A Guide to the Safe Use of Pyrotechnics: What the Law Says and How to Protect Yourself?

Fireworks, sparklers, smoke bombs – pyrotechnics are a part of every big celebration. New Year's Eve, weddings, coming-of-age parties, sporting events – it’s hard to imagine a celebration without at least one light effect in the sky. But every season, injury statistics remind us that pyrotechnics should be taken seriously.

As a team with over 20 years of experience in pyrotechnics and special effects, we want to share what every user of pyrotechnics needs to know, what the law stipulates, what product categories exist, and how to protect yourself, your children, and your pets. Our aim is not to scare you, but to help you celebrate safely.

The Serbian Law on Public Order and Peace, Article 17, states:

Let's be clear from the outset: the use of pyrotechnics in Serbia is not banned, but it is regulated. And the penalties are not token.

The Public Order and Peace Act („Official Gazette of RS“, Nos. 6/2016 and 24/2018) clearly defines what constitutes an offence in Article 17. Anyone who disturbs public order and peace or endangers the safety of citizens by lighting pyrotechnic products can expect a fine of 50,000 to 100,000 dinars or community service for 40 to 120 hours. If this occurs in a group of three or more persons, a prison sentence of 30 to 60 days is prescribed.

Crucially: the sale of pyrotechnic devices to persons under 18 years of age is prohibited by law. Therefore, even if your child „just wants one firecracker,“ the seller who sells it to them is breaking the law, and the parent who allows this also bears responsibility.

Pyrotechnics should not be used near hospitals, schools, social institutions, residential blocks, and places where flammable materials are stored. And make your purchases exclusively from shops licensed by the Ministry of the Interior. Everything else is the black market and a risk not worth taking.

Pyrotechnic Categories: F1, F2, F3, F4 and what you are allowed to use

Every pyrotechnic product you purchase should have a category marking on its packaging. This classification originates from EU Directive 2013/29/EU and is also applied in Serbia. Understanding the categories is key to safe usage.

Formula 1 includes products with very low risk and negligible noise. These include spray cans, confetti, small fountains, and cake fireworks. The safety distance is a minimum of about 1 metre. These products can also be used indoors, with caution of course.

Category F2 These are products of moderate risk, smaller fireworks, Roman candles, medium-strength fountains. They are intended exclusively for outdoor spaces, with a minimum safety distance of 8 metres. This means – not in a 5-metre garden, not on a terrace, not between buildings.

Category F3 implies larger fireworks displays for large open spaces. The safety distance is 25 metres, and these products are intended for experienced users who understand how pyrotechnic products work.

Category F4 is reserved exclusively for licensed professional pyrotechnicians. These products are not, and should not be, available to the general public.

There are also categories T1 and T2 for stage pyrotechnic effects (fire fountains, firework displays, cold sparks) used at weddings, concerts and festivals, but exclusively by professional teams with the appropriate equipment and experience.

Practical advice that we repeat to all customers: before you light anything, please read the declaration on the product. It indicates the category, safety distance, and instructions for use. Two minutes of reading can prevent a serious injury.

10 rules for the safe use of pyrotechnics

These ten rules stem from our years of experience. They aren't complicated, but they can make the difference between a good time and a trip to A&E.

1. Only buy from authorised retailers. which have approval from the Ministry of the Interior. If the seller does not have a licence, do not buy, regardless of the price.
2. Do not allow children to handle fireworks unsupervised. The law prohibits sales to those under 18, but supervision is also recommended for adults for categories F2 and F3.
3. Read the instructions on the packaging. Every product has a declaration with a category, safety distance, and instructions. Do not skip this step.
4. Observe a safe distance indicated on the product. If it says 8 metres, it means 8 metres, not approximately somewhere around there.
5. Use pyrotechnics outdoors, apart from products in the F1 category which are designed for indoor use.
6. Alcohol and fireworks don't mix. This sounds obvious, and yet it is the cause of a large number of incidents.
7. Never try to relight a product that has not ignited. Wait at least 15 minutes, then soak it in a bucket of water.
8. Do not hold the activated product in your hands. Place it on a flat, stable surface, ignite it, and move away immediately.
9. Keep a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby. It sounds pretentious, but when it's needed, you'll be grateful.
10. Respect your neighbours. Avoid using late at night near hospitals, schools, care homes, and residential buildings.

Protect pets and vulnerable people

If you have pets, here's what you can do: bring them indoors before the fireworks begin, close the windows and blinds, play music or the TV to muffle the sound, don't leave them on their own and don't try to get them used to fireworks, it doesn't work.

The same applies to young children, older people, and people with anxiety or PTSD. Letting your neighbours know that you will be using fireworks at a certain time is a small gesture that can mean a lot.

Why is it important to buy from authorised dealers

The greatest risk comes not from pyrotechnics themselves, but from unmarked, untested products from the grey market. A product without a CE marking, without a declaration, without an indicated category, means you don't know what you're buying. You don't know the fill amount, whether the fuse is correct, or what the safety distance is.

Professional, authorised sellers offer products with clear classification, CE certification, Serbian language declarations, and expert advice. The price difference between the grey market and a legal shop is minimal, while the difference in safety is enormous.

At VatrometShop, we have been with you for over 20 years. We are an authorised pyrotechnics dealer and special effects contractor. Whether you are looking for sparklers for a wedding aisle or a professional firework display for a big celebration, we are here to help you choose the right product and use it safely. Visit our showroom in Veternik or call us at +381 64 11 96 577 and we will gladly answer all your questions.

Use fireworks to celebrate, not to endanger yourself or others. An informed user is a safe user, and we hope this guide has helped you with that. Celebrate loudly, celebrate beautifully, but above all, celebrate safely.