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Description of the
Pyrotechnic articles in categories F1 to F4 are used for amusement purposes and are generally referred to as "fireworks". Category F2 includes small fireworks, the so-called "New Year's Eve fireworks" (e.g. firecrackers, frogs, small firecrackers, rockets and volcanoes, including battery fireworks).
Individuals who do not hold a licence under the Explosives Act or a certificate of competence, and who wish to set off Category F2 fireworks as private individuals for a special occasion outside the New Year’s Eve period (i.e. between 2 January and 30 December), must obtain permission from the relevant local authority.
Only in the period from 31 December to 1 January does the setting off of category F2 fireworks not require a permit.
There is no entitlement to the granting of an exemption authorisation.
Prerequisites
- Minimum age: 18 years
- Consent of the landowner or the owner of the land
- a valid reason for setting off fireworks
Valid reasons may include, for example:- a golden wedding anniversary or
- a milestone birthday or
- another anniversary
Deadlines
Fireworks may only be set off once a licence has been obtained. The licence application should therefore be submitted as early as possible (at least four weeks in advance).
Required documents
You can find out from your local council whether any documents are required and, if so, which ones.
The following are usually required:
- Identity card as proof of age and place of residence
- Documents on the purpose of the fireworks
- Site plan of the burning site
- Declaration of consent from the property owner if the fireworks are not to be set off on their own property
- Number and description of fireworks
Costs
The fees for authorisations are calculated on a time and material basis. The costs may vary depending on the case.Legal basis
Legal remedy
Administrative court actionProcedure
You must apply for the exemption in writing.
Depending on the municipality, a form is available for you to download.
If your municipality does not offer a form, you can submit the application informally. You should provide at least the following information in this application:
- Name and address of the persons responsible for setting off the fireworks,
- Designation of the special occasion,
- Place and date of the fireworks display,
- Description and number of fireworks and
- Start and end of the fireworks.
The exemption authorisation may be subject to conditions. Conditions can be, for example
- Presence of the fire brigade during the setting off of the fireworks or
- Proof of liability insurance or
- which fireworks are permitted or prohibited
Notes
Even with a special permit, you are not allowed to set off fireworks in categories F3 or F4, stage fireworks in category T2, or other pyrotechnic articles in category P2. The same applies to fireworks in category F2, such as firecrackers containing a flash-bang charge or rockets with a net explosive charge of more than 20 g.
To set off these pyrotechnic articles, you require a permit or a certificate of competence.If you hold a licence under the Explosives Act or a certificate of competence, you do not need permission from the local authority. You simply need to notify the relevant Trade Supervisory Office of the fireworks display.
Further information can be found under "Related topics" – "Fireworks; Notification of the setting off of pyrotechnic articles".Processing time
The duration of the authorisation procedure depends, among other things, on the occasion, scope and location of the planned fireworks display.