Misuse of pyrotechnics carries fines from 300 to 600,000 euros

Christmas, lights and pyrotechnics go almost hand in hand. The flashes and noise of fireworks seem to announce the arrival of the holidays, becoming a classic of these dates. But behind the spectacle, pyrotechnics demand responsibility, since improper use, illegal sale or storage without safety measures can be very expensive, with fines that reach 600,000 euros.

And, in Spain, pyrotechnics are not exempt from rules. Far beyond the holiday tradition, the use, sale and storage of fireworks are regulated by both state regulations and municipal ordinances. This means that lighting firecrackers in the middle of the street or selling fireworks without the corresponding permits It can lead to economic sanctions and even the removal of the material by the authorities. Regarding administrative infractions, the law contemplates everything from light fines to much more severe sanctions, depending on the seriousness of the fact.

Fines based on the severity of the violation

At the state level, the Regulation on pyrotechnic articles and cartridges classifies numerous behaviors as administrative infractions. For example, manufacturing, storing, selling or using fireworks without CE marking or without proper documentation may result inr fines from around €300 to more than €30,000, in addition to the possible seizure of the products and even the temporary closure of the establishment involved.

In addition to national regulations, many municipalities have tightened their own ordinances for these dates. In towns like Torremolinos or Cáceres, sides have been approved that prohibit the use of firecrackers in public spaces or without municipal authorization, with penalties that can reach €1,500 for individuals who violate these prohibitions.

In other municipalities, the unauthorized sale of fireworks in businesses is punishable by fines ranging between €100 and €3,000, and always with the possibility of the local police removing the products from the establishment.

And the numbers can be even higher in serious or repeated cases. Although less common, penalties for massive illegal sales, irregular storage in large quantities or uncontrolled manufacturing can reach amounts much higher than usual, even up to around €600,000 in cases classified as very seriousaccording to the latest information campaign by the security forces for this Christmas. These types of fines seek to deter dangerous practices that put both people and property at risk.