Overview
- Berlin names Böller, weapons and knife prohibition zones at Alexanderplatz, Steinmetzkiez, parts of Sonnenallee and the newly added Admiralbrücke, in force from Dec 31, 18:00 to Jan 1, 06:00, with only F1 items permitted and a full fireworks ban at the Brandenburger Tor event.
- Munich bans private pyrotechnics in the pedestrian core around Marienplatz, Viktualienmarkt and adjacent streets from Dec 31, 21:00 to Jan 1, 02:00, prohibits knall‑only items inside the Mittlerer Ring on both days and introduces an all‑day firework ban around Tierpark Hellabrunn, with police checks and fines announced.
- Customs warn of dangerous non‑compliant imports and report more than seven tonnes of illegal fireworks seized in 2024, urging purchases only of CE‑marked products with BAM registration and cautioning about fake labels and online or cross‑border sources.
- Active enforcement continues, including the Bundespolizei confiscation of 210 illegal high‑power böller from two children returning from a Czech market and a separate truck stop near Dresden with 340 kilograms of pyrotechnics, with proceedings under explosives law initiated.
- Officials reiterate legal limits and safety guidance: Category F2 is for adults only and sale runs Dec 29–31; ENT doctors estimate about 8,000 inner‑ear injuries each New Year; experts advise certified products, close supervision of minors, safe handling of blindgängers and note potential civil and criminal liability for violations.