Safety information and regulations

Preparation

• Read the instructions for each item
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place and keep children and animals away
• Do not store fireworks in your pockets or near open flames
  

Construction and ignition

• Always outdoors, on stable, level ground
• Maintain safety distances according to packaging (40 to 200 meters depending on the item)
• Rockets only from firmly anchored bottles or tubes, never from the hand or from the balcony
• Light sideways, never bend your body over the firework
• Have a bucket of water, fire blanket or fire extinguisher ready
  

Unexploded bombs

• Wait at least 15 minutes before approaching
• Do not relight
• Render items unusable with water or return them to the point of sale
• The second fuse must never be used by consumers. It is intended for disposal by professionals only.
  

Behavior during burning

• No alcohol or smoking when handling fireworks
• Children only under supervision, in compliance with age restrictions:
• F1 from 12 years
• F2 from 16 years
• F3 from 18 years

Categories

• F1 – Small fireworks: sparklers, table fireworks (from 12 years)
• F2 – Small fireworks: rockets, batteries, volcanoes for private use (from 16 years)
• F3 – Large fireworks display: more powerful effects (18 years and older, increased safety distances)
• F4 – Large fireworks: exclusively for professionals with a purchase license or burning permit, not for private individuals
• T1/T2 – Stage and show effects: technical fireworks, T2 for professionals only
• P1/P2 – Pyrotechnic sets: for technical applications, P2 for professionals only

Import by private individuals

• Private individuals may import F1–F3 up to a maximum of 2.5 kg gross per person per day without a fedpol permit.
• F4, T2 and P2 as well as larger quantities are subject to authorisation

Manufacturing and distribution

• Production by private individuals is prohibited
• Commercial sales, storage and online trading only with authorization from fedpol and cantonal authorities

firecrackers

• Firecrackers exploding on the ground are prohibited
• Small bang chains (ladycrackers) are approved in narrow specifications

• The municipalities or cantons are responsible for permits and restrictions
• Many communities only allow fireworks on August 1st and New Year's Eve
• Some places have year-round bans on loud fireworks (e.g. Davos, Malans)
• In case of increased risk of forest fires or to protect animals and nature reserves, additional bans may be issued
• Always check the current police regulations or the municipal website

• F4, T2, P2 may only be used by authorized professionals
• T1/P1 are freely available, but must be used with the same care and in compliance with the labeling
• Safe ignition:
  - For electric ignition: test circuits beforehand
  - Secure products firmly in suitable holders
  - Maintain distances according to product labeling
• Special effects such as Bengal flares or distress signals may only be used for their intended purpose – not for entertainment fireworks
• A burn-off permit is required for large-scale professional fireworks displays

• Fireworks produce fine dust and heavy metals that can pollute air quality and soil
• Noise causes stress in animals and can trigger flight reactions
• Sensitive people (e.g. children, elderly people, war refugees) can be severely affected by loud fireworks
• Recommendation:
  - Protect pets in the house
  - Collect and dispose of packaging residues and rocket rods after burning
  - Avoid fireworks when there is a risk of forest fires

Unlit or damaged fireworks should never be thrown into normal household waste or into the natural environment. Place such items in a bucket of water for at least 24 hours to render them completely unusable. Afterward, they can be disposed of in a sealed plastic bag with normal trash.

If you don't want to dispose of the fireworks yourself, we'd be happy to do it for you. Bring your fireworks to us during our opening hours, regardless of the type. We'll ensure proper and safe disposal.

• Burns : Cool immediately with cool (not ice-cold) water for 10–15 minutes
• Burning clothing : extinguish with water or roll the victim in a blanket/jacket
• Eye injuries : Seek immediate medical attention, do not self-treat
• Emergency numbers :
  - Medical: 144
  - Fire department: 118
  - Police: 117

• BFU – Accident Prevention Advisory Centre : bfu.ch/feuerwerk
• fedpol – Federal Office of Police : fedpol.admin.ch/pyrotechnik
• BAZG – Federal Customs Administration : bazg.admin.ch – Pyrotechnics
• VKF – Association of Cantonal Fire Insurers : Fire protection regulations
• Police leaflets (e.g. Lucerne): practical tips on distances and unexploded ordnance
• FOEN – Federal Office for the Environment : Environmental aspects of fireworks