Overview
- Retailers report unusually strong demand, with industry estimates of roughly 30% higher presales and shops in places like Amersfoort nearing sell-outs as last-minute buyers stock up.
- A nationwide consumer fireworks ban is expected for the 2026–2027 New Year period, with final details such as compensation for retailers still to be settled.
- Police continue enforcement against illegal stock, including recent seizures of about 165 kg in Amersfoort and 96 kg in Woerden, and they are investigating a burglary that emptied a Culemborg shop’s fireworks bunker.
- Local authorities tighten controls through existing municipal bans and targeted measures, including 15 area bans for youths in Oldebroek carrying a €3,000 penalty for violations and safety risk zones with preventive searches in parts of Hedel and Kerkdriel.
- Emergency services operate at heightened readiness with extra crews and round-the-clock shifts as early container and vehicle fires are logged, and the police’s Mobile Unit begins a trial of larger-range pepper spray for year-end disturbances.