Can I set off fireworks in Finland?
On New Year's night, yes — any other time only with a notification. Consumer fireworks may be used without a separate notification only from 18:00 on 31 December to 02:00 on 1 January. At any other time you must file an advance notification with the rescue department, which can set conditions or refuse outright — Midsummer rockets and wedding displays fall into that category. Buyers and shooters must be 18, and supplying fireworks to a minor is punishable. The person firing must wear safety glasses: mandatory, not a recommendation, because most eye injuries happen without them. Municipalities also set no-firing zones such as city centres and squares.
📋 The rules
- Without separate notification, fireworks are allowed only on New Year's night, 31 Dec 18:00 – 1 Jan 02:00.
- At any other time, consumer fireworks require an advance notification to the rescue department, which can set conditions or refuse.
- The age limit is 18 — for buying and firing; supplying minors is punishable.
- The shooter must wear safety glasses — per Tukes this is mandatory, and most eye injuries happen without them.
- Many municipalities and rescue departments define banned zones (city centres, near churches and hospitals) — check local restrictions.
🔓 Exceptions
- Professional displays are separately licensed — the organiser handles the permits.
- Sparklers and the smallest F1-class items may be sold to younger buyers according to the package age limit.
- Banned zones restrict use even when the clock would allow it — the municipality's and rescue department's limits (city centres, hospitals, churches) must be checked separately.
⚠️ Penalties
Firing outside the allowed hours or in a banned zone can bring fines for breaching explosives rules or a public-order violation. Damage is compensated in full: a burnt car, an ignited balcony or the neighbour's roof are the shooter's liability, and 'the rocket went the wrong way' is no defence. Careless firing towards people can be investigated as endangerment — and if a minor got the rockets from you, supplying them is punishable in itself. The costliest consequence isn't measured in euros: an eye injury is permanent, and most happen without safety glasses.
📎 Sources
- Tukes · How to light fireworks safely →
- Finnish Rescue Services · Fireworks →
- Police of Finland · Fireworks for adults only →
❓ Frequently asked questions
What hours are fireworks allowed at New Year?
From 18:00 on New Year's Eve until 02:00 on New Year's night — with no separate notification. Outside those hours a notification to the rescue department is always required.
Can I fire rockets at Midsummer or a wedding?
Only if you notify the rescue department in advance and it accepts. The department can attach conditions or ban the use entirely, for example because of a forest-fire warning.
Are safety glasses really mandatory?
Yes for the person firing — per Tukes this is mandatory, not a tip. Glasses are recommended for spectators too, because the majority of eye injuries happen without them.
Can a 16-year-old buy sparklers?
The smallest F1-class items may be sold to younger buyers according to the package age limit. Rockets and cake fireworks are always 18+, both for buying and for firing.
Can I buy rockets for my underage child?
No — supplying fireworks to a minor is punishable, and the age limit covers both buying and firing. The parent has to do the firing, wearing safety glasses.
🔎 What people search
Searches that lead to this question.
- “fireworks rules Finland”
- “New Year fireworks hours Finland”
- “fireworks notification rescue department”
- “fireworks age limit Finland”
- “safety glasses fireworks mandatory Finland”
- “fireworks banned zones municipality Finland”