Anyone intending to import, sell, purchase, manufacture or use pyrotechnic articles, either for professional purposes or for entertainment, requires authorisation. Most (but not all) pyrotechnic articles require a permit either from fedpol or from a cantonal authority, depending on which authority is responsible.
Fireworks that are prohibited in Switzerland:
- Fire crackers that explode on the ground.
- Bangers (‘lady crackers’) that are longer than 22mm (7/8 inch) and/or have a diameter of more than 3mm (1/8 inch).
Permits and who needs them
Permits issued by fedpol
Information: all documents exist in German, French or Italian. On this page, all documents are in German.
If you are planning to import pyrotechnic articles, you require an import permit (PDF, 124 kB, 29.09.2020) from fedpol. To obtain a permit you must complete an application form and send it to the Central Office for Explosives by post.
You can find information on the regulations in the information sheet on the import of explosives and pyrotechnic articles (PDF, 299 kB, 21.09.2023).
Category F1, F2 and F3 fireworks can be imported up to a total gross weight of 2.5kg per person (respecting the prescribed age) and per day for non-commercial purposes (so-called tourist traffic) without a permit from fedpol.
A manufacturing permit (PDF, 128 kB, 29.09.2020) from fedpol is required for the commercial manufacture of pyrotechnic articles in Switzerland.
The manufacture of pyrotechnic articles by private individuals is prohibited in Switzerland under: Article 16 paragraph 1 section 5 of the Precursors Act.
If you are planning to import category F1-F3 fireworks into Switzerland, they must be labelled with a CH identification number issued by fedpol (Central Office for Explosives) through a formal EU-conform procedure.
If you wish to place other pyrotechnic articles on the market, you must provide proof of conformity in accordance with the relevant EU Directive (declaration of conformity). Pyrotechnic articles must be labelled and contain instructions for use in accordance with the Explosives Ordinance (Art. 26 ExplO).
Important documents:
- Authorisation procedure for pyrotechnic articles (PDF, 216 kB, 24.09.2024)
- Information sheet on the requirements for placing category F1, F2 and F3 fireworks on the market (PDF, 400 kB, 30.12.2024)
- Application form for a permit (PDF, 167 kB, 29.09.2020) (must be completed by all businesses and submitted to fedpol)
Permits issued by the cantons
Information: all documents exist in German, French or Italian. On this page, all documents are in German.
You can obtain information on permits issued by the cantons from the cantonal offices responsible for explosives (PDF, 126 kB, 19.10.2023).
You require an acquisition permit for purchasing category T2, P2 and F4 pyrotechnic articles. The permit is issued by the relevant canton but only if you are registered with SERI (see Explosives Ordinance, Art. 47).
If you wish to trade in pyrotechnic articles or gunpowder in Switzerland, you require a cantonal permit. Category F1 and P3 products do not require a sales permit.
Note: If you wish to sell pyrotechnic articles, you will need to store them and will therefore require a storage permit. Further information on storage is available from the cantonal authorities.
Checklist for firework sales stands (PDF, 1 MB, 30.06.2021)
Special regulations apply to online trading: Information sheet on the mail order trade in pyrotechnic articles (PDF, 331 kB, 29.01.2024)
The storage of pyrotechnic articles or gunpowder for commercial purposes must comply with the legal provisions on explosives.
For private storage (i.e. exclusively for personal use), the fire protection regulations of the Vereinigung Kantonaler Feuerversicherungen. apply. Please also note the following:
- Store fireworks at a constant temperature in a dry room;
- Store pyrotechnic articles in the original packaging;.
- Keep fireworks out of the reach of children;
- Do not smoke or use naked flames in the vicinity of pyrotechnic articlesn;
- Do not store fireworks in the vicinity of other hazardous goods (petrol, paint thinners, gas cylinders, etc.).
Documents in addition to legislation
Information: all documents exist in German, French or Italian. On this page, all documents are in German.
-
Information and labelling for category T and P pyrotechnic articles (PDF, 99 kB, 22.06.2020)
01 March 2018
The Central Office for Explosives stopped issuing import permits for category T and P pyrotechnic articles on 1 July 2017 if there is no EU conformity. -
Information and labelling for category F4 pyrotechnic articles (PDF, 99 kB, 22.06.2020)
01 March 2018
The Central Office for Explosives stopped issuing import permits for category F4 pyrotechnic articles on 1 July 2017 if there is no EU conformity.
-
Use of metal launching pipes (PDF, 81 kB, 26.07.2011)
18 May 2006
Information on risks and safety recommendations
All information exist in German, French or Italian.
Feuerwerkskörper (pyrotechnische Gegenstände zu Vergnügungszwecken) der Zolltarifnummer 3604.1000
Pyrotechnische Gegenstände zu gewerblichen Zwecken P1 + P2 der Zolltarifnummern 3604.9000 und P3 (Industriemunition) 9306.3099.
Berechnung:
Verbrauch = Produktion + Einfuhr - Ausfuhr
Umsatz = Produktion + Einfuhr
Bei der Berechnung des Verbrauchs und des Umsatzes sind Lagerschwankungen der Importeure und Verkaufsstellen nicht berücksichtigt.
Die Zahlen entstammen der Zollstatistik. Die Produktionszahlen werden direkt bei den Herstellern erhoben.
Contact
Federal Office of Police
Zentralstelle Explosivstoffe
Guisanplatz 1A
3003 Bern
T: +41 58 462 40 00
E-Mail : zse@fedpol.admin.ch
Legal provisions
-
Sprengstoffgesetz - Explosives Act
(SR 941.91)
-
Sprengstoffverordnung - Explosives Ordinance
(SR 941.411)
Last modification 31.10.2024
