We are responsible for monitoring bans on imports, exports and the transit of goods. To protect the population, it is thus our responsibility to check compliance with the provisions when pyrotechnic items are imported.
Definition
Pyrotechnic items are ready-to-use products containing an explosive or ignition charge which
- are not intended for blasting but for other industrial, technical or agricultural purposes (commercial), such as signalling devices, weather rockets, bird-scaring petards etc. (categories P1, P2), industrial ammunition (P3), theatrical fireworks (T1, T2) or
- are intended merely for leisure activities, such as fireworks in categories F1, F2, F3, F4
Provisions in tourist traffic
Safe-to-handle fireworks under categories F1, F2 , F3 may be imported without authorisation in tourist traffic up to a total gross weight of 2.5 kg per person per day, whereby the maximum quantities may not be aggregated for several people.
Example: One firework battery with a gross weight of 5kg for 2 people; firework battery cannot be divided; therefore no right to the exemption limit.
Warning: this regulation does not apply to pyrotechnic items for commercial purposes, or to fireworks under category 4 for commercial use. In these cases, import authorisation will always be required.
Pyrotechnic items which are not considered safe to handle are fireworks that explode on the ground such as firecrackers, bangers, jumping crackers, "tiger" fireworks, "thunder" fireworks, etc. Importation of items of this nature is prohibited.
Authorisation and information
To import any pyrotechnic items for commercial purposes (categories P, T, F4), you will require authorisation upon importation; this also applies to fireworks (F1, F2, F3) weighing more than 2.5 kg for personal use in tourist traffic. Authorisation and information can be obtained from:
Federal Office of Police
Central Office for Explosives
Guisanplatz 1A
3003 Bern
Tel.: +41 58 462 40 00
Infringements
- The importation without authorisation or of pyrotechnic items unsafe to handle is prohibited. Violations of this ban are liable to prosecution (SprstG art. 37, SR 941.41).
- Prohibited pyrotechnic items will be confiscated and destroyed by the competent cantonal authorities.
