Fireworks in Germany (2026)

Last reviewed: 9 October 2026

In short: Category F2 fireworks may be sold to consumers only from 29 to 31 December and let off only on 31 December and 1 January, by people aged 18 or over. Use is banned near churches, hospitals, children's and care homes and fire-sensitive buildings.

RuleWhat applies
Consumers may buy and use category F2 fireworksConsumer fireworks (category F2)Yes [1]
Minimum age to buyConsumer fireworks (category F2)18 years [2]
Minimum age to possess or let offConsumer fireworks (category F2)18 years [1]
When they may be sold to the publicConsumer fireworks (category F2)29 to 31 December (from 28 December if one of those days is a Sunday). [3]
When they may be let offConsumer fireworks (category F2)31 December and 1 January for anyone aged 18 or over. [1]
Where they may not be let offConsumer fireworks (category F2)Not allowed in the immediate vicinity of churches, hospitals, children's homes and care homes, and particularly fire-sensitive buildings or facilities. [1]

Notes

  • For category F2. Outside 31 December and 1 January only holders of a permit or certificate (or with an exemption) may let them off, with advance notice to the authority.
  • Category F1 articles are exempt from the under-18 handover rule. The F1 age was not checked.
  • Holders of certain permits or certificates are exempt from the window. State shop-opening rules still apply.
  • From 2 January to 30 December only holders of a permit or certificate (or with an exemption) may use category F2, with two weeks' notice to the authority.

Sources

  1. Bundesministerium der Justiz: Erste Verordnung zum Sprengstoffgesetz (1. SprengV), § 23 (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Bundesministerium der Justiz: Gesetz über explosionsgefährliche Stoffe (Sprengstoffgesetz - SprengG), § 22 Vertrieb und Überlassen (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  3. Bundesministerium der Justiz: Erste Verordnung zum Sprengstoffgesetz (1. SprengV), § 22 (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.