireworks and firecrackers safety and quality, issued on Oct 31, introduces more detailed requirements to improve safety and reduce pollution. The new standard is scheduled to take effect on May 1, 2026.

Elsewhere in China, some cities have already moved toward more flexible approaches. In early 2025, parts of Henan province, Anshan in Liaoning province, and Foshan in Guangdong province said fireworks could be set off during the Spring Festival under certain conditions, such as during restricted times or in designated areas.

Contact the writers at?zhouhuiying@chinadaily.com.cn