The Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (BAZG) has issued its traditional pre-1 August reminder to travellers about Switzerland’s strict rules on bringing fireworks into the country. In a press release dated 28 July 2026, the agency notes that every year large quantities of pyrotechnics arrive in Switzerland in the days leading up to the National Day celebrations. Not all of these products are legal, and violations of the Explosives Act can trigger criminal proceedings. Anyone wishing to import fireworks generally needs an import licence from the Federal Office of Police (fedpol). An exception applies to private travellers: pyrotechnic devices intended purely for entertainment may be brought across the border licence-free up to a gross weight of 2.5 kg per person, provided the items are approved for sale in Switzerland. Even then, regional fire bans can still make it illegal to set them off once inside the country. Products that explode at ground level—such as bangers, crackers and petards—are outright prohibited. The BAZG also singles out oversize “Lady Crackers” (longer than 22 mm or wider than 3 mm) as forbidden goods. Officers who discover undeclared or prohibited fireworks will confiscate them and file a report with the competent cantonal authorities. BAZG encourages travellers to check the current rules before ordering fireworks online or driving back from shopping trips in neighbouring countries. The agency’s website offers links to the relevant sections of the Explosives Act and to fedpol’s detailed guidance. Companies importing professional-grade pyrotechnics are reminded that separate commercial licensing procedures apply. For corporate mobility managers this notice is a timely reminder to brief assignees and business travellers—especially those arriving for short summer projects—on Swiss customs regulations. Confiscations at the border can cause delays, fines and unwanted legal exposure for the employer, while regional fire bans may also affect company events planned for the National Day weekend.
