A National Fireworks Disaster Fund, Paid For By the Industry That Creates the Risk

Αίτηση προς: Premierminister Robert Abela

We call on the Government of Malta to establish a National Fireworks Disaster Fund, funded by a statutory levy of 20% on the sale of all pyrotechnic materials, charged to manufacturers and importers at the point of sale.

• Levy: A 20% statutory levy applies to every sale of pyrotechnic materials in Malta, remitted by licensed manufacturers and importers, the same way employer contributions fund the Maternity Fund.
• Purpose: The fund pays for death, injury, property damage, and loss of livestock or livelihood caused by fireworks factory accidents.
• Administration: The fund is ring-fenced by law, independent of general government revenue, and overseen by a board including Civil Protection and victims' representatives.
• Accountability: Annual public reporting on contributions collected and claims paid.

We call on the Government of Malta to:

• Draft legislation establishing the National Fireworks Disaster Fund.
• Set the levy at 20% of all pyrotechnic material sales, as a licensing condition for factories and importers.
• Ensure the fund compensates third parties, farmers, residents, and property owners with no connection to the fireworks trade or our taxes.
• Have the fund operational before the start of 2027 fireworks season.