Campaign „Pyrotechnics are not toys“ started
In order to warn that pyrotechnic devices must be used in the right way to avoid injuring citizens due to improper handling, within the project „EU for Serbia – support for safer products“, whose main beneficiary is Ministry of Economy, the campaign „Pyrotechnics are not toys“ was launched, intended for their safe use and proper purchase. The campaign will last from the end of December to the middle of January, when their use is the most common.
Through the project „EU for Serbia – support for safer products“ the European Union supports the Ministry of Economy and the other line ministries in harmonizing the legislation of the Republic of Serbia with the legislation of the European Union in the field of free movements of goods. That area, along with the freedom of movement of people, services and capital, is one of the fundamental freedoms on which the European Union is founded, because the unique and common market is the core of European integration.
The campaign „Pyrotechnics are not toys“ is jointly conducted by the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Interior within the project „EU for Serbia – support for safer products“. It is the first of several media promotions that will be conducted during the project, which is aimed at further improving the process of harmonization and implementation of regulations necessary for the integration of the economy of the Republic of Serbia into the single European market.
„The project supports the harmonization of certain selected areas that are not yet fully harmonized within the Negotiating Chapter 1 – Movement of goods (such as construction products, explosives for civilian use and pyrotechnics, personal protective equipment and motor vehicles) and strengthens the capacity of the Institute for standardization, the Accreditation Body of Serbia, the Directorate for Measures and Precious Metals and the conformity assessment body. The project helps improve the efficiency of market surveillance authorities. It raises awareness of both consumers and the economy about the importance of harmonizing technical regulations and applying European standards when placing products on the market, which contributes to consumer safety, health and environmental protection, as well as increasing product competitiveness in domestic and foreign markets“, say from the Ministry of Economy.
The Ministry of Interior says that during the last year, due to the careless use of pyrotechnic devices, 17 citizens were injured, of which three were children and four were minors. „Although the law does not prohibit the use of pyrotechnic devices, the Ministry of Interior appeals to citizens not to use them. Take care of yourself and your loved ones. Don’t use firecrackers!”
Harmonizing national product regulations with European Union legislation ensures equal treatment of products, increased competitiveness, lower prices and greater choice for consumers. This ensures an equal level of protection of public health, consumers and the environment in the European internal market.
“Safety of children and citizens is at the first place. Products placed on the market should meet high health, safety and environmental requirements. We need to assure not only institutional and social but also corporate responsibility, as all, institutions, citizens and companies have important role in this process,” said Head of Operation Section II in the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Serbia Mr Martin Klaucke.
The European Union is providing continuous support to Serbia to facilitate removal of technical barriers to trade and ensure alignment with EU best practices and standards in the area of free movement of goods. Several technical capacity projects were implemented amounting to over 10 million € where 4 million € was allocated for supply of laboratory equipment to 10 laboratories and also – Directorate of Measures and Precious Metals.