Fireworks initiative: the key questions and answers

On 29 November 2026, Switzerland votes on the fireworks initiative; the voting documents are currently being delivered. What would a Yes change, and what would it not? Here are the key answers, based on the text of the initiative and the explanatory notes of the Federal Council.

What exactly are we voting on?

On a new Article 74a of the Federal Constitution. It prohibits the sale and use of fireworks that generate noise. For events of supra-regional significance, the competent cantonal authority may grant exemptions on application. The cantons are responsible for enforcement, unless the law reserves it to the Confederation. The full voting text is available on Fedlex.

What would remain permitted after a Yes?

The initiative targets fireworks that generate noise. Low-noise products would remain permitted. The Federal Council's explanatory notes cite sparklers and conventional volcano fountains as examples. Exactly which products fall under the ban is left open by the initiative; the Federal Council and Parliament would determine this during implementation. Fire bans, for example during dry spells, apply regardless.

What applies on 1 August and on New Year's Eve?

Private individuals would no longer be allowed to let off noise-generating fireworks, not even on 1 August or New Year's Eve. Low-noise fireworks would continue to be permitted. Public fireworks displays remain possible if the canton authorises them for an event of supra-regional significance, such as a major national day celebration. Even at such events, however, individuals would not be allowed to set off noise-generating fireworks.

What about lake festivals and other major events?

They can obtain a cantonal exemption permit on application. The initiative leaves open what counts as an event of supra-regional significance. This, too, would be settled in the implementing legislation.

And what about weddings, birthdays or club celebrations?

The wording of the initiative implies that the ban on noise-generating fireworks applies here too. Low-noise fireworks would remain permitted at private celebrations. Whether a larger celebration could qualify as supra-regional is something the implementing legislation will have to clarify.

When would the ban take effect?

The constitutional article would apply from the moment it is accepted by the people and the cantons. In practical terms, however, the ban would only take effect once the implementing provisions are in place, which, under the transitional provision, must enter into force no later than two years afterwards. The exact date would be set in the implementing legislation. Until then, the existing rules of the Confederation, cantons and municipalities remain in force.

May I buy firecrackers abroad and set them off in Switzerland?

Not once the ban is implemented. The initiative prohibits not only the sale but also the use of noise-generating fireworks. Where a firecracker was bought makes no difference to whether it may be set off in Switzerland.

How many fireworks are set off today?

According to the Federal Council's explanatory booklet, 1,443 tonnes of fireworks were consumed in Switzerland in 2025. Over the past ten years, consumption has fluctuated between roughly 800 and 1,900 tonnes. What this means for air, soil and water, we have examined in here.

What happens if the vote is No?

Then the new constitutional article will not be introduced. The existing rules of the Confederation, cantons and municipalities will continue to apply, and cantons and municipalities will remain free to restrict fireworks themselves as before. Even then, there will be no national ban on firecrackers: the Parliament's indirect counter-proposal, which would have banned the setting off of firecrackers through an amendment to the Explosives Act, failed in the National Council's final vote on 19 June 2026, by 114 votes to 79 with 6 abstentions. How much the rules differ today is shown in our article on the fireworks bans in Switzerland.

What do the Federal Council and Parliament recommend?

They recommend a No vote. The National Council rejected the initiative by 131 votes to 50 with 18 abstentions, the Council of States by 40 votes to 3 with 1 abstention. The initiative committee recommends a Yes, as does IG Wild beim Wild.

Is a majority of the cantons required?

Yes. Because the initiative amends the Federal Constitution, it needs a majority of voters and a majority of the cantons.

When will the voting materials arrive?

Under Article 11, paragraph 3 of the Federal Act on Political Rights, they arrive three to four weeks before polling day, i.e. between 1 and 8 November. Anyone voting by post should send off the envelope in good time. The exact deadlines are set by the municipality. Everything you need to know about the vote is collected at ch.ch.

What does the initiative have to do with wild animals?

A great deal. Even the Federal Council notes in its explanatory booklet: “Startled wild animals flee and in doing so use up valuable energy reserves.” In winter, those reserves can decide whether an animal survives. We explain why protection must not stop at the municipal boundary in the article Fireworks initiative on 29 November: what's at stake for wild animals.

IG Wild beim Wild recommends a Yes vote on the fireworks initiative. Wild animals need peace and quiet, from firecrackers just as much as from recreational hunting. The canton of Geneva, which has banned it since 1974, shows that it is possible to manage without recreational hunting (Geneva hunting ban). If you want to get involved in supporting the initiative, you will find everything on our page Yes for wild animals.