Xinjiang to require real names for firework purchases

URUMQI - Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region will require people who buy fireworks and firecrackers for Chinese New Year to register using their real names, authorities said Tuesday.

The move is meant to reduce safety risks caused by illegal firework outlets and poor quality fireworks on the market, and to prevent terrorists from obtaining raw materials to make explosive devices, said Li Jianghui, an official with the region's work safety department.

Customers should register with their ID cards if they want to purchase fireworks or firecrackers, he said.

The work safety department has demanded all firework retail outlets install a system to track the flow of commodities and record the type and quantity of products purchased by each customer, he said.

Xinjiang has selected 19 fireworks manufacturers from dozens across the country to sell products in the region this year, said Guo Zhirong, head of the regional fireworks industry association.

Sales of fireworks in Urumqi, the region's capital, will be allowed starting February 4. Sales times in other areas vary.

Chinese people traditionally light fireworks and firecrackers to celebrate the Spring Festival, China's lunar new year, which falls on Feb. 19 this year. The noise from the fireworks is meant to scare away evil spirits and bad luck.

During last year's Spring Festival holidays, Beijing required customers purchasing more than five boxes of fireworks at a time to register using their ID cards.

Media reported that Urumqi implemented the real-name fireworks purchase policy in the city last year.