Is the end of the sale of category F3 pyrotechnics approaching? What awaits us from 2025?

Is the end of the sale of category F3 pyrotechnics approaching? What awaits us from 2025?

In recent years, the issue of the sale and use of fireworks has become an increasing topic of public debate. Pyrotechnics bring joy and excitement, but there is also increasing pressure from eco-fanatics and other environmental organizations. For this reason, the Czech legislation decided to further tighten the rules. From 2025, it will no longer be possible to purchase category F3 pyrotechnics without a certificate of professional competence. What does this mean for consumers and the market itself?

The government has approved an amendment to the law, which brings several important changes in the field of pyrotechnics. The amendment prohibits the sale of pyrotechnics outside brick-and-mortar stores, with the exception of the least dangerous category F1, regulates the sale of pyrotechnic products at a distance, strengthens the authority of municipalities on their territory and sets minimum distances from certain objects that must be observed when launching pyrotechnic products. The amendment to the Act on Pyrotechnics expands the requirement of professional competence, in such a way that for pyrotechnic products of category F4, T2, P2 it expands the list of activities for which professional competence will be required, and for category F3 it introduces a completely new requirement of professional competence.

A fundamental change will be the new requirement of professional competence as regards pyrotechnic products of category F3. This requirement will apply to the purchase and firing of these pyrotechnic products, but will not apply to economic entities. In the case of a holder of a professional qualification for pyrotechnic products of category F4 and T2, it will apply that this holder is considered a professionally qualified person for category F3 as well. Therefore, only persons who are professionally qualified will be able to handle pyrotechnic products of category F3, F4, T2 and P2 within the scope established by law. A document issued by the Czech Mining Office will be the confirmation of professional competence. The buyer will have to show this document to the seller.

This means that from the beginning of 2025, the sale of category F3 pyrotechnics will only be for persons with a certificate of professional competence. Until now, pyrotechnics of the F3 category were freely sold to all persons over the age of 21.

Another change will be the ban on the sale of pyrotechnics outside brick-and-mortar stores, i.e. in stalls, markets and portable devices, with the exception of the least dangerous F1 category.

It should be mentioned here that the ban on the sale of pyrotechnics of a category higher than F1, especially at Vietnamese markets, has been in effect in the Czech Republic for the past 30 years, but until now the market-goers have not made much of a fuss about it. When checked by ČOI or ČUZZS and a violation of the law is discovered, they usually get a ridiculous fine and happily sell on   we will see how it will be from the beginning of 2025.

In addition, if the supervisory authorities suspect the most serious violations, for example, if pyrotechnic products are sold in places where their sale will be prohibited, they can temporarily secure the pyrotechnic products from the sellers, pending an investigation.

What is category F3 pyrotechnics?

Pyrotechnics category F3 includes pyrotechnics that are intended for outdoor use and carry a medium risk of danger. These include: large compact batteries, compound fireworks, large firecrackers, Roman candles of large calibers, large fountains, etc., which are especially popular at larger celebrations and social events.

Why is there a change?

The main reason is the long-term pressure from nature protection organizations, the environment and even fanatical individuals who are convinced that pyrotechnics are the greatest evil on our planet.

What does a certificate of professional competence mean?

A certificate of professional competence is a document that confirms that its holder has sufficient knowledge and experience in the handling and use of pyrotechnics. This document is already required today for the purchase and use of pyrotechnics of higher categories, such as F4, which is intended for professional use only.

From 2025, however, this requirement will also be extended to category F3 pyrotechnics. Obtaining a certificate will require completion of a course and successful completion of an exam where applicants will demonstrate their knowledge of the safe use of pyrotechnics.

How will the change affect ordinary consumers?

For ordinary users, this means that they will no longer be able to buy most popular fireworks and rackets in regular stores unless they have a certificate of competency. This may lead to a decrease in sales of this pyrotechnics and possibly to a limitation of its availability in the market.

On the other hand, for those willing to invest the time and money to get certified, not much will change. They will be able to continue using pyrotechnics as before.

Category of pyrotechnic products

Fireworks category F1 - sale from 15 years

Fireworks category F2, T1, P1 - sale from 18 years

Fireworks of the F3 category, still sold from the age of 21 (newly from 2025 only for a certificate of professional competence) Large compact batteries, compound fireworks, large firecrackers, Roman candles of large calibers, large fountains, etc.

Professional pyrotechnics category F4, T2, P2 only for a certificate of professional competence.