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Germany Reissues New Year Fireworks Rules and Safety Guidance Ahead of Dec. 29 Sales

Safe, compliant use is urged to reduce injuries, easing pressure on hospitals.

Overview

  • Official retail sales of category F2 consumer fireworks begin on December 29, and purchases are limited to adults aged 18 and over.
  • Legal products must carry the CE mark with the BAM registration number 0589, and importing illegal fireworks can lead to fines or imprisonment of up to three years.
  • Transport is capped at 3 kilograms net explosive mass per vehicle, with storage limited to 1 kilogram NEM in inhabited rooms and up to 15 kilograms in separated, uninhabited rooms.
  • Use without special permits is confined to New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, with many municipalities limiting times (often 18:00–06:00) and banning fireworks near churches, hospitals, care homes, historic buildings and in designated city-centre zones.
  • State officials recommend low-risk items such as sparklers and table fireworks, while BAM advises against using leftover stock and directs disposal to recycling or waste collection centres.