Firework sales surge amid bans, police seize 4,000 kilos at German border
1 week, 5 days ago

Firework sales surge amid bans, police seize 4,000 kilos at German border

NL Times  

Firework stores across the Netherlands reported an exceptionally busy first day of sales, according to the Dutch Pyrotechnics Association. Groeneveld noted that online firework sales are already 17 percent higher than last year, exceeding expectations. While no figures are available for in-store sales from the first day, Groeneveld expressed hope for a total revenue of approximately 110 million euros—about 10 percent higher than the previous year. In the meantime, on the first day of firework sales, police in Groningen and Drenthe seized approximately 4,000 kilograms of fireworks during border checks with Germany.

Netherlands Sale Fireworks Sales German Groeneveld Firework Sales Firework Bans  firework  bans  kilos  groeneveld  german  stores  amid  sales  seize  4000  fireworks  total  surge  online  day  illegal  sale  border

History of this topic

Dutch authorities seized more than 107,250 kg of illegal fireworks in 2024, 36% increase
1 week, 1 day ago

Dutch authorities seized more than 107,250 kg of illegal fireworks in 2024, 36% increase

NL Times  

Investigators in the Netherlands seized a total of 107,281 kilograms of illegal fireworks over the course of 2024, according to a running tally from the Public Prosecution Service. Just on the last two days of the year, authorities reported seizing 4,171 kilograms of illegal fireworks. That brought December’s total to nearly 40,403 kilograms, or about 38 percent of all fireworks …

300 kilos of illegal fireworks seized in Winterswijk residential area; two arrested
1 week, 2 days ago

300 kilos of illegal fireworks seized in Winterswijk residential area; two arrested

NL Times  

Dutch police discovered 300 kilograms of illegal fireworks in a residential neighborhood in Winterswijk on New Year's Eve, leading to two arrests and intense local concern. Following the discovery, further checks of nearby vehicles revealed a large stash of illegal fireworks, including linked Cobra fireworks known for their destructive power. The mayor’s frustration stems from a similar incident last year, …

Police receive record number of anonymous tips about illegal fireworks
1 week, 3 days ago

Police receive record number of anonymous tips about illegal fireworks

NL Times  

A record 540 anonymous reports regarding illegal fireworks were submitted this year to the Dutch police anonymous tipline, Meld Misdaad Anoniem, according to data obtained by the program EenVandaag. Another tip-based discovery occurred in Deventer, where the police seized 60 kilograms of illegal fireworks, including lawinepijlen and dangerous shells, from a flat after receiving an anonymous tip. Janssen explained that …

People in the Netherlands break record from 2022 for most money spent on fireworks
1 week, 3 days ago

People in the Netherlands break record from 2022 for most money spent on fireworks

NL Times  

People in the Netherlands spent around 118 million euros on fireworks this year. This breaks the record of 2022, when fireworks importers and wholesalers had a turnover of approximately 115 million euros, according to the trade association. Groeneveld had already predicted that the total turnover would be higher than in 2023 when around 105 million euros was spent on fireworks. …

Firework sales start ahead of Dutch New Year frenzy
1 week, 5 days ago

Firework sales start ahead of Dutch New Year frenzy

Dutch News  

Firework sales for the New Year festivities began officially at midnight on Friday night, one day earlier than normal because they may not be sold on a Sunday. In some 19 local authorities, including the big cities of Amsterdam and Rotterdam, consumer fireworks have been banned altogether although the ban is largely ignored. In total 1,213 people went or were …

Firework sales in the Netherlands surge ahead of Christmas
2 weeks, 1 day ago

Firework sales in the Netherlands surge ahead of Christmas

NL Times  

Dutch consumers have significantly increased their online firework purchases ahead of Christmas, with sales up nearly 17 percent compared to the same period last year, according to Leo Groeneveld, chairman of the Dutch Pyrotechnics Association. While he could not specify the total revenue from firework sales so far, he noted that, as in previous years, most purchases are expected during …

More Dutch teens are losing fingers and hands to fireworks
2 weeks, 6 days ago

More Dutch teens are losing fingers and hands to fireworks

Dutch News  

The number of teenagers who lose a finger or a hand when handling fireworks is growing, plastic surgeons have warned as police clock up 21,000 incidents this year. Over half the youngsters who sustain serious injuries when setting off powerful fireworks, including the illegal Cobra 6, are younger than 18, an analysis of figures from the last five years by …

Heavy fireworks without a permit will now be considered weapons by authorities
3 weeks, 1 day ago

