Pyrotechnic articles, explosive devices and precursors

Definitions

Pyrotechnic articles

Pyrotechnic articles are products that contain ignition and/or explosive charges. Their energy produces light, heat, sound, smoke, pressure, movement or similar effects. They are intended for industrial, technical or agricultural use (e.g. signalling devices, weather rockets, cartridges for welding or hardening metals, etc.), or for entertainment (fireworks).

Explosive devices
Explosive devices include explosive materials and detonators (Art. 4 Explosives Act). They have various uses, for example in road and tunnel construction, in agriculture or for triggering avalanches.

Explosives precursors
An explosives precursor is a chemical substance such as hydrogen peroxide that can be found in certain household or hobby products and can be misused in the illegal manufacture of explosives.

Further information is available in the video on Precursors (not available in English).

The role of fedpol

fedpol is responsible for performing the tasks set out in the Explosives Act and Precursors Act, unless these laws designate responsibility to another authority. Primary responsibility for all matters relating to explosives lies with fedpol’s Central Office for Explosives.

fedpol’s tasks include:

issuing import and manufacturing permits for pyrotechnic articles and explosives, and precursor acquisition permits for private individuals;
carrying out controls;
handling reports of suspicious incidents.

Other important authorities and their tasks

Cantons:
The cantons issue sales permits and acquisition permits, monitor the handling of explosives and pyrotechnic articles, and are responsible for prosecuting violations of the Explosives Act. They can restrict the trade in pyrotechnic articles for entertainment, impose conditions or prohibit the sale of certain fireworks.

List of the cantonal offices responsible for explosives (PDF, 126 kB, 19.10.2023)

Staatssekretariat für Bildung, Forschung und Innovation (SBFI)
SERI supervises the training courses and exams required for obtaining permits under the Explosives Act.
Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS)
The FOCBS monitors the import of explosives and pyrotechnic articles into Switzerland and seizes unauthorised explosives precursors imported by private individuals.
State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO)
SECO issues permits for the export and transit of explosives and gunpowder in accordance with the War Materiel Act (if the explosives or gunpowder are covered by it) or the Goods Control Act.

Further information

You can find further information and contact details regarding permits and the acquisition, sale and use of pyrotechnics, explosives and precursors under the appropriate category below: