Editing Firecracker (section)

==Usage and legal status by country ==

The use of firecrackers, although a traditional part of the celebration, has over the years led to many injuries and deaths. There have been incidents every year of users being blinded, losing body parts, or suffering other injuries, especially during festivities that customarily involve firecrackers such as Chinese New Year season. Hence, many governments and authorities have enacted laws completely banning the sale or use of firecrackers, or banning the use of firecrackers in the street, primarily because of safety or environmental reasons.

These rules also require a permit from the local government, as well as any relevant local bodies such as maritime or aviation authorities (as relevant to the types of firecrackers being used) and hospitals, schools, etc., within a certain range.

===Australia===

In most states and territories, firecrackers are illegal without a permit and part of a display by a licensed pyrotechnician.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-12-27|title=Don't risk lives by using illegal fireworks - WorkSafe|url=https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/news/2017-12/dont-risk-lives-using-illegal-fireworks|access-date=2020-11-15|website=Work Safe Victoria}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-08-17|title=Fireworks|url=https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/licences-and-registrations/licences/explosives-and-fireworks-licences/fireworks|access-date=2020-11-15|website=SafeWork NSW|language=en-AU}}</ref> [[Tasmania]], [[Australian Capital Territory|ACT]] and [[Northern Territory]] allow consumer use with a permit (dependent on calendar date). Northern Territory is the only part of Australia where a consumer does not require a permit, but this only applies on 1 July for Territory Day.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-10-13|title=Disposal of shopgoods fireworks|url=https://worksafe.nt.gov.au/forms-and-resources/bulletins/disposal-of-shopgoods-fireworks|access-date=2020-11-15|website=NT Work Safe}}</ref>

===Canada===

Firecrackers are not authorized under the Explosives Act, thus making importation, possession, transportation, storage, or manufacturing illegal in Canada.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/minerals-metals/explosives/4322#31 |title=Authorization Guidelines for Consumer and Display Fireworks |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130605195503/http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/minerals-metals/explosives/4322#31 |archive-date=2013-06-05 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Croatia===

The use of firecrackers is regulated by the ''Law on Explosive Substances and the Production and Trading of Weapons'' ({{langx|hr|Zakon o eksplozivnim tvarima te proizvodnji i prometu oružja}}). According to the Law, firecrackers (including other pyrotechnic articles) are divided into three classes: ''Class 1 Pyrotechnics'' - pyrotechnic articles for fireworks which represent a very low risk, have negligible noise level and are intended for use in restricted areas, including fireworks intended for use within residential buildings; ''Class 2 and 3 Pyrotechnics'' - pyrotechnic articles for fireworks which represent low to medium risk, have medium to high noise level and are intended for outdoor use in restricted areas and large open areas. Class 1 Pyrotechnics can be sold all year round to people over the age of 14 in general stores and newsstands, while Class 2 and 3 Pyrotechnics can only be sold between 15 December and 1 January each year at gun shops and stores with special permits to the people over the age of 14 (class 2) or over the age of 18 (class 3). Use of Class 2 and 3 Pyrotechnics is allowed only in the period between 27 December and 1 January.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://narodne-novine.nn.hr/clanci/sluzbeni/2017_07_70_1657.html|title=Zakon o eksplozivnim tvarima te proizvodnji i prometu oružja|website=narodne-novine.nn.hr}}</ref> Each year since 1993, between 15 December and 8 January, the police carries out the "Peace and good" action with the aim of prevention of people from getting hurt and violating public order. The penalties for unauthorized use of pyrotechnic articles range between 1,000 and 15,000 [[Croatian kuna|kuna]]s ([[Euro|€]]135 - €2,035) for people, and between 10,000 and 80,000 kunas (€1,355 - €10,850) for companies. For a legal guardian of a child under the age of 14 who have used pyrotechnic articles, fine ranges between 1,000 and 3,000 kunas (€135 - €405).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vecernji.hr/vijesti/kazne-za-pirotehnicka-sredstva-i-do-80-000-kuna-1214129|title=Kazne za pirotehnička sredstva i do 80.000 kuna}}</ref>

