Can I let off fireworks or petards in Malta?
No — no one may let off petards, bombs or fireworks without a licence from the Police. Under the Explosives Ordinance (Cap 33), article 24, it is an offence to set off or let off any fireworks "in any place whatsoever" without a licence. Retail sale to the public is limited to small sparklers only (one item not exceeding 50g, or 5g where chlorate is present); any other firework must be factory-made under licence and set off by a licensed pyrotechnician. The myth: that you can buy fireworks like abroad, or that "fireworks are banned outright in Malta" — both wrong. The village feasts put on spectacular fireworks, but this is done under a licence from the Commissioner of Police, with distances from homes and roads and insurance of at least €300,000. F1 category cannot be sold to under-12s, and the others not to under-18s. Anyone breaking the rule can face a fine of up to €50,000 or prison.
📋 The rules
- Under article 24 of Cap 33, no one may let off fireworks without a Police licence.
- Retail sale is limited to small sparklers (not exceeding 50g each); everything else must be factory-made under licence.
- Licences (categories A–D) are issued by the Commissioner of Police on the recommendation of the Explosives Committee.
- Village feasts use fireworks only under licence, with statutory distances and insurance of at least €300,000.
- Category F1 may not be sold to under-12s; the other categories not to under-18s.
🔓 Exceptions
- Small sparklers under 50g may be sold and used without an individual licence.
- A small coloured-flame lance ("Bengala") under 2.5cm or harmless smoke canisters fall under a smaller fine band of €120 to €350.
- "Emission fireworks" on drones are allowed only for State-organised events and only to a licensed manufacturer (from 2025).
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Explosives are among the most severely treated areas of Maltese law. Anyone letting off fireworks without a licence falls under article 29 of Cap 33 and can face 6 months to 2 years in prison or a fine of €15,000 to €50,000, or both. Where the use is only a small coloured-flame lance with no injury or damage, a lower band of €120 to €350 applies. Running an unlicensed factory or introducing explosives without authorisation brings 2–5 years in prison or €5,000 to €25,000. A second offence raises the penalty by two degrees, and a third by three, with possible forfeiture of the property and vehicles used. On top of this, injury or death caused by explosives raises the punishment substantially, and factories must keep distances from homes and worker insurance — a failure that can turn into large civil liability after an accident.
📎 Official sources
- Legislation Malta · Explosives Ordinance (Cap 33) →
- Legislation Malta · Control of Fireworks and other Explosives Regulations (S.L. 33.03) →
- Malta Police · fireworks licences →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I buy petards for private use in Malta?
No. Retail sale to the public is limited to small sparklers under 50g; petards, bombs and aerial fireworks must be factory-made and let off under a Police licence. There is no legal route for an individual to buy or fire fireworks privately.
How does a fireworks licence work?
Licences are issued by the Commissioner of Police on the recommendation of the Explosives Committee, in categories A to D. To qualify you need a recommendation letter from a licensed factory, a course and an interview, and the person must be an adult — this is not something obtained easily.
Are feast fireworks legal?
Yes, but under strict conditions: every display must be licensed by the Commissioner of Police, with statutory distances from homes and roads and insurance of at least €300,000. Applications are submitted at least a month in advance and must be endorsed by the pyrotechnics association.
What if I set off something small like a Bengala?
A coloured-flame lance under 2.5cm or harmless smoke canisters fall under a smaller fine band of €120 to €350, instead of the full explosives penalty. But if there is injury or damage, or the item is larger, the harsher Cap 33 penalties apply again.
Can I bring fireworks in from outside Malta?
Introducing explosives without authorisation is a serious offence under Cap 33, with up to 5 years in prison or a fine of up to €25,000. Even transporting explosives without authorisation carries penalties, so carrying fireworks bought abroad is not a legal option.
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What people search to land here:
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