Fireworks and New Year’s Eve in Austria: What Is Allowed?

Fireworks and firecrackers are popular on New Year’s Eve, but Austria has strict rules about who may use them, which products are permitted and where they may be set off. Pyrotechnic devices (Feuerwerkskörper) are divided into categories according to their level of danger.

Firework categories in Austria

Under the Austrian Pyrotechnics Act (Pyrotechnikgesetz), fireworks and New Year’s firecrackers (Silvesterknaller) are divided into four categories. The category is stated on the product packaging.

• F1: Very low danger and negligible noise. These may be used according to the instructions, including indoors where permitted. Examples include sparklers, snap peas, cake fireworks and table fireworks. Minimum age: 12. No special authorisation is required.
• F2: Low danger and low noise. These are for outdoor use in a separated area. Examples include Swiss firecrackers containing only black powder, jumping crackers and battery fireworks. Minimum age: 16. No special authorisation is required.
• F3: Medium danger. These are for outdoor use in a large, open area. Examples include crackers (Knallkörper) and pinwheels. Minimum age: 18. Technical knowledge (Pyrotechnikausweis) and an individual permit are required.
• F4: High danger and intended only for professionals. Examples include fireworks bombs, fan fireworks, fountains and fire pots. Minimum age: 18. Expertise (Pyrotechnikausweis) and an individual permit are required.

The age limit applies not only to using fireworks, but also to possessing and handing them over.

Who may use F3 and F4 fireworks?

A person has technical knowledge (Sachkunde) or expertise (Fachkenntnis) if they have successfully completed a state or state-recognised course, or hold a trade licence for manufacturing fireworks. Only people considered reliable may apply for a pyrotechnics course.

In addition to a pyrotechnics certificate, an individual permit is required to use the larger and more spectacular F3 and F4 devices.

Where are fireworks prohibited?

Meeting the age requirement does not mean that fireworks can be used anywhere.

Built-up areas

Using F2 devices, such as jumping crackers, in a built-up area (Ortsgebiet) is generally prohibited throughout the year, including on New Year’s Eve. The mayor (Bürgermeister) may permit an exception in part of the area, but only if there is no danger to people, property or public safety and no intolerable noise is expected.

Near sensitive facilities

Using fireworks on or directly near hospitals (Krankenanstalten), children’s homes, care homes for older people, holiday homes, churches and places of worship, animal shelters and zoos is always prohibited, including outside built-up areas. The mayor cannot grant an exception in these locations.

For devices that do not produce noise, the person responsible for the facility may approve their use if this does not endanger life, health, property or public safety.

In crowds and at sporting events

• Using F2 devices near a large crowd is generally prohibited, both inside and outside built-up areas.
• Possessing and using fireworks at sporting events and in their immediate vicinity is prohibited, unless the organiser has a special permit.

Near fire hazards

Fireworks may not be used near petrol stations or other easily combustible or explosive objects, facilities and locations.

Are Swiss firecrackers legal?

Swiss firecrackers containing a flash composition (Blitzknallsatz), commonly known as “Piraten”, are prohibited in Austria. Selling, possessing and using them are all punishable offences.

Swiss firecrackers that contain only black powder as their sound charge remain permitted. However, they may not be ignited in built-up areas or near large crowds, churches, hospitals and certain other locations.

How must fireworks be ignited?

F1 devices, such as sparklers, popping candy and snap peas, and F2 devices may be ignited only one at a time and separately from one another. Connecting several items or lighting them simultaneously is therefore not permitted.

What are the penalties?

Anyone who breaches the rules may face:

• A fine: up to 3600 euros
• Imprisonment: up to three weeks

Fireworks should always be handled responsibly and with consideration for other people.

Frequently asked questions

How old must my child be to use a sparkler?

Sparklers belong to category F1 and may be used and possessed from the age of 12 without special authorisation.

Can I set off firecrackers outside my apartment building in the city on New Year’s Eve?

F2 devices are generally prohibited in built-up areas throughout the year. An exception may be granted by the mayor under certain conditions.

Are Swiss firecrackers legal in Austria?

The version containing a flash composition is prohibited and punishable. The version containing only black powder is permitted, but may not be ignited in built-up areas or near certain locations.

What is the maximum penalty?

A breach may result in a fine of up to 3600 euros or imprisonment for up to three weeks.

Practical steps before using fireworks

1. Check the product packaging to identify its F1, F2, F3 or F4 category.
2. Confirm that the user meets the applicable age requirement and has any required Pyrotechnikausweis or individual permit.
3. Check whether the location is a built-up area, near a sensitive facility, a large crowd, a sporting event, a petrol station or another fire hazard.
4. Do not use “Piraten” or any Swiss firecracker containing Blitzknallsatz.
5. Ignite F1 and F2 devices individually and separately, and follow the product instructions.
6. When in doubt, check the current information from oesterreich.gv.at before using any pyrotechnic device.

Important: This article is based on information available online and does not constitute advice. Use it at your own responsibility. For specialist advice, consult a lawyer, legal professional, healthcare professional, employment-law or labour-market specialist, or another relevant professional.