Small Fireworks; Applying for a Permit to Set Off Fireworks

Pyrotechnic articles in categories F1 through F4 are intended for recreational purposes and are generally referred to as “fireworks.” Category F2 includes small fireworks, commonly known as “New Year’s Eve fireworks” (e.g., firecrackers, frogs, small bangers, rockets, and volcanoes, as well as battery-powered fireworks).

Individuals who do notholdan explosives permit or a certificate of competence and who, as private citizens, wish to set off Category F2 fireworks for a special occasion outside the New Year’s Eve period (i.e., during the period from January 2 to December 30), must obtain a permit from the relevant municipality. 

Only during the period from December 31 to January 1 is no permit required to set off Category F2 fireworks.

There is no legal entitlement to the granting of an exemption.

Contact:

+(49) 09131 / 86 - 1706

+(49) 09131 / 86 - 2495

• Minimum age: 18 years
• Consent of the property owner
• A valid reason for setting off fireworks
  Valid reasons may include, for example:
  • a golden wedding anniversary or
  • a milestone birthday, or
  • any other anniversary

You must apply for the exemption in writing.

Depending on your municipality, a form may be available for download.

If your municipality does not provide a form, you may submit an informal application. This application should include at least the following information:

• Name and address of the persons responsible for setting off the fireworks,
• Description of the special occasion,
• the location and date of the fireworks display,
• a description and the number of fireworks, as well as
• the start and end times of the fireworks display.

The special permit may be subject to certain conditions. Conditions may include, for example:

• the presence of the fire department during the fireworks display, or
• proof of liability insurance, or
• which fireworks are permitted or prohibited

Even with a special permit, you may not set off fireworks in categories F3 or F4, stage fireworks in category T2, or other pyrotechnic articles in category P2. The same applies to Category F2 fireworks, such as firecrackers containing a flash-bang charge or rockets with more than 20 g of net explosive mass.
To set off these pyrotechnic articles, you need a permit or a certificate of competence.

If you hold a permit under explosives regulations or a certificate of competence, municipal approval is not required. You must simply notify the responsible trade supervisory office of the fireworks display. 
For more information, see “Related Topics” – “Fireworks; Notification of the Discharge of Pyrotechnic Articles.”

Fireworks may not be set off until a permit has been issued. The permit application should therefore be submitted as early as possible (at least four weeks in advance).

• You can find out from your local municipality whether any documents are required and, if so, which ones.
• The following are generally required:
  
  • Identification card as proof of age and place of residence
  • Documents regarding the purpose of the fireworks display
  • Site plan of the location where the fireworks will be set off
  • Written consent from the property owner if the fireworks are not to be set off on your own property
  • Number and description of the fireworks