Fireworks in Newfoundland and Labrador (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: In Newfoundland and Labrador only federally authorised fireworks may be sold or used. Family (low-hazard consumer) fireworks may be discharged by people over 18, retailers need a fire commissioner's permit, and aerial fireworks need a permit. During the forest fire season fireworks may not be discharged when the fire weather index is high, very high or extreme without approval, and never inside a building.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Consumers may buy and use category F2 fireworksConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Yes [1] |
| Minimum age to buyConsumer fireworks (category F2) | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Minimum age to possess or let offConsumer fireworks (category F2) | 18 years [1] |
| When they may be sold to the publicConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Retail sale of family fireworks needs a permit from the fire commissioner. The provincial regulations set no sale season. [1] |
| When they may be let offConsumer fireworks (category F2) | During the forest fire season, fireworks may not be discharged outdoors when the fire weather index is high, very high or extreme, unless the minister or a designated person approves. [2] |
| Where they may not be let offConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Fireworks may not be discharged inside a building. [1] |
| Fireworks consumers may useConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Only fireworks authorised under the federal Explosives Act may be stored, sold or used. Family fireworks (low-hazard consumer fireworks) may be discharged by a person over 18; aerial (high-hazard) fireworks need a fire commissioner permit and an operator authorised federally. [1] |
Notes
- Fire Protection Services Regulations ss. 15-17. 'Family fireworks' are the low hazard consumer fireworks (federal type F.1). Only fireworks authorised under the federal Explosives Act may be stored, sold or used (s. 15). Aerial (display) fireworks need a fire commissioner's permit (s. 18).
- No provincial or territorial rule on consumer fireworks could be verified. The federal rules apply (aged 18 or over; see the Canada page) and municipal by-laws may set sale periods, use periods and banned places.
- Section 17(a) reads 'is over 18 years of age'. The federal rule (at least 18, supervised use by under-18s) also applies; see the Canada page.
- Section 16: a person may not offer family fireworks for retail sale without a permit from the fire commissioner. The regulations set no sale season. Municipal by-laws may add rules.
- Forest Fire Regulations s. 5(2) and Fire Protection Services Regulations s. 18.1. The regulations apply during the forest fire season, a period declared by ministerial order (s. 1.1). The provincial advisory of 30 June 2026 describes the levels as yellow (high), orange (very high) and red (extreme). Also applies to sky lanterns.
- Fire Protection Services Regulations s. 19(1). The fire commissioner may permit pyrotechnics (theatrical effects) inside a building for special occasions (s. 19(2)). Municipal by-laws may set further places.
Sources
- House of Assembly of Newfoundland and Labrador (Queen's/King's Printer): NLR 45/12 - Fire Protection Services Regulations under the Fire Protection Services Act (consolidation with amendment 23/26) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- House of Assembly of Newfoundland and Labrador (King's Printer): CNLR 11/96 - Forest Fire Regulations under the Forestry Act (consolidation with amendment 25/26) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
National rules that also apply
These rules are set at national level in Canada and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for Canada
| Consumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks | Yes (source: Department of Justice Canada) |
|---|---|
| Minimum age to buy | 18 years (source: Department of Justice Canada) |
| Minimum age to possess or let off | 18 years (source: Department of Justice Canada) |
More rules in Newfoundland and Labrador
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal within limits (19+) · Growing at home: Yes, up to 4 plants, in the dwelling
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 100 km/h
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceEarliest age to drive a car supervised: 16, with an experienced supervisor
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $16.35 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 19 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 19
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 19 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 19
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.