Visco fuse in the Netherlands: sales, possession and bans
A thin green fuse has sparked years of debate among fireworks enthusiasts. Can you buy visco fuse separately? Is using it the problem, or possessing it too? And why do some webshops still offer it? Searching for answers quickly turns up conflicting claims. Here is what matters in the Netherlands.
Selling or possessing loose visco fuse for prohibited fireworks activities can be a criminal offence. Its intended purpose and the circumstances matter. This article concerns Dutch law; the same conclusions do not automatically apply in other countries.
What do we mean by loose visco fuse?
Visco is an ignition fuse used in fireworks. Fuse sold separately is different from the factory-installed fuse in a complete article. An original fuse alone does not determine whether that firework is legal. Loose visco fuse should also not be confused with a smouldering lighting aid sold for igniting fireworks.
Why can selling it be an offence?
In 2017, an Amsterdam court found that a seller committed prohibited preparatory acts. He supplied visco fuse while knowingly accepting the substantial risk that customers would modify fireworks and then ignite them unlawfully. This was a ruling on specific sales circumstances, not a standalone law banning every application of every type of fuse. [2]
Article 1.2.2(5) of the Vuurwerkbesluit prohibits certain acts preparing or facilitating prohibited fireworks activities. These include possessing objects while knowing, or having serious reason to suspect, that they are intended for those activities. Article 1.2.3 regulates manufacture and modification through permit requirements and a professional exception. [1]
Can you keep it at home?
Saying “I am not selling it” does not remove the legal risk. In a 2024 judgment, seized visco fuse was classified as professional fireworks and possession formed part of the proven offences. Other prohibited items were also involved, so the sentence is not a standard penalty for a roll of fuse. [3]
Classification, purpose and facts matter. As a private individual, do not buy or keep loose fuse for prohibited fireworks activities. An advertisement, receipt or seller’s assurance does not establish that your possession or intended use is permitted.
Why do older websites disagree?
Courts reached different conclusions about the statutory basis for the preparatory-acts prohibition. The explanatory memorandum for bill 35664 discusses an Amsterdam decision from 2019 that found that basis insufficient. In 2021, article 9.2.2.1 of the Environmental Management Act was expressly expanded to include preparing or facilitating activities. Old forum posts therefore do not tell the whole current story. [4] [5]
Does CE marking or a P1 label make it legal?
A P1 designation is not general permission to modify fireworks. Equally, the claim that article 4 bans all P1 articles from public sale is incorrect: its first paragraph specifically concerns vehicle articles, including airbags and seat-belt pretensioners. That wording was corrected in 2017. [6]
The regulations also include a minimum age for P1, restrictions on P2 and a prohibition on use contrary to an article’s manufactured purpose. A label does not replace an assessment of the applicable rules. An overseas webshop listing likewise does not prove that possession or use is permitted in the Netherlands. [7]
Ordering, posting or returning fuse
Do not treat loose pyrotechnic fuse as an ordinary postal parcel. PostNL excludes fireworks and flammable or explosive substances from its domestic postal service. Sending it back yourself is therefore not an automatic solution. Postal conditions and the legality of selling or possessing an item are separate questions. [8]
What does this mean for fireworks enthusiasts?
An online listing does not make visco fuse unrestricted hobby equipment. The cases discussed show that both supplying and possessing it can have consequences. Saying “it is only a fuse” overlooks its role in modifying fireworks.
Look beyond the label or an old forum post. Loose visco fuse, a factory-installed fuse and a lighting aid are different things. That distinction is what makes the rules easier to understand.
You do not need to assemble anything yourself to enjoy an evening of fireworks. Discover upcoming displays in our fireworks calendar.
Sources checked on 27 September 2026. This article explains Dutch law in general terms; the assessment of an individual case may differ.
Sources
- Vuurwerkbesluit, artikelen 1.2.2 en 1.2.3
- Rechtbank Amsterdam, 6 april 2017, ECLI:NL:RBAMS:2017:2413
- Rechtbank Amsterdam, 26 september 2024, ECLI:NL:RBAMS:2024:5991
- Memorie van toelichting, Kamerstuk 35664 nr. 3
- Verzamelwet IenW 2020, Staatsblad 2021, 286
- Correctie P1-bepaling, Staatscourant 2017, 64908
- Regeling overige pyrotechnische artikelen, artikelen 4 en 5
- PostNL — Verboden goederen en stoffen binnenland