Customs officials at the Braunschweig customs office confiscate illicit fireworks during mail deliveries.
In a significant development, three parcels containing illegal fireworks were discovered in Brunswick, Germany, on December 18, 2024. This revelation comes from the Main Customs Office of Brunswick, under the Federal Customs Administration, with Nadine Battmer serving as the spokeswoman.
The parcels, suspected of containing pyrotechnics, were addressed to the same recipient and collectively held a total of 1400 grams of net explosive substance. Two parcels contained 700 grams each, while the third parcel held an additional 300 grams.
The shipments, originating from a Polish sender, raised suspicions with a courier service provider in Brunswick, who contacted the Control Unit for Traffic Routes of the Main Customs Office. The city of Brunswick, known for its historic charm, became the epicentre of this investigation.
Fireworks are a common part of New Year's celebrations, but caution is advised when purchasing them due to the possibility of unknown or poorly processed fireworks. The use of certain fireworks can have life-threatening consequences for health and life.
Fireworks are classified according to their danger in categories F1 to F4 in the Explosives Act. Fireworks up to category F2 may generally be brought into Germany by persons over the age of 18. However, a special explosives permit is required for certain fireworks of category F2, and it is always required for fireworks of categories F3 and F4.
Importing non-conforming and unmarked fireworks with the CE marking is prohibited and punishable under the Explosives Act. This includes falsifying the CE marking on fireworks, as stated in the Explosives Act.
For further information, please visit the Main Customs Office of Brunswick's website at www.zoll.de. Inquiries can be directed to Nadine Battmer, the Press spokesperson, at 0531/1291-8506 or via email at [email protected] or [email protected].
The Technical Relief Agency provided assistance in the safe transport of the explosives. Criminal proceedings were initiated against the recipients of the parcels, and it serves as a reminder to the public to exercise caution when purchasing fireworks this New Year's Eve.
