Customs warns: More illegal pyrotechnics discovered in MV before New Year's Eve!

Customs warns: More illegal pyrotechnics discovered in MV before New Year's Eve!

The turn of the year is just around the corner and brings with it the well-known joy of fireworks. But while many people begin the festive countdown in the last days before New Year's Eve, the customs authorities in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and nationwide are increasingly paying attention to illegal pyrotechnics. Wismar.fm reports that 47 detections of illegal fireworks have already been made in 2025, a significant decrease compared to the previous year with 126 detections. Nevertheless, more than 37,650 pieces of pyrotechnics with a total weight of over 690 kilograms were seized, which indicates that the problem is ongoing.

Large discoveries this year were particularly alarming, such as in June, when over 540 kilograms of illegal fireworks were confiscated from two young drivers at the Pomellen border crossing. They were unable to provide evidence of permission to use category F3 pyrotechnics, which led to criminal charges. During checks last weekend, the federal police also seized illegal pyrotechnics in several cases on the German-Polish border.

Illegal import and classification of pyrotechnics

The decline in detections does not mean that the problem of illegal fireworks has been solved. Especially before New Year's Eve, many people from Brandenburg and Saxony travel to Poland to stock up on fireworks. However, like that Märkische online newspaper emphasizes, not all fireworks available in Poland may be imported or ignited into Germany. Anyone who does not comply with the regulations must expect high fines and criminal consequences.

German explosives law distinguishes between four categories of pyrotechnics:

• Kategorie F1: Kleinstfeuerwerke, geringes Risiko, erlaubt für Personen über 12 Jahren, ganzjährig nach Deutschland einführbar.
• Kategorie F2: Kleinfeuerwerke, geringer Geräuschpegel, nur für volljährige Personen, ganzjährig einführbar; allerdings benötigen bestimmte Produkte eine Spezialerlaubnis.
• Kategorie F3 und F4: Mittelfeuerwerke und Großfeuerwerke, nur für ausgebildete Personen nutzbar, Einfuhr nur mit besonderer Erlaubnis vom Zoll.

Fireworks from third countries must also be declared separately at customs and only products with the corresponding CE mark are permitted. To ensure safe use, it is important to check the origin of the products and their safety standards, warn experts.

The demand for more security

Despite the existing rules, calls for a general ban on firecrackers and rockets have not stopped. Various organizations and the police union continue to call for the private use of fireworks to be regulated in order to reduce the risk of injury to the population and to relieve the burden on hospitals. Recently, the federal and state interior ministers have been unable to agree on a comprehensive ban, which is further increasing discontent among the population.

Customs repeatedly carries out special operations before the turn of the year. To date, no significant increases in the illegal movement of fireworks have been identified, but awareness remains high. In the worst case scenario, illegal fireworks can cause serious injuries, including loss of limbs or eyesight. Florian Thürmer from the main customs office in Dresden warns: “Untested firecrackers can have dangerous consequences when ignited.” The comprehensive control is intended to ensure that security standards are adhered to.

There is great anticipation for the turn of the year, but especially in times like these it is important to use fireworks responsibly and observe the legal regulations. Celebrate safely and enjoy the pyrotechnics, which are not only permitted but also meet safety standards.