Going out with a bang? Dutch shoppers snap up fireworks before ban

Shoppers in the Netherlands have been stocking up on fireworks ahead of New Year's Eve, most likely for the last time before a nationwide ban takes effect in 2026.

A new law banning the sale of consumer fireworks from next year was approved in April by both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Enforcement of the ban and the scale of compensation for traders will be decided by the next cabinet, local media reported. The looming ban has driven a surge in demand.

Industry groups said in mid-December that pre-orders were higher than in previous years, while retailers are also reporting strong in-store sales. The fireworks sector generated around €118 million in revenue last year.

At a fireworks shop in the city of Zwolle, customers expressed disappointment over the upcoming restrictions, although some said they could understand the reasoning.

"This is probably the last year we can set off fireworks," said one young customer at the store, who had arrived early to make his purchase. "And then it’s over."

Another shopper described the ban as "a pity", calling fireworks a long-standing tradition.

One man said he believed a small minority had ruined the fun for everyone. Pointing to his his son, he said he didn't think low-grade fireworks "can do any harm".

"But hey, it is what it is," he added.

Another customer said the ban was unnecessary, arguing that most injuries were linked to misuse, often involving alcohol.

"It's just one day in the year ... it's just a party, it's fun," he said. Yet when asked about the number of injuries caused by fireworks each year, he admitted they're "certainly not fun".

Shop owner Bas Potjes said demand this year had been noticeably stronger than usual.

"Yes, absolutely. Definitely the pre‑orders," he said, as customers collected their purchases. "You can see it around you here; it's going along nicely."

He added that many shoppers seemed to be making the most of what could be their final chance. "I think everyone wants to give it one last go," he said. "And that's reflected in the number of orders, but also in the amount spent per customer. It’s quite high."

As he left the shop carrying a box of fireworks, one customer said politicians had responded to public pressure rather than the main causes of accidents.

"Of course, accidents always happen. But in my opinion, most accidents happen with illegal fireworks", he said.