Sale of fireworks prohibited on New Year’s Eve in the Netherlands
By Mina Solanki
If you’re looking to celebrate New Year’s Eve with a bang, don’t forget that you may only purchase fireworks during the last three working days of the year, excluding Sunday.
Dutch fireworks law
In the Netherlands, fireworks may only be sold during the last three working days of the calendar year. In 2017, these days are December 28, 29 and 30. As New Year’s Eve falls on a Sunday this year, the sale of fireworks is not permitted. Furthermore, you may only buy and store up to 25 kilograms of fireworks in your house.
There are three age groups who may purchase fireworks. Fireworks which fall under the category of children’s fireworks, and include snappers and sparklers, may be bought by children aged 12 and above. Small fireworks are available for 16 year olds to purchase and those aged 18 and above may buy large fireworks. Age restrictions can be found on the packaging.
If you wish to use fireworks this year, you should also be aware that they may only be set off on December 31 from 6pm until January 1, 2am.
Policy is policy
The Dutch interest group Pyrotechnic Netherlands (BPN) is not pleased; however they urge all retailers to comply with the law and not sell fireworks on New Year’s Eve, even if they are still in stock.
The Dutch government is very rigorous when it comes to checking whether or not retailers comply with the Dutch fireworks law.
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Completed her Master's degree at the University of Groningen and worked as a translator before joining IamExpat. She loves to read and has a particular interest in Greek mythology. In addition to this, she is an avid rower.Read more