National Fireworks Association (NFA) Addresses Meta’s Content Policies for Fireworks Businesses

March 2024 by Sam Christensen

If you’ve ever experienced issues publishing pyrotechnic-related content or promoting your legitimate fireworks business on Facebook, you’re certainly not alone.

Topics covered in this post:

Trouble with Meta’s posting restrictions has been a common theme for businesses and individuals in the fireworks industry for years. And with every new algorithmic update on the social platform – especially now with AI involved in the moderation process – the restrictions become tighter and the penalties on accounts often more severe.

NFA’s 2024 Update on Meta’s Content Policies for Fireworks

In February 2024, board members of the National Fireworks Association (NFA) met with Meta officials in Washington, DC to discuss the restrictions that the fireworks industry faces on its social media platforms, namely Facebook.

The NFA published a press release with clarifications and advice they received from the officials at Meta. Read it now on NFA’s website: nationalfireworks.com/announcements.

Sam from Spirit of ‘76 had an opportunity to speak with Stacy Schneitter Blake, NFA president and co-owner of Schneitter Fireworks, about the conversation she and other NFA board members had with Meta.

Stacy’s advice for when your fireworks business’ content is flagged, in a nutshell: Appeal, appeal, appeal. 

Advice we’ll add in for good measure: Encouraging the safe use of fireworks is key. The best content you can post or share isn’t sales-y; rather, it’s helpful or educational to your audience. And, when fireworks are used, be sure to follow and promote good safety practices.

Why are Meta’s content restrictions an issue for fireworks businesses?

It’s common knowledge in this industry that no business can pay to advertise fireworks or related services virtually anywhere online – Google, YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, you name it. This is because fireworks are typically categorized as “restricted goods” in these platforms’ ad policies, often being lumped in with firearms and non-commercial explosives. Some policies even list fireworks as “weapons”.

So, there is no paying to advertise the sale or use of fireworks online – ok, fair enough. Fireworks businesses have learned to go without online paid advertising. 

But what about organic content? Sharing engaging or helpful content online ought to be a core marketing strategy for any business today, right?

That’s where Meta’s policies on fireworks-related content stifle the marketing and outreach efforts of legitimate businesses in the industry, from mom-and-pop retailers to professional display companies to wholesalers like ourselves. Even content that promotes fireworks safety isn’t necessarily safe” from being flagged. Many fireworks business owners and their employees have experienced temporary and even permanent bans that affect not only their business profiles, but often their personal accounts too. We at Spirit of ‘76 are no exception!

As Stacy mentioned in the video above, say a fireworks business is put in “Facebook jail” in the days leading up to July 4th. Not only would communication with their customers and community be restricted, they’d be unable to share helpful safety information on the platform in the days where education on the proper handling of fireworks is most crucial.

This is why it’s a big deal that the National Fireworks Association was able to discuss the matter with Meta to get clarification on the policies as well as address major oversights regarding which types of fireworks-related content is getting flagged. 

What to do if your Facebook Page’s fireworks content is flagged.

The NFA’s recent press release mentions that Meta officials “recommend [users] look closely at the updated Meta Policies concerning the sale of explosives on their platforms, especially for brick-and-mortar stores.” 

As of March 2024, Meta’s policy in question reads that content should not be posted if it “attempts to buy, sell, or trade, firearms, firearm parts, ammunition, explosives, or lethal enhancements except when posted by a Page, Group or Instagram profile representing legitimate brick-and-mortar entities, including retail businesses, websites, brands or government agencies (e.g. police department, fire department) or a private individual sharing content on behalf of legitimate brick-and-mortar entities.”

If your content gets flagged, the NFA says they “strongly recommend you request to appeal any post that has been restricted if it meets Meta’s community standards.” 

The NFA also promises to “continue to monitor policies and procedures concerning our industry.”

While there’s still a long road ahead for improving the experiences of fireworks business owners on Facebook, it’s good to know the NFA is in our corner and has taken a major step towards educating Meta officials about these struggles.

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