Overview
- Legally permitted retail sales began on December 29 and consumer demand appears strong, with retailers reporting brisk business and queues at discounters.
- Berlin police report roughly 147,000 illegal or professional‑grade pyrotechnics seized ahead of New Year’s Eve, with additional border confiscations of F3 items by the Bundespolizei.
- Authorities expand enforcement tools and limits, including enlarged pyrotechnic‑prohibition areas in Berlin, a buffer zone between major events, citywide bodycams for police and firefighters, and targeted video monitoring in cities such as Bremen.
- Hospitals and medical groups warn of severe injuries from misuse and urge caution, while fines and criminal penalties are emphasized for violations and for illegal or homemade explosives.
- A broad coalition of organizations renews calls for a nationwide ban and polls show sizable support, yet federal leaders are only reviewing rules and have not enacted a ban.