Fireworks permit in Belgium
Who gives permission for a fireworks show, who may fire it, and how early should you start? The short answer: the municipality decides, a professional with a pyro-pass fires, and you start early. Here is the longer answer, in plain words.
The municipality decides. Always.
Two levels of rules
The federal government decides who may buy and handle fireworks. Consumer fireworks (categories F1 and F2) are sold in licensed shops. Show fireworks (F3 and F4) and stage pyro (T1 and T2) are sold in Belgium only to people with specialised knowledge. Since 24 May 2024 those people need a pyro-pass from the FPS Economy.
The municipality decides whether fireworks may be fired, where and when. That is in each municipality’s police regulation, and the rules differ a lot. Buying fireworks legally does not mean you may fire them everywhere.
What it looks like in practice
- Brussels: the police regulation of the City of Brussels forbids fireworks without authorisation, in public space, in places open to the public and on private property
- Genk: fireworks are banned all year, also on private ground. The mayor can make an exception for a professional show, but the city states that no exceptions are possible in 2026
- Antwerp: public events go through the city’s events desk, with advice from police and fire service; apply at least 3 weeks ahead for a small event, 6 weeks for a medium one and 4 months for a large one
- Some Walloon municipalities ask for a written request with a safety file at least 60 days ahead
- Air traffic: near an airport, or when the fireworks go higher than 200 metres, the federal aviation authority must also give permission, at least 20 working days ahead
So there is no single deadline for the whole country. Our advice: contact us as soon as the date and the venue are known.
Who does what
- The organiser applies to the municipality, usually together with the event permit
- Pyred supplies the safety file for that application: the effects, the safety distances, the site plan and the emergency information
- The municipality asks the police and the fire service for advice, and the mayor or the college decides, sometimes with conditions
- On the day, our pyrotechnicians with a pyro-pass build and fire the show, and we bring the fireworks from our licensed storage under the rules for dangerous goods
And a Sparkular?
A Sparkular machine (“cold sparks”) is not fireworks: it contains no explosive mixture, so the federal fireworks rules do not apply to it. There is no national Belgian rule for these machines, but some police regulations are broadly worded and venues can set their own conditions. We check that for every event. More on cold sparks (Sparkular) and on “cold fireworks”.
Frequently asked questions
Who applies for the permit for fireworks?
The organiser applies to the municipality; Pyred supplies the safety file with everything that is needed for the effects.
How far in advance should we apply?
That depends on the municipality: from a few weeks to several months for large events. Near an airport or above 200 metres, the aviation authority needs at least 20 working days. Start as soon as the date and venue are fixed.
May we fire fireworks at our wedding?
Only with permission from the municipality, and show fireworks may only be fired by a professional with a pyro-pass. In some municipalities fireworks are not allowed at all. Indoors, Sparkular cold sparks are often the better choice.
Does indoor stage pyro need a permit too?
Stage pyro is real fireworks, so the municipal rules can apply, and the venue and fire service have their say. We clarify it in the safety file for each venue.
Is this legal advice?
No. This page explains the general rules as of October 2026. The police regulation of your municipality always decides; we check it for every show.