In its annual product safety inspection of F2 consumer fireworks, the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) rejected a total of 25.8% of the tested F2 fireworks this year. Importers must remove these fireworks from the market and destroy them at their own expense.
Additionally, 19.3% of the tested fireworks showed deviations but these did not lead to rejection. During its annual tests, the ILT focuses specifically on the riskiest products such as battery single-shot tubes, combinations, and compounds (composite fireworks). In total, the ILT tested 186 different firework products and 10 pieces of each product.
Trust in safe fireworks
Reinder Auwema, fireworks department chair at the ILT: Consumers must be able to trust that fireworks from the store are safe. So naturally, we prefer 0% rejection. Compared to 2024, the rejection rate is much lower. But a quarter rejection is still too high, because it is possible: good quality fireworks. However, importers must be willing to take responsibility. They must invest in safe fireworks, for example by checking themselves whether the fireworks meet all safety requirements.
Dangerous too short or too long fuse delay
Notably this time was the fireworks where the fuse delay was either very short (under 3 seconds) or very long (over 8 seconds). Both cases can pose a danger to consumers. The fuse delay should be between 3 and 8 seconds. Auwema: With a too short fuse delay, someone does not have enough time to move to a safe distance. If the delay is too long, there is a good chance someone will look to see why the firework does not ignite. Due to the potential risk, these fireworks were rejected.
Other reasons for rejection included unwanted explosions, burning longer than 2 minutes, duds, and burning parts outside the safety circle of 8 meters and under 3 meters height.
Deviations, no rejection
Of the tested F2 fireworks, 19.3% were of deviating quality. This can include, for example, a single dud in an article with more than 50 shots or glowing paper scraps outside the 8 meter safety distance and under 3 meters height. The risk of danger from these deviations is so low that the ILT did not reject the fireworks.
ILT supervision
Every year, the ILT tests F2 consumer fireworks, focusing specifically on the riskiest products. F2 fireworks may only be sold to consumers and purchased and transported by them during official sales days. In 2025, these are Monday 29, Tuesday 30, and Wednesday 31 December.
The ILT supervises compliance with the laws and regulations for fireworks based on the European Pyro Directive, the Designation Regulation for Consumer Fireworks (Rac), and the Fireworks Decree. With its supervision, the inspectorate aims to promote safety for consumers and prevent unsafe fireworks from being circulated. The ILT monitors year-round and focuses specifically on regular (consumer) fireworks that pose the greatest risk.