Legislation

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The new ruling on explosives (Oexpl) came into effect in 2010. Since 1 January 2014, the new rules are applicable.
In order to fire fireworks including category F4 products, you must:

  • Hold a firing permit.
  • Obtain an acquisition permit.

The firing permit:

Note that only the chief firing operator has to have this permit.
There are 2 levels of permit: FWA and FWB

The acquisition permit:

The acquisition permit must be obtained from the authorities of the Canton.
A communal firing authorisation is acceptable as an acquisition permit.

Verwendungsausweis_d_VS

Rights and restrictions

Cours et permis FWA

Course and FWA permit

  • Outside 1 firing only.
  • Allows the firing of ready to fire products, including cakes and candles (it is forbidden to put shells in mortars).
  • The maximum net weight of explosive charge in category F4 is 50 kg; supplementary products in categories F1 to F3 are authorised without limit.
  • The maximum calibre per item is 75 mm.
  • The transport of dangerous goods is authorised within the ADR/SDR free limit. (20 kg of net explosive charge, the 1,000 points rule).
Cours et permis FWB

Course and FWB permit

  • Outside 1 firing only.
  • No weight limit.
  • No calibre limit.
  • All types of category F4 products are authorised.
  • Valid as ADR/SDR permit for the transport of dangerous goods beyond the free limit. (With compliant vehicle and authorisation).

Course and exam admission conditions

Cours et permis FWA

FWA permit

  • The FWA course must have been followed to be admitted for the exam.
  • Open to adults only.
  • Trustworthy²
Cours et permis FWB

FWB permit

  • In possession of the FWA licence.
  • Open to adults only.
  • Trustworthy²

Course organisation

Cours et permis FWA

Course and FWA permit

  • The course takes place over one day with the exam on the same day.
  • The cost is 450 CHF for the course and 50 CHF for the drawing up of the permit.
Cours et permis FWB

Course and FWB permit

  • The course takes place over 4 days, including the exam.
  • The cost is 3'950 CHF for the course and 50 CHF for the drawing up of the permit.

Notes

  1. There is a (BF) permit for inside firing of specific category T2 products.
  2. A formal certificate must be obtained from the police authorities of the Canton.
  3. If the firework displays counting for experience do not reach the minimum limit of 50 kg or do not include shells, a recommendation from a Swiss company recognised by the authorities must be obtained.

The validity of the permit lasts 5 years. A refresher course is necessary to renew the permit.

Summary

Cours et permis FWA

Course and FWA permit

  • Cakes and candles, no shells
  • Maximum 50 kg net active charge
  • Maximum calibre 75 mm
  • one day course including exam
  • Refresher course every 5 years
Cours et permis FWB

Course and FWB permit

  • No weight or calibre limit
  • The candidate must already have an FWA permit.
  • 4 day course +1 day exam
  • Refresher course every 5 years

The organization of the courses is centrally organized and under the responsibility of the Federal Government.

For more information and registration about the different courses in german, french or italien, please contact:

Interessensgemeinschaft Feuerwerk
Schweizer Feuerwehrverband
Morgenstrasse 1, CH-3073 Gümligen

+41 31 958 81 18
admin@swissfire.ch
www.swissfire.ch