Heavy fireworks without a permit will now be considered weapons by authorities

NL Times  

Police and other authorities will be given more power to combat heavy and dangerous fireworks that are only meant to be used by professionals with a permit. Private individuals who have these types of heavy fireworks without a permit could be considered possession of a weapon. This is a different type of phenomenon than fireworks, and therefore, it needs a …

Slow progress as firework ban expands to 19 towns and cities
3 weeks, 2 days ago

Slow progress as firework ban expands to 19 towns and cities

Dutch News  

This year 19 of the Netherlands’ 342 town and city council areas will have firework bans in operation at New Year, according to research by news agency ANP. In total, 310 councils responded to ANP’s questions or had sufficient information on their website to determine their stance on the New Year firework frenzy. Alkmaar, Utrecht and Zutphen are imposing total …

Police find massive 10,000 kg of illegal fireworks in Hague residential neighborhood
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Police find massive 10,000 kg of illegal fireworks in Hague residential neighborhood

NL Times  

The police discovered around 10,000 kilograms of fireworks in a residential neighborhood in the center of The Hague on Thursday. The police found the massive amount of fireworks inside a business premises on Volkerakstraat, under a row of apartments, at around 9:00 p.m. Officers carried out box after box of fireworks, loading them into a police truck and removing them …

Massive 5,500 kg of fireworks found in warehouse in Zuid-Holland village; 3 arrested
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Massive 5,500 kg of fireworks found in warehouse in Zuid-Holland village; 3 arrested

NL Times  

Authorities confiscated some 5,500 kilograms of illegal fireworks, explosives, and cannabis plants during a raid on a warehouse in the Zuid-Holland village of Krimpen aan de Lek. These operations are part of a broader strategy to tackle "undermining crime"—a term used to describe criminal activities that blur the lines between legal and illegal spheres of society. Thanks to the effective …

Attacks using firework bombs will "far exceed 1,000 this year"
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Attacks using firework bombs will "far exceed 1,000 this year"

Dutch News  

The number of firework attacks on homes and business premises will probably far exceed 1000 this year, police estimate. The police had always worked on the assumption that most of the attacks could be linked criminal gangs but research has since found that over half are the result of “domestic conflicts between non-criminal citizens, often over relationships,” the report said. …

Over 35,000 kilograms of illegal fireworks found during police search, two men arrested
2 months ago

Over 35,000 kilograms of illegal fireworks found during police search, two men arrested

NL Times  

Over 35,000 kilograms of illegal fireworks were found "that were ready for the illegal Dutch market" during a search in the German city of Hüven, the police reported. On Thursday, officers from the fireworks team of the Rotterdam unit found around 1,050 kilograms of illegal fireworks during a search of business premises and a garage box in Herwijnen, Gelderland. During …

Police unions call for nationwide fireworks ban amid safety concerns
1 year ago

Police unions call for nationwide fireworks ban amid safety concerns

NL Times  

The police unions in the Netherlands are once again advocating for a nationwide ban on fireworks. The unsafe working conditions faced by emergency responders call for this, but the varied local fireworks regulations also make enforcement difficult, according to a joint statement by the four police unions ACP, ANPV, Equipe, and NPB. Law enforcement officers also believed that local fireworks …

Some 18,000 kilograms of illegal, wrongly labeled fireworks seized from Dutch importer
1 year ago

Some 18,000 kilograms of illegal, wrongly labeled fireworks seized from Dutch importer

NL Times  

This week, the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate seized around 18,000 kilograms of fireworks from a Dutch fireworks importer. In the importer’s bunkers, the ILT found multiple boxes of fireworks that have been banned in the Netherlands since 1 December 2020. “The CE marking stands for the safety and quality of the product and must be the logical consequence of …

Many fireworks sellers closing up shop in the Netherlands
2 years ago

Many fireworks sellers closing up shop in the Netherlands

NL Times  

Many fireworks sellers are shutting down their shops in the Netherlands. The government banning consumer fireworks over New Year’s during the coronavirus pandemic seemed to have been the tipping point for many sellers. After two years of not being allowed to sell fireworks, many sellers seem to have decided to close up shop, according to the newspaper. Consumer fireworks over …

Belgian border towns busy with firework-mad Dutch, despite the ban
3 years ago

Belgian border towns busy with firework-mad Dutch, despite the ban

Dutch News  

Dutch nationals have been flocking to Belgium to buy fireworks, despite the New Year ban, according to the Telegraaf. A local farmer has opened up his fields as an emergency car park for the Dutch visitors who have not been allowed by law to import fireworks into the Netherlands since December 15. Surely it should be allowed.’ The Dutch government …

