The following documents are required for the application:

1. An application sheet identifying the device category and the DOT classification you are seeking approval for.
    
2. A chemical composition sheet.
    
3. A diagram of the device.
    
4. For foreign applicants ONLY - those located outside of the United States – a United States Designated Agent letter is required. Please refer to Appendix III in the 2018 APA Standards 87-1A, B, or C.
    

For further details on the information that should be included in these documents and to review sample applications, please refer to Appendix II in the 2018 APA Standards 87-1A, B, or C.

Fireworks classification applications should be submitted to PHMSA via the online fireworks portal: https://portal.phmsa.dot.gov/PHMSAPortal2. Applications may be submitted via email to fireworks@dot.gov.

However, it is strongly encouraged that you begin submitting applications through the new Fireworks portal to familiarize yourself and your team with the system. The proposed rule HM257A [Docket No. PHMSA-2020-0103] includes that applications will be required to be submitted via the online portal.

It is recommended that you submit the application in two or more files. The application itself should be in one file and the Chemical Composition sheet and Diagram may be in one or more supplementary files. You may submit these files in MS Word, MS Excel, or PDF format. Zipped files are not an acceptable format. Applications with files that cannot be opened will be rejected.

Resubmitted applications should include the corrected/revised issues and the previously denied or rejected letter.

The most common denial/rejection reasons include:

• Wrong device category selection
   
• Missing required document(s)
   
• Inconsistent information (inconsistent item names, inconsistent effect names)
   
• Full names (first and last) are not listed on the application or U.S. Designated Agent letter
   

Only foreign applicants – those located outside the United States- must provide a designated agent of service in accordance with 49 CFR section 107.705(a)(5) and 105.40.

Using the tracking number assigned to your application, go to PHMSA's Approvals Search page to search the status of the applications for your company.

The thermal stability test takes 48 hours to complete. The signed Certification date can be the same date as the completed Thermal Stability test date.

You may see Appendix II Applying for an Approval in the 2018 APA Standards 87-1A, B, or C for guidance.

Each standard covers different fireworks classifications:

• APA Standard 87-1A covers consumer fireworks, classed as: Fireworks, UN0336, 1.4G
   
• APA Standard 87-1B covers display fireworks for professional use only, classed as: Fireworks, UN0335, 1.3G
   
• APA Standard 87-1C covers entertainment industry and technical pyrotechnics, classed as: Articles, pyrotechnic for technical purposes, UN0431, 1.4G
   

FCA's are only permitted to process and issue Fireworks Certifications for consumer fireworks devices that meet the requirements of the 2018 APA Standard 87-1A.

For fireworks related inquiries please email fireworks@dot.gov or you may call the Energetic Materials branch at 202-366-4545.

You may also contact the Hazardous Materials Information Center at 1-800-467-4922 or via email at infocntr@dot.gov.