A ban on fireworks in the Netherlands? It’s possible, and soon. The country is close to introducing one of the toughest restrictions in the whole of Europe on pyrotechnics. The upper house of parliament has passed a law that will block the sale and private use of most of these materials. The change involves a number of regulations, so the new legislation is expected to come into force in late 2026 and early 2027. This means that the people of tulip country will be able to use firecrackers for the last time this New Year’s Eve. So far, only the law in Ireland has gone this far.
Fireworks ban in the Netherlands – why?
The issue of pyrotechnics has been a contentious topic in the Netherlands for many years. Rescue organisations, doctors and local authorities pointed to the many accidents, noise and damage caused to people and animals. However, a section of the public considered fireworks to be a permanent part of the celebrations. The final decision was hastened by the increasing number of incidents of aggression that occurred on New Year’s Eve. Property is also suffering. Last year alone, the financial damage caused by firecrackers was estimated at several million euros.
Rising violence on New Year’s Eve
The Dutch services emphasise that in recent years they have intervened in arson, vandalism and attacks targeting police officers, firefighters and paramedics. In January 2024, around 200 people were arrested. A year later, more than 1,000 people in the country were injured, including a large proportion of children, and two people even died. The services point out that some members of the public use pyrotechnics as a tool of aggression, threatening the safety of entire communities.
Accidents on New Year’s Eve
According to official figures, more fireworks are set off on a single New Year’s Eve than during the rest of the year. Hundreds of burns and injuries and numerous fires are reported during this time. The services emphasise that the misuse of pyrotechnics is one of the main causes of these incidents, and that fireworks require special care because of their explosive-like design.
Fireworks ban in the Netherlands – from when?
The new legislation will not cover New Year’s Eve 2025/2026, as the implementation of the regulation requires time and preparation. The ban will not apply to shows prepared by municipalities, which will still be allowed to use pyrotechnics. Organisers of private events will be allowed to do so after obtaining special permits. Only products with the lowest level of potency, such as cold fires, will remain on sale.
Legal consequences for breaking the ban
The Netherlands provides for heavy penalties for breaking the new rules. Possession of illegal materials is punishable by a fine of €100 and above, confiscation of the goods and a possible entry in the register, which may affect procedures for obtaining non-criminal records. Violations involving higher category pyrotechnics can result in fines of several hundred euros and, in more serious situations, imprisonment. Juveniles may be sent to community service instead of receiving an entry in the register.
The Netherlands vs. fireworks
The discussion about the ban has been ongoing in the Netherlands for years. Countless circles have called for change many times, but a parliamentary majority was lacking. It was only recently that one of the key governing parties withdrew its opposition, allowing the bill to push through. Despite local bans, residents often bought fireworks in neighbouring countries and transported them into the country, making enforcement difficult.
Will Poland follow a similar path?
In Poland, there is also an ongoing discussion regarding the abandonment of pyrotechnics during New Year celebrations. More and more cities are replacing traditional explosions with lasers, drones or other forms of light displays. Krakow has recently decided to take this step. Research clearly shows that a large proportion of the population is consciously giving up setting off firecrackers. Unfortunately, there is still a group of people who use them every year, downplaying all the dangers and negative effects of this ‘fun’.
The ban on fireworks in the Netherlands is a positive development
Experts remind us that the noise caused by pyrotechnics can reach levels much higher than those of an aeroplane taking off. This is difficult for humans to bear, not to mention the sensitive hearing of animals. Loud noises, intense light and smells lead to stress, disorientation and health problems in them. In extreme situations, convulsions, escape attempts and heart disorders occur. Pyrotechnics also affect the environment by suddenly increasing air pollution levels and generating waste. Reducing its use reduces the number of fires and human and animal injuries.
Source: hurtownia-fajerwerki.pl, rp.pl, polskiobserwator.nl
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