Belgian border towns busy with firework-mad Dutch, despite the ban
3 years ago

Belgian border towns busy with firework-mad Dutch, despite the ban

Dutch News  

Dutch nationals have been flocking to Belgium to buy fireworks, despite the New Year ban, according to the Telegraaf. A local farmer has opened up his fields as an emergency car park for the Dutch visitors who have not been allowed by law to import fireworks into the Netherlands since December 15. Surely it should be allowed.’ The Dutch government …

120,000 kilos illegal fireworks intended for NL found in Germany
3 years, 2 months ago

120,000 kilos illegal fireworks intended for NL found in Germany

NL Times  

The Dutch and German police discovered some 120,000 kilograms of illegal fireworks in Rheine, Germany - just across the Dutch border. At 120,000 kilos, the find was almost as big as all the illegal fireworks confiscated in the Netherlands last year. According to the police, the bunkers serve as a sort of collection point for the middlemen in the illegal …

Dutch man's 500 kg fireworks stash found in Germany
4 years ago

Dutch man's 500 kg fireworks stash found in Germany

NL Times  

Police in the German town of Vreden found 500 kilograms of professional fireworks hidden inside a shed. A fireworks ban was put in place for the most recent New Year's Eve to proactively prevent fireworks accidents, and relieve some pressure from hospitals battling the coronavirus pandemic. Heavier fireworks of the F3 and F4 category, the latter being strictly for professional …

Police in Rotterdam seize 4,500 kilos of heavy fireworks
4 years ago

Police in Rotterdam seize 4,500 kilos of heavy fireworks

NL Times  

The police in Rotterdam seized 4,500 kilos of heavy illegal fireworks on Saturday. He was arrested on the A2 motorway near Zaltbommel with more than 150 kilos of heavy illegal fireworks in his car. A police spokesperson exclaimed that “he had the crazy idea of taking his 3-year-old child with him.” The child has since been handed to other family …

Heavy police presence for New Year, as fireworks ban may spark trouble
4 years ago

Heavy police presence for New Year, as fireworks ban may spark trouble

Dutch News  

Almost twice as many police officers will be on duty during the New Year festivities than in a normal year and some have had leave cancelled to ensure there is enough manpower on the streets, broadcaster NOS said on Friday. Although the number of police on duty will vary from place to place, in Amsterdam the number of officers will …

Illegal fireworks increasingly resembling drug trade
4 years, 1 month ago

Illegal fireworks increasingly resembling drug trade

NL Times  

The trade in illegal fireworks is increasingly resembling drug trafficking - deals are made through encrypted messaging services, runners are walking the streets not knowing whose fireworks they are delivering, and a number of players are responsible for importing tens of thousands of kilograms of heavy fireworks per year, the police and Public Prosecution Service said to newspapers AD and …

Fireworks sellers to fight New Year's ban in court
4 years, 1 month ago

Fireworks sellers to fight New Year's ban in court

NL Times  

Around 150 fireworks sellers, who all belong to the foundation for consumer fireworks dealers SVNC, are going to court to fight the government's decision to ban the sale and lighting of fireworks this year. Last year nearly 1,300 people were injured by fireworks - 385 of which ended up in emergency rooms, the rest went to GP offices with more …

New Year fireworks fine will hit €100, and that means a criminal record
4 years, 1 month ago

New Year fireworks fine will hit €100, and that means a criminal record

Dutch News  

People who set off fireworks during the New Year festivities face a fine of at least €100, and that means an automatic criminal record, justice minister Ferd Grapperhaus said on Friday. The government has decided to ban all fireworks but children’s sparklers during this year’s New Year celebrations, in order to reduce pressure on the emergency services. That is why …

Nearly 25 tons of illegal fireworks confiscated already
4 years, 1 month ago

Nearly 25 tons of illegal fireworks confiscated already

NL Times  

The Dutch police seized a massive 24,700 kilograms of illegal fireworks so far this year, up to and including November 1. It could be that there are more illegal fireworks in the country this year, but it could also be that investigation techniques improved, Anne Dreijer, the National Police's fireworks expert, said to the program. Sometimes we even see illegal …

Ministers set to back New Year firework ban, sources tell NOS
4 years, 2 months ago

Ministers set to back New Year firework ban, sources tell NOS

Dutch News  

Ministers back a complete fireworks ban for the coming New Year celebrations, sources in The Hague have told broadcaster NOS. Ministers are also discussing how to deal with the financial fall-out and do not want to go public with the ban until this has been finalised, NOS said. Dutch consumers spend some €70m on fireworks during the celebrations, buying them …

