Small fireworks; application for a permit to set them off

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).

Persons who are not in possession of an explosives permit or a certificate of competence and wish to set off category F2 fireworks as a private individual for a special occasion outside the New Year's Eve period (i.e. in the period from January 2 to December 30) require a permit from the responsible municipality.

Only in the period from December 31 to January 1 does the setting off of category F2 fireworks not require a permit.

There is no entitlement to the granting of an exemption.

• Minimum age: 18 years
• Consent of the landowner or the owner of the land
• a justified reason for setting off fireworks
  Justified reasons can be, for example
  • a golden wedding anniversary or
  • a milestone birthday or
  • another anniversary

Fireworks may only be set off once a permit has been issued. The permit application should therefore be submitted as early as possible (at least four weeks in advance).

• 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

• § Section 24 (1) of the First Ordinance to the Explosives Act (1. SprengV)
• § Section 20 Law on Explosive Substances (Explosives Act - SprengG)

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,
• Description and number of fireworks and
• Start and end of the fireworks.

The exemption permit may be subject to conditions. Conditions can be, for example

• Presence of the fire department during the setting off of the fireworks or
• Proof of liability insurance or
• which fireworks are permitted or prohibited

With an exemption permit, you may not set off fireworks of category F3, F4, stage fireworks of category T2 or other pyrotechnic articles of category P2. The same applies to category F2 fireworks, such as firecrackers with a flash-bang set or rockets with more than 20 g net explosive mass.
You require a permit or a certificate of competence to set off these pyrotechnic articles.

If you have an explosives permit or a certificate of competence, a permit from the municipality is not required. You only need to report the fireworks to the relevant trade supervisory office.
Further information can be found under "Related topics" - "Fireworks; notification of the burning of pyrotechnic objects".