A nationwide ban on consumer fireworks will take effect this coming New Year’s Eve. State Secretary Annet Bertram (Environment) has formally adopted the decision, confirming the law. The House of Representatives had already approved the ban in 2025, following an initiative by PRO and the Party for the Animals.
Before the ban could be finalised, the state secretary needed to address several issues. These included compensation for fireworks retailers and rules for organised group displays.
Following advice from the Council of State, some changes were made. Distance rules for organised displays will now match those applied to professional shows. Fireworks associations must also have a local link to the area where the display takes place. Municipalities will decide whether to grant exemptions for such groups.
An enforcement plan was another condition set by the House of Representatives. As part of this plan, authorities will organise collection days for people who still have fireworks at home.
The final decision was published on Wednesday, 1 July, and will formally take effect on 1 August. Several political parties called for a one-year delay, but this proposal did not receive majority support.
@anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
