Cross-border Assessment 2022: Dossier 5: Border effects of the Dutch fireworks prohibition (ex-ante)

Dr. Math Noortmann

During the 2021-2022 turn of the year the Netherlands banned the sale, transport, outdoor possession and lighting of fireworks. This was described as a temporary measure to diminish hospitalisations during the COVID-19 crisis, to reduce the burden on healthcare workers. These measures were not in place in Belgium and Germany at the time, where fireworks remained (partly) legal. This dossier assesses the border effects the Dutch fireworks prohibition, as there is a draft law proposing to render it permanent.

Border Impact Assessment