BAM becomes official body for pyrotechnics testing in the United Kingdom

BAM has been appointed as the official body for pyrotechnics testing in the United Kingdom (UK). The appointment underlines BAM's expertise in the field of pyrotechnics, which is increasingly being used in the automotive sector. It enables BAM to provide conformity assessments, certifications, surveillance and inspections of pyrotechnic products in the UK market.

Pyrotechnic articles that are improperly manufactured or used can pose considerable safety risks. They are therefore subject to strict legal requirements and regulations. Notified bodies play a key role in checking and ensuring the safety of pyrotechnic articles to prevent injuries and accidents. They help manufacturers to understand and comply with regulations in order to secure market access while meeting legal requirements.

As the notified body for pyrotechnics in Germany, BAM plays a key role in the implementation and monitoring of EU regulations for pyrotechnic products. This includes a wide range of tasks, including conformity assessment, certification, monitoring and inspection of manufacturing companies, information exchange with authorities and advising ministries.

The appointment by the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy of the United Kingdom took place after an accreditation phase of around two years. This first required joint accreditation in accordance with ISO/IEC 17065 by the two accreditation bodies German DAkkS and UKAS of the United Kingdom. BAM has now successfully completed this formal process, in which an independent body checks and confirms the competence of a conformity assessment body.

"With this appointment, BAM offers conformity assessment of pyrotechnics for an even broader market," said Christian Lohrer, Head of the Conformity Assessment of Explosives, Pyrotechnics Division at BAM. "Companies and authorities receive comprehensive testing and consulting services from a single source. This promotes safe trade, especially in the rapidly growing automotive sector, where more and more pyrotechnics are being used - from pyrotechnic battery disconnect systems to seat belt tensioner systems and airbag modules."

This article was first published on 1 February by BAM.