Buying fireworks with an exemption in the Netherlands
This article covers the Dutch rules for associations and foundations.
Buying F2 fireworks with an exemption is possible in the Netherlands for associations and foundations with permission from the municipality. Want to organise fireworks with your association for New Year's Eve? Preparation starts with the application, the location and a suitable retailer.
This article explains the Dutch rules, the main conditions and how to find shops supplying F2 to exemption holders. It concerns the Netherlands, even if you are reading it on another country's domain.
View retailers for F2 fireworks with an exemption
Can you still buy F2 fireworks in the Netherlands?
The nationwide consumer fireworks ban has applied since 1 August 2026. F1 fireworks, such as sparklers and throw-down snaps, remain permitted. Associations and foundations can qualify for an exception: a municipal exemption for designated F2 fireworks at New Year. Professional fireworks displays have a separate regulatory framework. Read the Dutch government's explanation of the ban.
Who can apply for a fireworks exemption?
The applicant must be an association or foundation registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce, KVK, with local ties to the municipality. Examples include neighbourhood, sports and fireworks associations. Those ties may be demonstrated by its registered address, previous activities or organisational purpose. A KVK number alone therefore does not authorise buying or setting off F2 fireworks. Read more about the local connection requirement.
First ask the municipality whether it grants exemptions. Check the application deadline, required documents, possible fees and local conditions. Submitting an application does not automatically mean permission will be granted.
What do you need for the application?
The application includes a safety plan with a site drawing and a list of fireworks. The location must be suitable and accessible to emergency services. You must also appoint one or two supervisors and no more than eight people to set off the fireworks. Municipal policy may limit the number of exemptions. The statutory application conditions are set out in the Besluit veilige jaarwisseling.
Also discuss any additional permissions required for your event with the municipality. Ask your insurer whether damage arising from it is covered; the municipality may impose insurance as an additional condition. View the national instruction leaflet.
Which F2 fireworks does the exemption cover?
The scheme covers only designated F2 display fireworks, such as permitted cakes, compounds and fountains. The maximum is 200 kilograms of packaged fireworks. Follow the assortment and quantity in your exemption; an F2 label alone is not enough. Read which association activities and fireworks types are covered.
When can you collect and set off the fireworks?
- Handover or collection: 31 December between 12:00 and 18:00.
- Setting off: between 18:00 on 31 December and 02:00 on 1 January, within the exemption's conditions.
- Returning unfired fireworks: no later than 18:00 on 1 January.
The seller checks the exemption and keeps a copy. Unfired fireworks are taken back free of charge on 1 January, with a return receipt or a note on the original invoice. This does not automatically mean a refund of the purchase price. Discuss return arrangements in advance. View the handover and return rules.
Where can you buy F2 fireworks with an exemption?
Use our directory of shops supplying F2 to exemption holders to find a retailer. Contact the shop beforehand to discuss your exemption, desired products, quantity, collection time and return options. Ask who will arrange transport too.
The 'Supplies F2 to exemption holders' filter describes a service offered by a shop. The KVK badge concerns the shop's registration. Neither replaces the exemption your association or foundation needs.
When selling F2, the retailer must provide safety equipment and explain safe use. Read the information for fireworks retailers.
Ordering online, delivery and buying abroad
According to the Dutch government, associations and foundations with an exemption may also buy online or abroad, subject to the applicable conditions. This does not make every foreign product permissible. Confirm the suitability of the assortment and arrangements for leftover fireworks in advance: foreign sellers are not always obliged to take them back.
Sending fireworks as an ordinary postal parcel is prohibited. For permitted delivery by the selling party, the recipient must show the exemption. View the purchase and delivery conditions for exemption holders.
Arrange transport and temporary storage in advance
Collecting the products yourself requires more than a suitable car. ADR transport rules apply, including requirements for documentation, packaging, extinguishers and training for those involved in transport. If you cannot meet them, discuss professional transport with the shop. Fireworks must remain supervised at the firing site; keep the exemption and invoice there too. Read the instructions for transport and temporary placement.
A transport document includes the correct dangerous goods details, quantities, packages, sender and recipient. Coordinate this with the seller or carrier. The ILT explains the required information.
Who may set off the fireworks, and what happens in bad weather?
The designated supervisors and people setting off the fireworks must be at least 18, know the safety instructions and be sober. An exemption therefore does not allow every association member to set off fireworks. View the requirements for supervisors and those setting off fireworks.
The safety distance depends on the fireworks: 15, 40 or 60 metres. For aerial fireworks fired at an angle towards spectators, the relevant distance is multiplied by 1.5. Follow the approved plan. Consult the full safety requirements.
Stop if conditions become unsafe. The mayor can withdraw the exemption, for example in dangerous weather. Agree beforehand with the municipality and supplier what this means for delivery and returns. Read the explanation of withdrawal and responsibilities.
Find a retailer for your association
Start with the municipality, develop your plan, then arrange the purchase and logistics with a suitable retailer. Your association will know what to expect in advance.