Swiss fireworks vote could hit importers hard

A proposed ban on loud fireworks could put heavy pressure on importers, which account for about 70 percent of the industry’s turnover, SRF reports. Voters will decide on the initiative on November 29.

The initiative would prohibit the sale and use of loud fireworks, with exceptions. Quiet items such as fountains, Bengal lights and sparklers would remain permitted. Large professional displays could still take place at events of national or wider regional importance, subject to a cantonal permit. The federal government and parliament would have two years to define what counts as loud and which events qualify.

The industry says its business depends on a few key days each year. A prolonged dry spell led to fire and fireworks bans in almost all cantons this summer, costing fireworks seller Fabian Hutter of Feuerwerkszauber.ch up to half of his annual turnover, he estimates. Daniel Bussmann, owner of the Bugano fireworks factory in Neudorf, canton of Lucerne, also expects significant losses. One bad summer is manageable, he says, but several in a row would be difficult.

Overall sales have remained relatively stable in recent years, Hutter says, and demand is still consistently high. The timing of sales has shifted: while August 1 used to be the main day for the business, more people now buy rockets and batteries for New Year’s Eve. Demand around New Year also rises when August 1 celebrations are cancelled.

Public fireworks displays have become less common as municipalities cite noise and environmental concerns. Hutter says that has not hurt private sales: some customers who once watched displays in their villages now set off fireworks in their gardens. But the change means fireworks can go off throughout the evening rather than at one set time, creating more noise for people and animals, he says.

The industry says it generates 50 million to 60 million Swiss francs in annual turnover and employs 200 to 300 people. Little fireworks are made in Switzerland, with about three-quarters of products imported. The Federal Council says Swiss manufacturers would be less affected by a yes vote because they mainly produce quieter fireworks such as fountains.

Supporters of the initiative argue that private fireworks can mean loud bangs for days, at unpredictable times and places. They say the noise can distress pets and wildlife, as well as young children, older people and people traumatised by war. They also point to injuries caused by fireworks accidents each year.