Heavy fireworks without a permit will now be considered weapons by authorities

Police and other authorities will be given more power to combat heavy and dangerous fireworks that are only meant to be used by professionals with a permit. This type of firework, which is designated category F4, has also been linked to explosions in residential areas.

Private individuals who have these types of heavy fireworks without a permit could be considered possession of a weapon. This would give police and other authorities the clearance to conduct preventive searches and hand out higher punishments, which can go up to eight years in prison, said the Minister of Justice and Security, David van Weel.

“What we are now seeing are not firework incidents anymore. The power of these explosives is comparable to hand grenades. These explosives are often being placed at people’s doors, which significantly increases the risk for the residents and nearby people. This is a different type of phenomenon than fireworks, and therefore, it needs a different form of action.”

Van Weel emphasized that the solution is not a nationwide fireworks ban, considering that explosions of this type take place all year round. “It happens every night somewhere in the Netherlands. This problem is wider and needs specific measures geared towards discouraging the demand and supply of illegal explosive materials.”

Some municipalities have resorted to a fireworks ban this year, but this has not had the desired effect as fireworks sales online have increased. Leo Groeneveld, the chairman of Belangenvereniging Pyrotechniek Nederland, which is the association for firework importers and wholesalers, said that people in the Netherlands have increased their spending on fireworks by 15 percent compared to last year.

People in the Netherlands are only allowed to buy fireworks from December 28, but they are allowed to order it online before then. Groeneveld does not know people have done that more than last year. “It could be that people think there will be a shortage and therefore ordered it early.” He added that people are mainly buying decorative fireworks.

Fireworks sales reached a record turnover of 110 million euros in 2022, according to BPN. Turnover was slightly lower the following year. The trade association for fireworks importers and wholesalers estimated that around 105 million euros worth of fireworks were sold in 2023.