Dutch police have increased checks near the borders with Germany and Belgium following the introduction of the national consumer fireworks ban.
The ban took effect on August 1, 2026.
Consumers can no longer buy, possess or use fireworks from category F2 and higher. Small category F1 products remain permitted.
Police launched their enforcement operation several months before New Year’s Eve to stop illegal fireworks from entering the country.
Ko Minderhoud, the national police coordinator for fireworks, said waiting until December would make enforcement more difficult.
“Otherwise, we’ll be playing catch-up by the time New Year’s Eve arrives, with emergency workers facing attacks involving heavy-duty fireworks,” he said.
Police officers are carrying out targeted checks in border areas instead of waiting for illegal fireworks to reach Dutch cities.
The operation has already resulted in several major seizures.
“If you search in a targeted way, you find more,” Minderhoud said.
Dutch police are sharing information with officers in Germany and Belgium.
The cooperation helps investigators identify people and vehicles suspected of involvement in the regional fireworks trade.
Police are also monitoring websites and social media groups used to sell illegal fireworks.
Investigators may pose as buyers to identify people selling prohibited products online.
Minderhoud said the international fireworks trade has become more organised and now operates in ways similar to the illegal drug trade.
Heavy professional fireworks are increasingly used as explosives during attacks, robberies and disturbances.
Police said they have created their largest fireworks enforcement operation to date and are acting earlier than in previous years.
The government has also introduced a temporary surrender programme for people who still have fireworks that became illegal under the new rules.
Residents can hand them in safely, anonymously and without receiving a fine between September 1 and October 9, 2026.
Different municipalities are hosting collection days during this period.
Almost 360 kilograms of fireworks were surrendered during the first days of the programme.
Police warned residents not to place unwanted fireworks in household waste because they can cause fires and explosions.