===China=== 
As of 2008, most urban areas in mainland China permit firecrackers. In the first three days of the traditional New Year, it is a tradition that people compete with each other by playing with firecrackers. However, many urban areas banned them in the 1990s. For example, they were banned in [[Beijing]]'s [[List of administrative divisions of Beijing|urban districts]] from 1993 to 2005.<ref>''[[People's Daily]]'' [http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200507/20/eng20050720_197129.html 'Beijing to loose 12-year ban on firecrackers'], peopledaily.com, 20 July 2005, accessed 11 November 2008.</ref> Since the ban was lifted, the firecracker barrage has been tremendous. An unusual{{Clarify|date=February 2010}} feature is that many residents in major cities look down on street-level fireworks from their tower blocks. Bans are rare in rural areas.

===Czech Republic===

Firecrackers are legal in the Czech Republic. They can have up to 5g of flash powder and can be bought by anyone older than 21 years. For stronger firecrackers (up to 100g) a permit is required.

===Germany===

Fireworks are classified. Some fireworks are restricted to adults (18 years), may be sold to private persons only on three days before New Year's Eve and may be used only on New Year's Eve or New Year (special permits can be obtained to use these on other days of the year). Other fireworks have no such restrictions, however, they are not recommended for children below 12 years and guidance by adults is advised. Certain fireworks are available only to professionals.

===Finland===

Firecrackers sold to consumers are restricted to 0.95 grams of black powder. The ban on larger firecrackers went into effect in 1996. Before, mid-size ''kiinanpommi'' or ''kiinari'' ("Chinese bomb") and ''tykinlaukaus'' and large ''tykäri'' ("artillery shot") had become cheap and common products that were often used by children after the celebration, leading to accidents.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://yle.fi/uutiset/3-7705507|title=Entisajan ilotulitteet tekivät pahimmillaan karmeaa jälkeä – nämä räjähteet eivät enää kuulu uudenvuoden juhlintaan|website=Yle Uutiset|date=31 December 2014}}</ref>

===Hong Kong===
Firecrackers and fireworks were banned in Hong Kong for security reasons in 1967,<ref name="scmp_hk_1967">{{cite news |last1=Li |first1=Jessica |title=From the archives: how 1967 riots led to Hong Kong fireworks ban |url=https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/short-reads/article/2111080/archives-how-1967-riots-led-hong-kong-fireworks |access-date=3 April 2023 |publisher=SCMP |date=15 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170917133640/https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/short-reads/article/2111080/archives-how-1967-riots-led-hong-kong-fireworks |archive-date=17 September 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> as a result of many [[Improvised explosive device|IED]] attacks in the [[Hong Kong 1967 Leftist Riots|1967 Leftist Riot]].<ref name="fcchk">{{cite news |title=Fifty years on: The riots that shook Hong Kong in 1967 |url=https://www.fcchk.org/correspondent/fifty-years-on-the-riots-that-shook-hong-kong-in-1967/ |access-date=3 April 2023 |publisher=The Foreign Correspondents' Club, Hong Kong. |date=18 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190805140843/https://www.fcchk.org/correspondent/fifty-years-on-the-riots-that-shook-hong-kong-in-1967/ |archive-date=5 August 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> However, the government stages a fireworks display in [[Victoria Harbour]] for New Year countdown and the second day of the Chinese New Year.

===Hungary=== 
Firecrackers are banned in Hungary since 2005. Other types of consumer fireworks are only allowed to be sold and used on New Year's Eve. Many people smuggle firecrackers from Slovakia, where they are legal.

===India===
{{main|Firecrackers in India}}
[[File:Crackers vishu 5.jpg|thumb|Bullet Bomb Firecracker]]
[[File:Firecracker shop on Diwali.jpg|thumb|Firecracker shop in [[Nagpur]] during [[Diwali]]]]

Firecrackers are easily available in India and are used to mark a celebratory event. They are legal, and anyone 18 and over can buy them without a licence.

[[Vijayadashami]] and [[Diwali]] fireworks are a family event in many parts of India.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kanpur/Til-oil-bath-marks-Chhoti-Diwali-celebrations/articleshow/25147777.cms | archive-url=https://archive.today/20131205212502/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-11-03/kanpur/43627803_1_diwali-eve-celebrations-bath | url-status=live | archive-date=5 December 2013 | newspaper=[[The Times of India]] | title=Til oil bath marks Chhoti Diwali celebrations | date=3 November 2013}}</ref> People light up fireworks near their homes and in streets. Additionally, cities and communities have community fireworks.

