Anyone who wishes to handle explosive substances in a non-commercial, i.e., private, capacity must obtain a permit under the Explosives Act.

Activities involving explosive substances carry a high risk of danger. The purpose of the Explosives Act is to protect people and property from these dangers.

To prevent accidents and misuse, explosives legislation imposes strict requirements regarding the suitability, reliability, and expertise of individuals who wish to handle explosive substances.

If you, as a private individual, wish to handle the following explosive substances:

• black powder for muzzle-loading firearms,
• firecracker powder for setting off firecrackers,
• nitrocellulose powder for reloading cartridge cases,
• rocket motors for model rocket construction in category P2, and
• fireworks of categories F3 and F4,
• Fireworks of category F2 pursuant to Section 20(4) of the First Ordinance to the Explosives Act

then you need a permit under Section 27 of the Explosives Act (colloquially also known as a powder permit, firecracker permit, or fireworks permit)!

This official permit ensures that only those individuals who meet the requirements for safe handling are granted access to explosive substances.

• Completed application form for a permit under Section 27 of the Explosives Act
• Valid ID card or passport
• Certificate of competence (proof of successful completion of a training course relevant to the planned activity; not required for Category F3 fireworks)
• Proof of the need to handle explosive substances (not required for a permit to handle pyrotechnic articles)
• Proof of liability insurance when handling Category F3 and F4 fireworks
• Description of the intended storage (e.g., technical documentation, photographic evidence)
• If applicable: firearms license, hunting license, previously issued permits
• For the verification of the reliability of persons from abroad:
• You need a certified translation of a certificate from the competent judicial or administrative authority of your home country or country of origin regarding certain facts relevant to the assessment of your reliability (e.g., criminal record).