Dutch consumer fireworks ban cleared to take effect this New Year's Eve

Consumer fireworks will be banned across the Netherlands from this coming New Year's Eve after the State Secretary for Environment Annet Bertram formally signed off on the legislation. The nationwide ban was approved by the Tweede Kamer, the lower house of Dutch parliament in 2025 following a proposal put forward by PRO and the Partij voor de Dieren.

The state secretary first had to put several measures in place before the ban could come into force, including a compensation scheme for fireworks retailers and provisions allowing public fireworks displays to be organized.

Following advice from the Council of State, several amendments were made to the rules governing organized fireworks displays. The safety distance requirements will now match those for professional fireworks operators, while fireworks associations must demonstrate a local connection to the location where displays are held. Municipalities will decide whether to grant exemptions allowing fireworks clubs to organize such events.

The Tweede Kamer also required an enforcement strategy before the ban could take effect. As part of the plan, people who still have fireworks at home will be able to hand them in during designated collection days.

The decision formally introducing the ban was published on Wednesday, July 1, meaning it will enter into force on August 1. Although several parties in the Tweede Kamer pushed to delay the ban by an additional year, their proposal did not win majority support.