Data on unlicensed pyrotechnic use in past five years and enforcement measures against unlicensed importation, possession and use

Question:

Mr Ng Shi Xuan: To ask the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) what is the number of known cases of pyrotechnics that were set off without proper licences over the past five years; and (b) what are the measures that the Ministry has taken to prevent the unlicensed importation, possession and use of such pyrotechnics.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs:

1. Pyrotechnics are regulated as explosives under the Guns, Explosives and Weapons Control Act 2021 (GEWCA). Any person who wishes to conduct activities involving explosives, including their importation, possession or use, must obtain the relevant licence from the Singapore Police Force (SPF). Unlicensed use is an offence under the GEWCA and may result in fines or imprisonment.

2. Between 2021 and 2024, there was an average of about 19 cases annually relating to unlawful possession, discharge and importation of fireworks under the Dangerous

3. Fireworks Act, which has since been replaced with GEWCA. Under the GEWCA, which came into force on 1 July 2025, fireworks and pyrotechnics are classified as ‘explosives’ alongside other materials such as explosive precursors. As the GEWCA applies to a wide r category of explosives, SPF does not track the number of cases that specifically relate to fireworks and pyrotechnics.

4. The Ministry of Home Affairs and SPF tackle unlicensed importation, possession and use of pyrotechnics on several fronts. First, SPF works with the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority to intercept unlicensed pyrotechnics at our borders. Second, SPF enforces against the unlawful possession or use of pyrotechnics through ground patrols and investigation of reported cases. Third, SPF reminds members of the public of the legal requirements and safety risks through news releases in the lead-up to festive periods.