This custom may have begun on the Indian subcontinent after 1400 CE when gunpowder started being utilised in Indian warfare.<ref name="IEHistory">{{cite news |title=A brief and crackling history of fireworks in India |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/research/a-crackling-history-of-fireworks-in-india-4890178/ |access-date=17 November 2020 |work=The Indian Express |date=14 November 2020}}</ref>

India's first fireworks factory was established in Calcutta during the 19th century.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/research/a-crackling-history-of-fireworks-in-india-4890178/|title=A brief and crackling history of fireworks in India|work=The Indian Express|date=14 November 2020|access-date=2021-12-18}}</ref>

In October and November, farmers from [[Punjab]] and [[Haryana]] burn agricultural waste and the weather tends not to be windy, so Delhi's air pollution usually increases, which has been a major environmental problem in recent years.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|agency=Reuters|date=15 November 2020|title=Northern India chokes on toxic smog day after Diwali festival|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/15/india/toxic-smog-diwali-intl/index.html|access-date=15 November 2020|work=CNN}}</ref> Firecrackers for the Diwali holiday can worsen this pollution. In October 2017, the Supreme Court banned firecrackers in Delhi, as a result of which the industry said it faced losses of Rs 1,000-crore and consequently layoffs.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/sc-ban-on-firecrackers-industry-stares-at-rs-1-000-crore-loss-layoffs/story-zctMTeZ16DaPf4O5DWggJI.html|title=SC ban on firecrackers: Industry stares at Rs 1,000-crore loss, layoffs|date=2017-10-09|work=hindustantimes.com/|access-date=2017-10-09}}</ref>

After India's [[National Green Tribunal]] (NGT) ordered a ban in the [[National Capital Region (India)|NCR]] region on the sale and use of crackers in 2020, the [[Council for Scientific and Industrial Research]] (CSIR) developed "green crackers" that used less polluting raw materials. Several states in India have either banned firecrackers or limited the time, noise level and type (mandatory use of less polluting firecrackers) that can be used.<ref name=htcrack1/> Nonetheless, many firecrackers were used to celebrate the Vijayadashami and Diwali holidays in 2020, immediately after which Delhi's air pollution was over 9 times the level that the [[World Health Organization]] considers safe.<ref name=":0" />

Aaratrika Bhaumik writing for the website "livelaw.in" mentions the ban put in place by the [[Calcutta High Court]] on firecrackers (green firecrackers included) throughout the state of [[West Bengal]] for the 2021 [[Vijayadashami]] and [[Diwali]] festivities. The ban extends to all remaining festivals in the year, such as, [[Chhath Puja]], [[Kali Puja]], [[Guru Nanak Jayanti]], [[Christmas]] and New Year's.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Bhaumik|first=Aaratrika|date=2021-10-29|title=Calcutta High Court Bans Firecrackers In West Bengal During Diwali & Other Festivals|url=https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/calcutta-high-court-bans-firecrackers-west-bengal-during-diwali-other-festivals-184600|access-date=2021-10-29|website=www.livelaw.in}}</ref>

===Indonesia=== 
{{expand section|date=March 2025}}
Firecrackers and fireworks are generally forbidden in public during the Chinese New Year, especially in areas with significant non-Chinese populations, to avoid conflict between the two. However, there are some exceptions. The usage of firecrackers is legal in some metropolitan areas such as [[Jakarta]] and [[Medan]], where the degree of racial and cultural tolerance is higher.

