Overview
- After talks in Bremen, the federal government signaled a proposal to modify the Erste Sprengstoffverordnung so states and cities can impose broader bans covering the full F2 category.
- Ministers remain split on a nationwide prohibition, and Bundesinnenminister Alexander Dobrindt showed limited openness only to larger restricted zones rather than a blanket ban.
- The Gewerkschaft der Polizei delivered a petition with more than 2.2 million signatures urging a national ban, while the #Böllerciao coalition pressed similar demands and the pyro industry warned of severe economic harm.
- Berlin officials say a citywide inner-ring restriction could be prepared for 2026/27, and NRW’s Herbert Reul supports bans in densely built inner cities as municipalities set varied local rules for this year.
- Cross-border rules tightened further as the Netherlands phases in a private-fireworks ban from 2026 and the Czech Republic’s new law, effective December 1, curbs sales, creates 250-meter exclusion zones, and carries steep fines, prompting German warnings against illegal purchases.