Import Inspection Communiqué and Its Application

Following the amendment to the Import Inspection Communiqué, fire extinguishers imported under HS code 8424.10 and requiring CE documentation have, from 2026, been divided into:

• 8424.10.00.00.11 — filled or empty fire-extinguisher cylinders subject to the Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU; and
• 8424.10.00.00.19 — aerosol fire extinguishers to be certified under Directive 2013/29/EU.

Regardless of any other certificate they hold, aerosol fire extinguishers cannot be placed on the market without certification under the Pyrotechnic Articles Directive 2013/29/EU. Certification has two stages: Module B first, followed by one of Modules C, D or E for type-conformity assessment, granted on the basis of testing. Tests and certificates must be issued by organisations authorised by the EU and carrying a notified-body identification number (Notified Body—NOBO).

Unfortunately, some companies disregard this legal distinction, find ways to clear their goods through customs and continue selling imported aerosol fire extinguishers as though they fell under 2014/68/EU, using CE documents obtained from organisations that are not notified bodies.

This practice does more than create unfair competition in the market. It exposes both sellers and purchasers to substantial administrative fines and the risk of legal investigation.

Safety cannot be marketed through document manipulation

Requesting product certificates issued by a NOBO following assessment under 2013/29/EU is a legal obligation. Every misleading document can become an irreversible enforcement consequence during inspection and a critical safety gap in the field. Lawful, auditable and transparent sourcing is the only safeguard for sustainable life safety and corporate reputation.

Current NOBO list: webgate.ec.europa.eu/single-market-compliance-space/notified-bodies