Firework sales remain limited after ban
Shops may no longer sell standard consumer fireworks to consumers, but exceptions keep part of the sector active.
The nationwide fireworks ban rules out sales to consumers from the 2026–2027 New Year period. Sales will nevertheless remain possible to organisations with an exemption and to professional organisers, while low-level F1 fireworks are permitted for consumers.
The Safe New Year Act came into force on 1 August 2026. From the coming New Year period, consumers may no longer buy, possess or set off standard consumer fireworks. Category F1, which includes sparklers and snap pops, for example, remains permitted.
The rules leave room for associations and foundations that receive an exemption from their mayor. During the New Year period, they may set off fireworks and purchase consumer fireworks for that purpose. Professional fireworks companies may also put on shows subject to conditions.
The explanatory memorandum to the implementing decree says that orders for associations may be placed earlier, provided that the purchase only proceeds after an exemption has been granted. Shops must be able to check whom they are selling to. The government expects the number of sales outlets to fall, but has not set a nationwide figure.
For the sector, the ban therefore does not mean that every form of sales will disappear immediately. The remaining market consists of F1 fireworks, professional shows and sales to exemption holders. The government has previously sent the Lower House (Tweede Kamer) principles for compensation for loss, because importers and sellers are dealing with existing stocks and a long purchasing cycle.
The government links the ban to safety during the New Year period. According to the national government, there were 1,239 fireworks victims during the 2025–2026 New Year period, seven per cent more than a year earlier. More than 500 emergency workers were also confronted with violence. In the coming months, checks on importers, at borders and at sales outlets should clarify the size of the remaining legal and illegal markets.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- From the coming New Year period, consumers may no longer buy standard consumer fireworks.
- F1 fireworks and some organised exceptions remain permitted.
- The government cites safety and reducing injury and nuisance as objectives.
Left
Arguments A nationwide ban protects bystanders, emergency workers, animals and the living environment better than separate local rules. The exceptions should remain limited so as not to undermine the objective.
Values Public health, protecting vulnerable groups and collective safety.
Consequences Less legal fireworks may reduce injury and nuisance, but requires robust enforcement against illegal trade.
Centre
Arguments The ban can coexist with controlled neighbourhood and professional shows, provided municipalities set clear conditions and businesses are treated fairly.
Values Proportionality, practicality and room for traditions within safe limits.
Consequences A regulated supply may preserve public support, but makes monitoring and licensing more complex.
Right
Arguments Adults should retain room for a tradition that forms part of the New Year period for many people. The government should focus primarily on tackling misuse and heavy illegal fireworks.
Values Personal freedom, individual responsibility and restrained government.
Consequences A broad ban may affect legitimate businesses and users without causing illegal trade to disappear automatically.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The legal exceptions, effective date and government figures were checked directly against government sources. The text makes no unsubstantiated claim about mass sales by shops.
- confirmed The nationwide fireworks ban for consumers applies from 1 August 2026. — RVO and the national government state the effective date. source
- confirmed F1 fireworks remain permitted. — The national government and RVO identify F1 fireworks as an exception. source
- confirmed Sales to associations with an exemption remain possible. — This is stated in the explanatory memorandum published in the Staatsblad. source
- confirmed There were 1,239 fireworks victims during the 2025–2026 New Year period. — The national government gives this figure and the comparison with the previous year. source
Editor's note
The legal exceptions and government figures can be verified. No independent nationwide study was found establishing the scale of current shop sales; the text has therefore been limited to what is legally possible.Sources
- Verkoop consumentenvuurwerk stopt door vuurwerkverbod — Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland
- Maatregelen voor minder gewonden en schade door vuurwerk — Rijksoverheid
- Staatsblad 2026, 168 — Overheid.nl
More on this in Dutch media
- De Telegraaf — „vuurwerk vuurwerkverbod”
- AD — „vuurwerk vuurwerkverbod”
- de Volkskrant — „vuurwerk vuurwerkverbod”