Fireworks by country
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
Minimum ages, sale and use periods and banned places for fireworks that members of the public can buy. Pick a country for the full list of rules, each with its official source.
| Country | Consumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks | Minimum age to buy | When they may be sold to the public | When they may be let off | Where they may not be let off |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | Yes | 18 | 29 to 31 Dec only | 31 Dec and 1 Jan only | Near churches, hospitals, care homes |
| Netherlands | No (ban since 1 Aug 2026) | F1: 12 | No consumer sale of F2 | Banned; only F1 allowed | Whole country |
| United Kingdom | Yes | Consumer fireworks (category F2): 18 Consumer fireworks (category F2): F1: 16 | Set windows; else licensed shops | Consumer fireworks (category F2), England & Wales: Not 11pm to 7am (some nights later) | Streets and public places |
| France | ⚠ Not yet verified | Consumer fireworks (category F2): 18 Consumer fireworks (category F2): F1: 12 | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Spain | Yes | Consumer fireworks (category F2): 16 Consumer fireworks (category F2): F1: 12 | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Italy | Yes | Consumer fireworks (category F2): F1: 14 Consumer fireworks (category F2): ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| United States | — | — | — | — | — |
| Canada | Yes (type F.1), 18+ | 18 | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Ireland | No (F1 only) | F1: 12 | F1 only, from age 12 | F1 only | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Australia | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Portugal | Yes | Consumer fireworks (category F2): 16 Consumer fireworks (category F2): F1: 14 | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | Rockets banned and licence needed at high fire danger |
| Sweden | ⚠ Not yet verified | 18 (outdoor fireworks) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Austria | Yes | Consumer fireworks (category F2): F2: 16 Consumer fireworks (category F2): F1: 12 | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | No F2 in built-up areas |
| Denmark | Yes (31 Dec and 1 Jan only) | Consumer fireworks (category F2): 18 Consumer fireworks (category F2): F1: 15 | 15 to 31 December | ⚠ Not yet verified | Local bans possible; 100 m from livestock |
| Czechia | F2 may be sold to anyone aged 18 or over | Consumer fireworks (category F2): 18 Consumer fireworks (category F2): 15 | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | Banned within 250 m of care homes, zoos, animal sites |
| Hungary | Yes, from 16 without a licence | Consumer fireworks (category F2): 16 (class 2, not bangers) Consumer fireworks (category F2): F1: 14 (not bangers) | ⚠ Not yet verified | In public areas: 28 Dec 18:00 to 1 Jan 06:00 | Not in public buildings, protected areas, events, transport |
| Finland | Yes, from approved sales points | 18 | No shop sales 1-26 Dec (F2/F3) | 31 Dec 18:00 to 1 Jan 02:00, no notice | Set locally by rescue authority |
| Norway | ⚠ Not yet verified | Consumer fireworks (category F2): 18 Consumer fireworks (category F2): 12 (category 1) | 27 to 31 December | New Year's Eve only | Not in dense areas or near dry forest |
| New Zealand | Yes, sold 2-5 November only | 18 | 2 to 5 November only | ⚠ Not yet verified | Local council rules in some places |
| Croatia | Yes, except bangers and strings | Consumer fireworks (category F2): 18 Consumer fireworks (category F2): F1: 14 | 15 Dec-1 Jan | 27 Dec-1 Jan | Not in enclosed spaces or crowds |
Before you rely on it
This comparison covers national rules, and for the United States and Canada also state or provincial rules where the topic is set regionally. Other regional or local rules can apply on top of them, and rules change. A rule marked “to verify” has not yet been confirmed against an official source. Each country page links to the official sources, and those are the place to confirm the details before you act.
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.