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What changed and from when

The Dutch government's page on the measures says, in Dutch: "Sinds 1 augustus 2026 is er een landelijk vuurwerkverbod voor consumenten." In English: since 1 August 2026 there is a national fireworks ban for consumers.

The same page adds: "Sinds 1 augustus 2026 is het afsteken, kopen en bezitten van vuurwerk voor consumenten verboden, behalve vuurwerk van categorie F1, zoals sterretjes en knalerwten." So setting off, buying and owning consumer fireworks is banned, except category F1 (for example sparklers and pop-pops).

What is still allowed

• Small F1 fireworks. The government says anyone may set off category F1 all year: pop-pops, party poppers, sparklers and small table fountains. The category is printed on the packaging.
• Not allowed for consumers: rockets, cakes, compound boxes and bangers (categories F2, F3 and F4). Consumers may not buy, own or set off them.
• Professional shows. The page says: "Ook professionele partijen mogen vuurwerkshows verzorgen. Zij hebben een vergunning nodig." Professional companies with a permit may run shows.
• Foundations and associations with an exemption. Only foundations or associations with a municipal exemption (ontheffing) may set off fireworks at New Year, and they must have a local connection. That is an organiser's permission, not something an individual can claim.
• Carbide shooting (carbidschieten) is decided by each municipality. The government says to ask your gemeente.

What to expect on 31 December 2026

The government says: "Ook organiseren veel gemeenten, verenigingen en stichtingen activiteiten rond de jaarwisseling. Houd daarvoor de website van uw gemeente in de gaten." Many municipalities, associations and foundations organise New Year activities, so watch your gemeente's website.

We do not list specific shows. Search your gemeente's website for "jaarwisseling" or "oud en nieuw" to see what is planned in your town, and check it again in December, because plans can change.

Plan for a quieter night than before, but do not expect total silence. The ban is new, enforcement is by police and municipal enforcement officers (boa's), and the government itself talks about illegal fireworks trade, so some bangs may still happen.

What the officials say about rules and penalties

• Police and boa's enforce the rules. Extra checks are planned in the border areas with Germany and Belgium.
• Bringing fireworks from abroad: "Consumenten mogen vanuit het buitenland alleen F1-vuurwerk naar Nederland brengen. Ander vuurwerk mag niet. Dat is strafbaar." Consumers may only bring F1 into the Netherlands; other fireworks are a criminal offence. Do not bring fireworks in your luggage from your home country.
• Minors who break the rules get "zoveel mogelijk interventies zonder vervolging", for example referral to Halt, but violence against emergency workers is punished more heavily.
• The government pages we read do not state fine amounts, so we do not give any.

Pets and sleep

Sudden bangs can disturb sleep and frighten pets. Keep pets indoors, close curtains and keep the radio or TV on at a steady volume. For people, steady masking noise can help; see the page on sleeping through fireworks for sounds and tips for people and pets.

Emergencies

Call 112 for fire, injury or danger. See our [emergency numbers page](/emergency-numbers/) for the full list.

FAQ

• Is there a national ban on consumer fireworks in the Netherlands? Yes. The Dutch government says it has applied since 1 August 2026.
• Can I still use sparklers on New Year's Eve? Yes. Small category F1 fireworks, such as sparklers, remain allowed.
• Will there be any fireworks on 31 December 2026? Possibly organised ones: professionals with a permit and associations or foundations with a municipal exemption may still set off fireworks. Check your gemeente's website.
• Can I bring fireworks from another country? No, except F1. The government says other fireworks cannot be brought in and doing so is punishable.

Sources

• Rijksoverheid, measures for fewer injuries and less damage from fireworks (ban since 1 Aug 2026, F1, professional shows, municipal activities, enforcement, minors): https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/themas/recht-veiligheid-en-defensie/vuurwerk/maatregelen-voor-minder-gewonden-en-schade-door-vuurwerk
• Rijksoverheid, fireworks rules (permitted F1 examples, F2 to F4 professionals only, exemption for associations, carbide shooting): https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/themas/recht-veiligheid-en-defensie/vuurwerk/regels-vuurwerk
• Rijksoverheid, which fireworks may I set off (consumers: F1 only): https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/themas/recht-veiligheid-en-defensie/vuurwerk/vraag-en-antwoord/vuurwerk/welk-vuurwerk-afsteken
• Rijksoverheid, fireworks topic page: https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/themas/recht-veiligheid-en-defensie/vuurwerk

Last checked: 2026-10-25.