Only professionals are allowed to set off fireworks. There are rules in place to make sure this happens safely. A fireworks ban applies for consumers. Only novelty fireworks, such as sparklers, are permitted for consumers. The municipality can give permission for using fireworks in New Year celebrations organised by neighbourhood groups or associations, such as a fireworks show or carbidschieten ('carbide shooting', the tradition of igniting calcium carbide in a milk churn to produce a loud cannon-like bang). This is known as an exemption.

Permitted fireworks

Novelty fireworks fall under category F1 and can be used at any time of year, by anyone. Examples include:

  • bang snaps (knalerwten)
  • crackers (knalbonbons)
  • sparklers (sterretjes)
  • cake sparklers (sierfonteintjes)

The category is stated on the packaging.

Banned fireworks

Fireworks such as rockets (vuurpijlen), ‘cakes’ (multiple tube devices), compound boxes (larger ‘cakes’) and bangers (knalvuurwerk) can only be used by professionals, who need to have permission from the provincial authorities. These are category F2, F3 and F4 fireworks.

Consumers are no longer allowed to buy or possess these products. They are also forbidden to set them off. Banned fireworks can be handed in anonymously between 1 September and 9 October 2026 (information in Dutch only). 

Firework vendors can only sell category F2, F3 and F4 fireworks to professionals and to people who have permission to use them.

Requirements for professional use of fireworks

Firework professionals are only permitted to set off fireworks if they:

  • have completed training as a firework specialist;
  • meet the requirements for obtaining an operator permit (toepassingsvergunning);
  • have official permission to set off fireworks (in the form of a notification or permit);
  • have a pyro pass for buying professional fireworks, or for using fire and flame effects in e.g. theatre productions or at concerts. You can apply for a pyro pass for free (in Dutch).

Fireworks shows at New Year: municipality can grant exemptions

Local or neighbourhood associations can organise fireworks shows at New Year if they have been granted an exemption by the municipality. Certain requirements apply (in Dutch).

Carbidschieten: municipality determines whether or not it is permitted

Carbidschieten ('carbide shooting') is a Dutch tradition but is not always permitted. The situation differs from municipality to municipality. Contact your municipality to find out whether carbidschieten is permitted and, if so, what conditions apply. Permission (in the form of an exemption) may be required.

Fire service advises against use of sky lanterns (wensballonnen)

The sky lantern is a paper lantern with an open flame hanging underneath it. The hot air causes the lantern to rise.

The fire service advises against using sky lanterns. It is almost impossible to launch them safely. They tear easily and, more importantly, the wind can bring them down in unsuitable places.

Sky lanterns are not always permitted in every location. Find out from your municipality whether sky lanterns are permitted. If so, keep to the rules and follow the fire service’s tips (in Dutch).

Marine flares

Pyrotechnics like marine flares are not fireworks. It is illegal to use them as fireworks.