China Enhances Fireworks and Firecracker Safety Measures During Spring Festival

China is intensifying safety precautions related to fireworks and firecrackers ahead of the Spring Festival and Lantern Festival holidays. These measures follow directives from the State Council Security Committee and provincial authorities, aiming to ensure public safety during the festive season.

Provincial Inspections and Oversight

On February 20, 2026, Zhang Hu, a member of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee and Executive Vice Governor, led an inspection team in Fogang County, Qingyuan City, to assess the implementation of safety protocols at fireworks and firecracker retail locations. This inspection was part of a broader, province-wide video dispatch meeting focused on strengthening safety measures.

Key Safety Measures

The inspection team focused on ensuring adherence to eight specific safety measures, including:

• Strict prohibition of trial discharges within 100 meters of retail stores.
• Prevention of excessive storage of fireworks and firecrackers.
• Detailed implementation of comprehensive risk management and control measures.

Nationwide Safety Campaign: “Five Strict Prohibitions and Three Musts”

The province-wide meeting emphasized the importance of learning from past incidents and proactively addressing potential hazards. Authorities are implementing a campaign centered around “five strict prohibitions and three musts,” which includes:

• Conducting comprehensive investigations to identify and rectify safety risks.
• Full-coverage inspections of all fireworks and firecracker retail stores.
• Strengthening safety supervision across the entire supply chain, from wholesale enterprises to transportation and sales.
• Increasing public awareness campaigns regarding the safe purchase, storage, and use of fireworks and firecrackers.
• Maintaining a firm stance against illegal fireworks and firecrackers, with increased enforcement and investigation of related activities.

Broader Safety Focus

Beyond fireworks and firecrackers, the safety campaign extends to high-risk industries such as mining, firefighting, and hazardous chemicals. Increased supervision will also be applied to passenger transport (cruise ships and passenger ships), road transportation, civil aviation, railways, tourism, and special equipment to maintain overall provincial safety and stability.

Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress

The safety measures are being implemented under the authority of the National People’s Congress (NPC) and its Standing Committee, the permanent organ responsible for exercising the powers of the NPC when it is not in session. The current Chairman of the Standing Committee is Zhao Leji, appointed in March 2023. Learn more about the NPCSC.