Am I allowed to set off fireworks in Sweden?
Yes, but heavily restricted — especially in central Stockholm. Fireworks must be CE-marked (category F1–F3); F4 is professional only. You must be 18 to buy and handle F2/F3, and rockets with a steering stick have required special training since 2019 — effectively a consumer ban. A police permit is often required to set off on or near a public place. In Stockholm's inner city (KFS 2023:14) it is effectively banned without a permit in e.g. the Old Town, parks and near hospitals. New Year gives no blanket exemption in central Stockholm.
📋 The rules
- Items must be CE-marked, category F1–F3
- Age 18 to buy and handle F2/F3
- Rockets with a steering stick need training (effectively a ban)
- A police permit is often required on/near a public place
- Central Stockholm: effectively banned without a permit
🔓 Exceptions
- Your own private land away from people (age + CE + steering-stick rules still apply)
- F1 low-hazard items are largely exempt from the permit requirement
- New Year gives no blanket exemption in central Stockholm
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Setting off without a required permit brings fines (Public Order Act ch. 3 §22). Selling to a minor or unlawfully handling explosives can bring fines or several years in prison.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
How old must I be to buy fireworks?
18 for F2/F3 items. Selling to anyone under 18 is a crime.
Are stick rockets banned?
In practice yes for consumers — they have required special training since 2019.
Do I need a permit to set off fireworks at New Year?
Often yes on or near a public place. In central Stockholm a permit is required even at New Year.
Can I set off fireworks on my own plot?
Yes, away from people and buildings, but the age, CE and steering-stick rules still apply.
Where is it banned in Stockholm?
The Old Town, Norrmalm, parks, bridges and near hospitals, schools and care homes, among others.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “can I set off fireworks sweden”
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