Benelux, Safety
Benelux countries step up cross-border approach to very heavy illegal fireworks
22 Apr. 2026
The Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg are stepping up their cooperation in tackling very heavy illegal fireworks. This was agreed during a Benelux meeting under the Dutch Presidency, which was also attended by representatives of the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia and the European Commission.
The countries aim to structurally increase the exchange of information between inspection and police services, better align enforcement efforts, and work together on the further implementation of the so-called Pyro Pass, a registration system for professionals working with pyrotechnic articles.
The intensification follows an increase in explosion-related incidents in several European countries, in which heavy professional fireworks are increasingly being misused as explosives. In the Netherlands, more than 1,500 (attempted) explosive attacks were recorded in 2025.
“Very heavy illegal fireworks are increasingly ending up in criminal hands and are being used in practice as explosives. This leads to serious incidents in major cities, including Antwerp and Rotterdam, as well as ATM bombings in Germany. The misuse of these materials is unacceptable and calls for a joint, cross-border approach,” said Ariadne Petridis, Secretary-General of the Benelux Union.
During the meeting, representatives of policy departments, inspection bodies and police services discussed a joint approach to the illegal trade in fireworks and explosives. Topics included suspicious transactions, illegal production, precursors and smuggling via postal and parcel delivery services.
The meeting also addressed the announced Dutch consumer ban on fireworks during the 2026/2027 New Year period. The countries are examining possible consequences for border regions, including the risk of fireworks tourism and illegal imports.
Within the Benelux Annual Plan 2026, the countries involved are working on proposals to further strengthen cooperation in investigation and enforcement and to better align it with existing European and international structures. In addition, discussions were held with the European Commission on the importance of revising European rules on pyrotechnic articles in order to more effectively combat illegal trade.
Through intensified cooperation, the Benelux countries aim to prevent heavy professional fireworks from being increasingly used in criminal explosions in urban areas.