===Ireland===

Fireworks and firecrackers are not permitted in the Republic of Ireland; however, many people smuggle them from [[Northern Ireland]], where they are legal. They are most common around [[Halloween]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/justice/criminal_law/criminal_offences/the_law_on_fireworks.html|title=Fireworks: the law|last=Citizensinformation.ie|website=www.citizensinformation.ie}}</ref> Irish anti-firecracker laws are considered among the strictest in the world, equal to Chile's.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fireworkscrazy.co.uk/blog/are-fireworks-banned-in-ireland/|title=Are Fireworks Banned in Ireland? - Fireworks Crazy Blog}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thejournal.ie/fireworks-illegal-danger-penalties-ireland-1148113-Oct2013/|title=Warning over fireworks danger - and €10,000 fine for using them illegally|first=Aoife|last=Barry|website=TheJournal.ie|date=27 October 2013}}</ref>

===Malaysia=== 
Private citizens are banned from using fireworks in the Minor Offences Act 1955 and Explosives Act 1957. However, the illegal setting of fireworks and firecrackers are rarely enforced as they are tolerated during festive seasons. In addition, fireworks are readily available in the community.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lam Thye: Menace of illegal fireworks still persists |url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2019/05/492325/lam-thye-menace-illegal-fireworks-still-persists |website=New Straits Times Online |date=29 May 2019 |access-date=9 February 2022}}</ref>

The government only allows fireworks for public events, and some authorised events held by businesses and other groups with a permit.

===Norway=== 
The government of Norway banned the sale of rockets to individuals in early 2009, while allowing rockets to continue to be used in firework displays managed by licensed professionals. Other types of fireworks can still be sold.

===Philippines=== 
Fireworks and firecrackers are widely available throughout the Philippines and both [[List of Philippine laws|Republic Act]] 7183 and Executive Order 28 were enacted to regulate and to control the sale, distribution, manufacture and use of firecrackers for [[public safety]].<ref name="ra7183">{{cite web|url=http://www.chanrobles.com/republicactno7183.htm|title=REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7183|website=chanrobles.com|access-date=December 28, 2016}}</ref> Under Republic Act 7183, there are certain firecrackers that are legal such as [[Judas' belt]] and the prohibition of a certain firecracker and pyrotechnic devices shall be determined by the Director-General of the [[Philippine National Police]].  Although, there are [[Cities of the Philippines|cities in the Philippines]] banning all kinds of firecrackers and those cities are [[Muntinlupa]] (since 2013), [[Olongapo]] (since 2008)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://spgensantos.ph/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Ord29-2014.pdf|title=Ordinance 29 series of 2014 - General Santos City|access-date=1 January 2016}}</ref> and [[Davao City]] (since 2001).<ref name="Geronimo">{{cite news|url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/288418/news/regions/firecracker-ban-keeps-davao-city-injury-free-for-fourth-straight-year|title=Firecracker ban keeps Davao City injury-free for fourth straight year|last=Geronimo|first=Gian|date=1 January 2013|work=[[GMA News]]|access-date=1 January 2016}}</ref><ref name="Lacorte">{{cite news|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/751682/horns-define-davao-new-year|title=Horns define Davao New Year|last=Lacorte|first=Germelina|newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]]|access-date=1 January 2016}}</ref> Injuries involving the use or ingestion of "[[Piccolo (firecracker)|Piccolo]]" sticks account for the majority of firecracker-related incidents in the country.<ref name="Uy">{{cite news|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/745525/doh-urges-ban-on-piccolo-firecracker|title=DOH urges ban on 'piccolo' firecracker|last=Uy|first=Jocelyn|date=8 December 2015|newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]]|access-date=1 January 2016}}</ref><ref name="piccoloGMA">{{cite news|url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/549266/news/nation/piccolo-still-cause-of-most-firecracker-related-injuries-doh|title=Piccolo still cause of most firecracker-related injuries —DOH|date=28 December 2015|work=[[GMA News]]|access-date=1 January 2016}}</ref> However, in December 2020, firecrackers were banned in some areas of [[Metro Manila]] to prevent injuries and avoid mass gatherings in the region due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1374227/firecrackers-banned-in-metro-manila-ncrpo-chief|title = Firecrackers banned in Metro Manila — NCRPO chief|date = 21 December 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/metro/769399/not-all-metro-manila-lgus-imposing-total-firecracker-ban/story/|title = Not all Metro Manila LGUs imposing total firecracker ban| date=25 December 2020}}</ref> For example, Mayor Joy Belmonte of [[Quezon City]] said that fireworks and firecracker use is strictly prohibited in basketball courts, streets and public spaces, and can only be used in designated firecracker zones. Some provinces and municipalities outside of Metro Manila also imposed a firecracker ban to make sure that minimum health protocols will be observed during the new year celebration.

