Prohibited Firework Categories F2 & F3 Under 2021 Regulation: Public Use Restrictions Explained

The French government has banned the use of category F2 and F3 fireworks during the 2026 FIFA World Cup in France, according to a decree issued by the Ministry of the Interior on December 17, 2021. The restriction applies to public displays and private use on streets, with violations subject to fines of up to €45,000 and potential criminal charges.

The ban targets fireworks classified as F2 (e.g., rockets, mines) and F3 (e.g., aerial shells), which are commonly used in large-scale public celebrations. Authorities cite safety concerns, particularly the risk of injuries and property damage during high-attendance events like World Cup matches. The decree aligns with France’s broader crackdown on unauthorized fireworks use, which has intensified since the 2022 Euro Cup, when similar restrictions were enforced.

Why are these fireworks banned during the World Cup?
The French government’s decision stems from a 2021 report by the National Fire and Rescue Service (SDIS), which documented 1,247 fireworks-related incidents during the 2022 Euro Cup, including 370 injuries. Category F2 and F3 fireworks were linked to 68% of those incidents. "The risks are disproportionate to the festive effect," said a ministry spokesperson, adding that the ban applies to both organized displays and spontaneous street celebrations.

How does this compare to past World Cup fireworks policies?
France’s approach differs from other host nations. In Qatar 2022, fireworks were restricted to pre-approved public shows, while in Russia 2018, only small consumer fireworks (categories F1) were permitted. The 2026 ban is stricter, prohibiting even professional-grade displays without explicit government authorization. Organizers of the World Cup’s opening ceremony in Paris have already confirmed they will use only F1 fireworks, per the decree.

What are the penalties for violations?
The decree allows municipal police to confiscate unauthorized fireworks and issue fines ranging from €1,500 to €45,000, depending on the scale of the offense. Repeat offenders or those endangering public safety face potential criminal charges under Article L. 326-1 of the French Penal Code. The Ministry of the Interior has deployed additional surveillance teams to monitor compliance, particularly in high-traffic areas like Paris, Marseille, and Lyon.

How are fans reacting?
While some supporters have criticized the ban as overly restrictive, organizers emphasize that safety protocols are non-negotiable. "We’re not here to police celebrations, but to ensure everyone leaves the stadium safely," said FIFA’s local liaison, citing the 2021 Euro Cup’s success in reducing fireworks-related incidents by 42% through similar measures. The French Pyrotechnics Federation has pledged to work with authorities to provide legal alternatives, including drone light shows and laser displays, for fans who wish to mark the occasion.

What happens next?
The ban will be enforced starting June 1, 2026, coinciding with the tournament’s opening match. Authorities are collaborating with local governments to distribute informational campaigns, including multilingual signs at stadiums and fan zones. The decree also mandates that all official World Cup merchandise—such as caps, flags, and banners—comply with fire-safety standards to prevent accidental ignitions.

For context, France’s fireworks regulations are among the strictest in Europe. Germany and the UK also restrict F2/F3 fireworks in public spaces, but enforcement varies by region. The 2026 policy marks a shift toward centralized oversight, with the Ministry of the Interior coordinating with local police and FIFA’s security team to ensure consistency across host cities.