Firework sales surge amid bans, police seize 4,000 kilos at German border

Firework stores across the Netherlands reported an exceptionally busy first day of sales, according to the Dutch Pyrotechnics Association (Belangenvereniging Pyrotechniek Nederland). Chair Leo Groeneveld described the turnout as "unimaginably busy," even in municipalities with firework bans.

Groeneveld, who operates a firework store in Lichtenvoorde, attributed the surge in part to what he called “protest purchases.” “People want to show they won't let this be taken away from them. They don't want to be patronized,” he said.

The association strongly opposes a total ban on firework sales, which has been proposed by some politicians, as well as medical professionals and police. “It feels unjust. It's as though you're being punished for the bad behavior of others, like vandalism and attacks on police and emergency responders,” Groeneveld stated.

He argued that such a ban would not target those responsible for such behavior. “The police are only being attacked with illegal fireworks, not with decorative fireworks,” he said.

Firework stores are generally allowed to sell fireworks only during the final three days of the year. This year, however, sales began one day earlier because December 29 falls on a Sunday, a day when only light fireworks such as sparklers and snaps can be sold in stores. Online orders, however, remain unaffected.

Groeneveld noted that online firework sales are already 17 percent higher than last year, exceeding expectations. While no figures are available for in-store sales from the first day, Groeneveld expressed hope for a total revenue of approximately 110 million euros—about 10 percent higher than the previous year.

In the meantime, on the first day of firework sales, police in Groningen and Drenthe seized approximately 4,000 kilograms of fireworks during border checks with Germany. The mobile inspections, conducted Saturday, focused on preventing the import of illegal fireworks into the Netherlands.

The sale of fireworks began in both countries on Saturday.

The confiscated fireworks included illegal explosive items, which are permitted for sale in Germany but banned in the Netherlands. Additionally, legal fireworks exceeding the 25-kilogram limit per vehicle were also intercepted.