Safe fireworks: enjoy New Year's Eve fireworks responsibly!

Safe fireworks: enjoy New Year's Eve fireworks responsibly!

On December 23, 2025, the Ministry of the Environment and Health in Baden-Württemberg is calling for responsible use of New Year's Eve fireworks. Under the motto “Small fireworks – big joy”, citizens are encouraged to cause less noise, waste and injuries at the turn of the year. As um.baden-wuerttemberg.de reports, the sale of New Year's Eve fireworks will be permitted again from December 29th, which will please many fire enthusiasts.

For New Year's Eve, the authorities recommend using "small fireworks" (category 1), such as table fireworks, sparklers or small fountains. These products, which can only be sold with a CE mark, offer a safe and environmentally friendly way to celebrate the New Year. However, the burning of category F2 fireworks is only permitted on December 31st and January 1st.

Regulations and safety instructions

The security precautions are comprehensive. Cities and municipalities have the right to impose time and spatial restrictions or even bans on setting off fireworks, especially near children's and old people's homes, hospitals and churches. In addition, buyers must ensure that their category F2 fireworks are approved by the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) or a comparable authority. This ensures that the products meet the necessary safety standards, as verbraucherzentrale.de emphasizes.

Customs ensures compliance with these strict regulations in the background. As described in a report by swzoll.de, illegal fireworks items are regularly confiscated, with several thousand non-conformity-assessed products seized by customs every year.

• Feuerwerkskörper werden in vier Kategorien eingeteilt:
• F1: Kleinstfeuerwerk, Verkauf ab 12 Jahren.
• F2: Kleinfeuerwerk, Verkauf ab 18 Jahren, nur zu Silvester erlaubt.
• F3: Mittelfeuerwerk, nur mit sprengstoffrechtlicher Erlaubnis.
• F4: Großfeuerwerk, nur für professionelle Pyrotechniker.

When buying New Year's Eve fireworks, it is important to pay attention to the CE marking, which is not only crucial for safety, but also includes a registration number that makes the origin of the products traceable. This label plays a central role in ensuring that products come from trustworthy manufacturers.

Environmental protection and alternatives

The discussion about New Year's Eve fireworks goes beyond safety concerns. Experts also warn of the significant environmental impact caused by the use of fireworks. It is estimated that around 4,000 tonnes of fine dust are released every year on New Year's Eve, which can significantly affect air quality. In addition, fireworks residue leaves behind heavy metals and plastic that can damage soil and water, as swzoll.de highlights.

To meet these challenges, more and more municipalities are turning to environmentally friendly alternatives, such as quiet fireworks or digital light shows. These options offer a tranquil and equally impressive way to celebrate the New Year without causing the hassles associated with traditional fireworks displays. Many consumers are aware of the impact on animals and the environment and are looking for more sustainable ways to celebrate.

The upcoming turn of the year offers an opportunity to pay attention to your own responsibilities. With the right preparation and awareness of safety rules and environmental influences, New Year's Eve becomes a celebration that is both fun and considerate of others.