Two men arrested after police find roughly a ton of illegal fireworks in their car
4 years, 2 months ago

Two men arrested after police find roughly a ton of illegal fireworks in their car

NL Times  

Police arrested two men on Saturday after finding almost 1,000 kilogramss of illegal fireworks in their car. The police found 968 kilograms of fireworks, which they suspect was purchased illegally in Germany. The control was conducted by a special interjurisdictional police team made up of officers from the Oost-Nederland police district, German police teams, and the Marechaussee, the Dutch military …

Fires caused well over €15 million in New Year's property damage
5 years ago

Fires caused well over €15 million in New Year's property damage

NL Times  

Damage to private property caused this past New Year's Eve in the Netherlands is expected to reach roughly 15 million euros, but the estimated value is expected rise higher when the extend of damage to commercial property is included. This year insurers needed the assistance of a nonprofit salvage agency to deal with 55 different fireworks damage claims, an increase …

Fireworks sales on the rise in the Netherlands; Could jump 10% by New Year's
5 years ago

Fireworks sales on the rise in the Netherlands; Could jump 10% by New Year's

NL Times  

The Netherlands is headed towards its second straight year of sales growth in legal fireworks, the Dutch Association of Pyrotechnics told Nu.nl. Online advance sales rose by over five percent even before fireworks legally went on sale, prompting the association to report a more optimistic sales forecast. Shoppers in the Netherlands spent about 70 million euros on fireworks during the …

Over 2,700 kilograms of illegal fireworks seized last week
5 years, 1 month ago

Over 2,700 kilograms of illegal fireworks seized last week

NL Times  

Police in the Netherlands made two separate stops that led to a combined discovery of over 2,700 kilograms of illegal fireworks. Four days later, police patrolling the N322 near Deest stopped a delivery van, where officers found 705 kilograms of illegal fireworks. The car was stopped at a checkpoint at about 9:30 a.m. “During the subsequent check, the officers saw …

Illegal fireworks entering Netherlands through drug channels: Police
5 years, 1 month ago

Illegal fireworks entering Netherlands through drug channels: Police

NL Times  

Traders in illegal fireworks are increasingly making use of drug routes to bring their products into the Netherlands, according to the police. The bigger chance of fireworks sent by mail being intercepted, means that these traders are looking for other ways to distribute illegal fireworks, the police said, NOS reports. The illegal fireworks trade via the internet has declined sharply, …

Nearly 1,800 kilos of illegal fireworks found in Zuid-Holland raids; two arrested
5 years, 1 month ago

Nearly 1,800 kilos of illegal fireworks found in Zuid-Holland raids; two arrested

NL Times  

Two people were arrested this week after police discovered some 1,780 kilograms of illegal fireworks kept in a home and a storage space. An anonymous tip led police to the dealer’s home in Bleiswijk, police said. While only “a small amount of illegal fireworks” was found in the home, an “enormous amount of illegal fireworks was found in the storage …

Not with a ban but a whimper: only most dangerous fireworks to be outlawed
5 years, 6 months ago

Not with a ban but a whimper: only most dangerous fireworks to be outlawed

Dutch News  

The Dutch government is expected to stop the sale of the most dangerous fireworks from next year’s New Year’s Eve but steer clear of a complete ban. The government is expected to announce a ban of fireworks in the most dangerous ‘F3’ category, such as ‘Chinese rolls’ of multiple firecrackers – although the vast majority of fireworks on sale to …

Not with a ban but a whimper: only most dangerous fireworks to be outlawed
5 years, 6 months ago

Not with a ban but a whimper: only most dangerous fireworks to be outlawed

Dutch News  

The Dutch government is expected to stop the sale of the most dangerous fireworks from next year’s New Year’s Eve but steer clear of a complete ban. The government is expected to announce a ban of fireworks in the most dangerous ‘F3’ category, such as ‘Chinese rolls’ of multiple firecrackers – although the vast majority of fireworks on sale to …

Dutch gov't to ban strongest consumer fireworks: report
5 years, 6 months ago

Dutch gov't to ban strongest consumer fireworks: report

NL Times  

On Friday the Dutch government will announce a nationwide ban on the strongest consumer fireworks - fireworks that fall in the so-called third category like strips and rolls of firecrackers, sources in The Hague told broadcaster NOS. National Police chief Erik Akerboom is dissatisfied by this partial ban, calling it disappointing and the measurers insufficient to maintain the New Year's …

Discover Related