Overview
- Legal consumer sales of F2 fireworks run Dec. 29–31, with long lines reported in Meppen, Bremerhaven and Hamburg as the industry forecasts 10–15% more stock after €197 million in revenue last year.
- A TÜV survey finds 22% plan to set off private fireworks and 74% intend to abstain, while sellers report strong interest in battery and combination displays.
- Berlin’s fire service urges restrictions at the point of sale and backs four city ban zones at Alexanderplatz, Sonnenallee, the Steinmetzkiez and the Admiralbrücke.
- Several Thuringian municipalities bar fireworks in historic areas to protect vulnerable buildings, and nationwide rules confine use largely to 18:00–07:00 with prohibitions near hospitals, care homes, churches and fire‑sensitive structures.
- Police and customs highlight risks from illegal imports after multiple severe injuries and five deaths last New Year’s, and early misuse on store parking lots in NRW prompted warnings about fines and the legal ignition window.