Munich (dpa / lby) - Before New Year's Eve, the Bavarian police warn against buying firecrackers abroad, which are illegal in Germany. Medium and large fireworks in categories 3 and 4 are often freely available from the age of 21, the State Criminal Police Office (LKA) in Munich announced on Thursday. In Germany, however, only holders of special permits are allowed to own such fireworks.
In addition, with fireworks from abroad, it is often unclear what materials they are made of, the LKA said. Igniting them is "connected with extreme risks" and can lead to life-threatening injuries. There is often a risk of misfiring.
Anyone caught with prohibited fireworks in Germany must expect fines of up to 50,000 euros, fines or even up to three years in prison. In addition, those responsible must also pay the costs for destroying the illegal firecrackers.
According to their own statements, the federal police in Bavaria reported 160 violations of the Explosives Act in 2022 up to and including November. The focus was on controls in the Upper Palatinate. The number only shows some of the violations in Bavaria, customs and the state police also check in this regard.
