China eases fireworks restrictions ahead of Lunar New Year

Local governments across China are easing restrictions on fireworks ahead of the Lunar New Year, signalling a shift away from years of tight controls imposed to curb air pollution and reduce safety risks.

Fireworks have long been a central part of Lunar New Year celebrations, traditionally believed to ward off bad luck and usher in prosperity. In recent years, however, many cities imposed outright bans or strict limitations as part of broader environmental and public safety campaigns, as an article by Nikkei Asia recalls.

Now, with economic sentiment weak ahead of the February 17 holiday period, authorities in several regions are allowing fireworks to return in a more limited form, a move that could help boost consumer spending and public morale

The southwestern city of Chengdu, which maintained a full ban on fireworks until last year, has announced that residents will be permitted to set them off in eight designated areas. The relaxation applies for four days, including Lunar New Year itself. Similarly, Shanxi province abolished its province-wide ban at the end of last year. Under the previous rules, only licensed professionals were allowed to use fireworks.

Other cities moved earlier to soften their stance. Zhengzhou, in Henan province, rolled back restrictions for the 2023 Lunar New Year, while Shenyang in Liaoning province and Nanjing in Jiangsu province have shifted from complete bans to rules limiting fireworks by time and location, according to Chinese media reports.

China’s national framework on fireworks dates back to 2006, when regulations on fireworks safety allowed local governments to prohibit or restrict their use based on time, place and type. The 2016 Air Pollution Prevention and Control Act further empowered local authorities to ban fireworks where necessary. While neither law mandates a nationwide ban, many local governments interpreted the rules conservatively and opted for strict enforcement.

803 local governments had implemented full bans on fireworks by 2018, according to state broadcaster CCTV. The policy direction began to change in late 2023, when a report by the Legislative Affairs Commission of the National People’s Congress concluded that blanket bans were inconsistent with existing regulations and environmental laws.

The Nikkei report also noted broader social and economic pressures. With high youth unemployment and a sluggish economy raising concerns about public frustration, easing fireworks restrictions was seen as one way to reduce social tension by responding to popular demand during a major cultural holiday.

China dominates the global fireworks industry, accounting for around 90 percent of worldwide production. The relaxation of domestic bans is expected to provide some relief to manufacturers facing slowing export growth amid rising trade frictions, while restoring a long-standing tradition to Lunar New Year celebrations.

By Nazrin Sadigova