Fireworks ban in Germany: Can you just buy firecrackers in Poland?

Created: 12/14/2021, 10:14 AM

From: Regina Wolf

The federal government has also imposed a ban on the sale of pyrotechnics in Germany this year.

Is it legal to simply get the firecrackers in Poland or Denmark?

Germany - The turn of the year 2021/2022 will probably be comparatively quiet again.

On December 2, the federal government decided - as it did last year - a nationwide ban on people gathering and gathering on New Year's Eve.

A sales ban on pyrotechnics was also re-imposed.

But what about New Year's rockets from abroad?

RUHR24 * knows whether you can simply buy firecrackers in Poland for New Year's Eve 2021.

Bans on New Year's Eve 2021: Firing firecrackers is generally allowed

Basically, as in 2020: Buying rockets is prohibited, but firing them is permitted.

The federal government has only issued a ban on fireworks for public places.

As NRW Prime Minister Hendrik Wüst (CDU) made clear in a press conference, the rules laid down are "minimum standards".

The individual federal states such as North Rhine-Westphalia can therefore again set their own rules as to where bangs are allowed and where not *.

In 2020, the Hamburg Senate even had a ban on burning fireworks on New Year's Eve

issued *, as

reported by

.

So it is quite possible that individual countries will tighten the rules.

As of now, however, applies nationwide: Banging is allowed.

Anyone who still has fireworks in the basement can ignite them.

However, very few will be well equipped.

After all, firecrackers were often used at the turn of the last year.

Sales ban in Germany: Buying firecrackers in Poland is permitted

For many New Year's Eve fans, the question arises whether it is legal to simply buy pyrotechnics in Poland (or other countries).

The answer to that is yes it is.

However, there are a few things to consider.

As the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) explains, it is “basically permissible” to buy pyrotechnics in countries such as Poland, the Czech Republic or Denmark - as long as the goods are tested.

Consumers recognize such legal fireworks by a four-digit registration number (e.g. 0589 for BAM) and a CE mark.

However, caution is advised even with "Poland firecrackers" marked in this way, because experts warn that the CE mark is often falsified.

Fireworks over Berlin: In Germany there is a 2021 sales ban on New Year's rockets.

Can you buy them abroad?

(Symbolic picture) © Odd Andersen / AFP

Buy firecrackers in Poland or Denmark - that is important to note

There are also additional requirements for pyrotechnics imported into Germany from abroad:

• Fireworks of category F2 (such as rockets, batteries and fireworks) may only be imported into Germany and used by people over the age of 18.

• Anyone who is now on their way to Poland must also note the following: Since pyrotechnics are dangerous goods, according to BAM, private individuals are only allowed to transport up to 50 kg gross (total weight including packaging).

• Strict rules also apply to storage: In unoccupied rooms, e.g. basements or guest rooms, fireworks of categories F1 and F2 may be stored up to a quantity of 10 kg net explosive mass (NEM).

• Firecrackers with up to 15 kg of NEM may be stored in external rooms, such as the garage.

• Only goods with up to 1 kg of NEM may be stored in inhabited rooms, such as the living room

Poland firecrackers: The use of illegal goods entails hefty penalties

Pyrotechnics that are sold in online shops are also subject to the regulations.

Consumers cannot avoid bans with online shopping.

Anyone who does not follow the rules and introduces illegal firecrackers is liable to prosecution.

In some federal states such as Lower Saxony, Rhineland-Palatinate or Saxony, the use or manufacture of illegal Polish

a prison sentence of up to three years or a fine of up to € 50,000,

according to

.

New Year's Eve 2021: BAM advises against Polish firecrackers and old pyrotechnics

It goes without saying that the federal government does not mean that pyro fans simply buy the goods abroad.

The BAM also generally advises not to buy fireworks for use in Germany in other European countries.

Incidentally, the BAM also warns of old pyrotechnics that have been stored for a long time.

Because among them are often late bloomers, which suddenly react to repeated attempts to ignite them - and could thus become a danger.

If you want to be on the safe side, you can - as in 2020 - fall back on category F1 fireworks, such as table fireworks or snap peas, which are not subject to the sales ban *.

Firecrackers buy abroad: German consumers use the loophole

Nevertheless, many friends of loud bangers seem to use the foreign loophole.

As the

reports, the Danish shops are expecting a rush from Schleswig-Holstein.

A Danish DIY chain would even actively address German customers on social media.

In Poland there is a particular shop in the border town of Slubice that is benefiting from the sales ban in Germany, reports

currently

.

Other European countries are also popular with German buyers.

According to an

report, for example, many Germans cover themselves up in France, Luxembourg or Belgium.

In the Netherlands, on the other hand, there is a firework ban * for the second year in a row.

It is therefore questionable whether individual federal states will tighten their rules until New Year's Eve - there is not much time left for that.

*