Carbide shooting at New Year: Dutch tradition, rules and preparation
A winter meadow, familiar faces and a distinctive bang: for many people in the Netherlands, carbide shooting is part of New Year’s Eve. Getting together matters as much as the noise. Thinking of watching or organising an event? Start with the local rules and good preparation.
What is carbide shooting?
Known in Dutch as carbidschieten, this New Year tradition involves igniting gas produced from carbide to create a loud bang. A milk churn and a plastic ball are its familiar symbols. Families, friends and clubs pass on the tradition, particularly in the north and east of the Netherlands. Carbide shooting in Drenthe has been included in the Dutch Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2014.
Can private individuals buy carbide?
Yes, calcium carbide is generally available to private individuals in the Netherlands. It is a hazardous substance rather than a firework and is also sold outside the New Year period. Buying it does not give you permission to practise carbide shooting. Before purchasing, check local rules and whether you can transport and store it in accordance with the applicable requirements.
Can you possess carbide and keep it at home?
Possession is generally possible, but the circumstances and applicable rules matter. Safe storage depends on factors including quantity, packaging and location. Follow the supplier’s safety information and prevent contact with water or moisture. Councils may restrict carrying it on or alongside public roads. Voorne aan Zee, for example, has a specific local by-law with exceptions. A restriction on carrying it in the street is not automatically a blanket ban on possession at home. Check the exact rule and ask your council or environmental authority which storage requirements apply to your situation if unsure.
How much carbide may a private individual transport?
The Dutch Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) specifies a private transport exemption for up to and including 5 kilograms of carbide. It must be in suitable, securely closed packaging that cannot move freely around the vehicle. Above 5 kilograms, additional dangerous-goods transport rules apply. This 5-kilogram threshold concerns transport under an exemption, rather than a general purchase or home-storage limit. Any local restrictions still apply.
Is it allowed in the Netherlands?
Your local council decides. A national rule on consumer fireworks does not provide general permission for carbide shooting. Councils may impose a ban, notification requirements, exemptions or other conditions. Check the current council website and local by-laws for your intended location. Being outside a built-up area does not automatically make it permitted.
Rules that may differ locally
These may cover permitted days and hours, designated sites, the responsible person’s age, churn capacity and numbers, distances from homes and animal accommodation, and the landowner’s consent. A marquee or event may involve additional requirements. There is no single nationwide time slot or distance that applies everywhere. Complete any required notification or application well in advance.
Notification and permission are different
For New Year’s Eve 2026, Emmen requires notification before 15 December. Veendam requires an exemption application before 1 December 2026. These examples show why you need to follow your own council’s procedure. Contact the council if you are unsure rather than waiting until New Year’s Eve.
Who is the BOCK?
BOCK stands for Bewust Oplettende CarbidKnaller, meaning a consciously attentive person responsible for carbide shooting. The campaign promotes responsible participation. Have an experienced, sober person in charge, protect hearing and eyes, keep spectators and animals at a distance, and arrange first aid and suitable fire-extinguishing equipment. The campaign also emphasises sound equipment and a plastic ball rather than a metal lid. Follow current advice from the Dutch fire service and Wie is de BOCK?.
Are lighters used for carbide shooting?
A handheld or windproof lighter would bring the user close to the churn. The IJsselland Safety Region therefore recommends a flaming torch on a pole. A powerful flame or the label “torch lighter” does not automatically make a lighter suitable for carbide shooting. Leave ignition to an experienced responsible person following official safety advice. This article is not a guide to building, filling or igniting a setup.
What about our webshop?
The Vuurwerk Pyro’s United webshop includes lighters and merchandise for enthusiasts. Choose products according to their intended use and the manufacturer’s instructions. This article does not recommend handheld lighters as carbide-shooting ignition tools. Good organisation and knowledgeable supervision matter more than having the strongest flame.
Prefer to watch? Find an organised event
A local club or organised event is a good way to experience the atmosphere. Ask the council, village association or organiser about locations and whether spectators are welcome. Stay behind barriers, bring hearing protection and leave pets in a quiet environment at home. Enjoy a Dutch New Year tradition while considering the surrounding community.
Updated on 29 October 2026. Check your council’s current rules and deadlines before taking part.