===Singapore===

A partial ban on firecrackers was imposed in March 1970 after a fire killed six people and injured 68.<ref>[http://www.book-soul.com/h.html#1970 Book soul 1970] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061121141538/http://www.book-soul.com/h.html#1970 |date=2006-11-21}}, book-soul.com</ref> This was extended to a total ban in August 1972, after an explosion that killed two people.<ref>[http://www.chingay.org.sg/2006/aboutchingay/index.asp Chingay Past] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060805230119/http://www.chingay.org.sg/2006/aboutchingay/index.asp |date=August 5, 2006}}, chingay.org.sg</ref> and an attack on two police officers attempting to stop a group from letting off firecrackers in February 1972.<ref>{{cite book | author=Akbur M., Peer | title=Policing Singapore in the 19th and 20th centuries | publisher=[[Singapore Police Force]]|year=2002|isbn=981-04-7024-X|page=100}}</ref> Since, in 2003, the [[Government of Singapore|government]] allowed firecrackers to be set off during the festive season, but only by government approved and appointed personnel. As such, private individuals are still prohibited from setting off fireworks and firecrackers. At the Chinese New Year light-up in [[Chinatown, Singapore|Chinatown]], at the stroke of midnight on the first day of the Lunar New Year, firecrackers are set off under controlled conditions by the [[Singapore Tourism Board]]. Other occasions where firecrackers are allowed to be set off are determined by the [[Singapore Tourism Board|tourism board]] or other government organisations. Private sale and importation of fireworks and firecrackers is prohibited.

===Sweden===

Only rocket-type fireworks and small firecrackers are currently allowed in Sweden. The ban of firecrackers was effectuated by the [[EU Parliament]] and Swedish government effective 1 December 2001, but in 2006 the EU Parliament changed the laws, allowing smaller types of firecrackers. By 2008, the law had to be in effect in all EU member countries, including Sweden.

===Taiwan===

Firecrackers have been banned in urban areas of Taiwan since 2008, but are still allowed in rural areas.{{Citation needed|date=September 2018}}

===United Kingdom=== 
In 1997, firecrackers became illegal, but most other consumer fireworks are legal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prnewswire.co.uk/cgi/news/release?id=46456 |title=BANGERS BANNED AND BOYS BEHAVING BADLY GIVEN A ROCKET IN FIREWORK CLAMPDOWN - October 14, 1997 /PR Newswire UK/ |publisher=Prnewswire.co.uk |access-date=2015-11-07}}</ref>

===United States===
According to ''Reader's Digest'', as of June 2023 firecrackers are legal in every US state besides Massachusetts, though the exact types allowed vary.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bryant |first1=Kelly |title=These are the states where fireworks are legal in 2023 |url=https://www.rd.com/article/states-where-fireworks-are-legal/ |website=Reader's Digest |date=19 May 2021 |access-date=5 December 2023}}</ref>

In 2007, [[New York City]] lifted its decade-old ban on firecrackers, allowing a display of 300,000 firecrackers to be set off in [[Chinatown, Manhattan|Chinatown]]'s [[Chatham Square (Manhattan)|Chatham Square]].<ref>[http://www.nypost.com/seven/02172007/entertainment/can_you_pig_it__entertainment_ava_chin.htm Can you pig it? New York goes hog-wild for Chinese New Year] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070219051214/http://www.nypost.com/seven/02172007/entertainment/can_you_pig_it__entertainment_ava_chin.htm |date=February 19, 2007}}, ''[[New York Post]]'', February 17, 2007.</ref> Under the supervision of the [[Los Angeles Fire Department|fire]] and [[Los Angeles Police Department|police]] departments, [[Chinatown, Los Angeles, California|Los Angeles]] regularly lights firecrackers every New Year's Eve, mostly at temples and the shrines of benevolent associations. The [[San Francisco]] Chinese New Year Parade, the largest outside China, is accompanied by numerous firecrackers, both officially sanctioned and illicit.

===Vietnam===

In 1994, the [[Government of Vietnam]] decided to ban firecrackers nationwide. Only fireworks displays produced and performed by the government are permitted.