The short answer
In Finland, F1-class fireworks can be used without a notification to the regional rescue authority (pelastuslaitos), also on Diwali. Larger F2 and F3 fireworks generally need a notification at least five days before use outside New Year's Eve.
Some rules apply to every firework: you must be 18 or older, you must always wear safety glasses, and you use fireworks outdoors only, never indoors, on a balcony or from a window. In 2026, the main day of Diwali is Sunday 8 November.
Two rules for every firework
Always wear safety glasses
This applies to every firework, including F1 products and sparklers. It is Rakettitukku's firm safety rule.
Never use fireworks indoors
Using fireworks indoors is prohibited. Do not use them on a balcony or from a window either. This also applies to sparklers.
Diwali and the Finnish firework rules
Diwali, the festival of lights, is a major festival in Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism and lasts five days. If your celebration includes fireworks, the Finnish rules for the private use of fireworks apply.
This article is about fireworks that you buy and use yourself at a private celebration. For these, the national rules depend on the class of the firework and on the date of use:
- F1 fireworks (very low hazard): no notification to the rescue authority is needed.
- F2 and F3 fireworks outside New Year's Eve: a notification to the regional rescue authority at least five days before use.
- New Year's Eve: F2 and F3 fireworks can be used between 6 pm and 2 am without a notification, unless the rescue authority has decided otherwise locally.
How do you know a firework is F1?
The manufacturer classifies each firework and marks the class on the packaging. Check the F class on the packaging before you buy and before you use the product. Do not assume that a product is F1 because it is small or cheap. The class decides whether you need a notification, so if you cannot find it, ask the seller before using the product.
What "no notification" does and does not mean
A firework that needs no notification still comes with rules:
- You must be 18 or older. There is no age exception for F1 products, including sparklers. Rakettitukku does not sell fireworks to anyone under 18 or to anyone who is intoxicated.
- The rescue authority can set local rules. The regional rescue authority can restrict or prohibit the use of fireworks. Check the website of your local rescue service before your celebration.
- Follow the packaging. Use an open outdoor area, and follow the instructions on the packaging of each product for lighting it and for the distance you must keep.
- Never use fireworks under the influence of alcohol.
- Think of others. Consider your neighbours, pets and wildlife, and clean up the remains after use.
If a firework does not work, do not go near it, and keep everyone else away from it. Wait at least 15 minutes before approaching it. This is Rakettitukku's own safety instruction, not a legal time limit. Also follow the instructions on the product's packaging.
F1 fireworks from Rakettitukku
These eight products from Rakettitukku's range are F1-class fireworks. Check the F class and the product-specific instructions on the packaging of each product. The product pages have more details.
Tähtisadetikku
A sparkler.
Tähtisadetikku XXL
A longer sparkler.
Tulivuori
A small fountain.
Suihkuralli
An assortment of fountains.
Hästäkki
An assortment pack of small fireworks.
Iso Pörriäinen
A ground firework that hops around.
Hi-Lights
A strobe-light effect.
Magnum Kranu
A ground firework that crackles and bangs, so think of your neighbours and pets before choosing it.
Sparklers are not children's toys. The age limit of 18 applies to them too.
Larger fireworks: F2, F3 and the notification
If you want larger fireworks than F1 products, you generally need to notify the regional rescue authority at least five days before use. Do not leave the notification to the last moment.
5 days
The notification must state the place of use, the time of use and your contact details. The authority can set conditions or prohibit use, so a notification is not an automatic approval.
Each rescue service has its own procedure. Check the exact procedure and the forms on the website of the rescue service for your area.
Where to buy fireworks in November
Outside the New Year season, you can collect fireworks from Rakettitukku's year-round sales points: Kotka (Kotkan Autotalo), Orimattila (Rakettitukku main warehouse), Nilsiä (Pyörä Manninen), Kempele (Rakettitukku office), Ilmajoki (Rauta Ketonen), Vihti (Vihdin Tarvike) and Akaa, Viiala (Viialan Halppis). Call the sales point to agree on a pickup time, and ask whether the product you want is available. Fireworks cannot be delivered to your home.
You can find the contact details on the sales points page. For general questions, call 020 785 6680 or email info@rakettitukku.fi.
If you want fireworks arranged by a professional for a future celebration, it is worth contacting Rakettitukku at least three weeks before the planned date. This is Rakettitukku's own recommendation, not a legal deadline or a promise that the service is available, and for Diwali on 8 November 2026 these three weeks have already passed.
Frequently asked questions
Can I set off fireworks on Diwali night in Finland?
Yes, if you follow the rules. F1 fireworks need no notification. F2 and F3 fireworks generally need a notification to the regional rescue authority at least five days before. The age limit, the safety glasses and the outdoor-only rule apply to all fireworks.
Do the rules change because it is Diwali?
The national rules described in this article, for fireworks that you use yourself at a private celebration, depend on the class of the firework and on the date of use. The regional rescue authority can also set local rules or restrictions, so check them with your local rescue service before your celebration.
Do sparklers need a notification?
F1-class sparklers do not need a notification. You must still be 18 or older, always wear safety glasses and use them outdoors only.
How old do you have to be to buy and use fireworks in Finland?
You must be 18 or older. There is no exception for F1 products or sparklers.
Do I need safety glasses with F1 fireworks?
Yes. Rakettitukku's rule is to always wear safety glasses with every firework, including F1 products and sparklers.
Can I use fireworks indoors, on a balcony or from a window?
No. Using fireworks indoors is prohibited. Do not use them on a balcony or from a window either.
What should I do if a firework does not ignite?
Do not go near it, and keep everyone else away from it. Wait at least 15 minutes before approaching it. This is Rakettitukku's own safety instruction, not a legal time limit. Also follow the instructions on the product's packaging.
Where can I buy fireworks in November?
At Rakettitukku's year-round sales points. Call the sales point to agree on a pickup time, and ask whether the product you want is available.
Where do I check my local rules?
On the website of the regional rescue service for your area, or by contacting it directly.
Summary
F1 fireworks can be used in Finland without a notification to the rescue authority, also on Diwali. Check the F class on the packaging. Always wear safety glasses, never use fireworks indoors, and you must be 18 or older. Larger F2 and F3 fireworks generally need a notification at least five days before use. Follow the instructions on the packaging, and check local rules with your regional rescue service.
