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FAQ Private Citizens

On our FAQ private citizens page we have compiled our answers to the questions on our products and services most frequently asked by private citizens. Your questions, our answers!

General

Yes, but only fireworks of the F1 category and party items. Firework batteries etc can be purchased during the statutory dates of sale in the retail trade at the end of the year. For upcoming events during the year you wish to enrich with fireworks, e.g. wedding, birthday celebration, etc, we warmly recommend our easyboxes.

The legislature provides clear guidelines for this. The powder rate contained in fireworks depends on the classification.

  • New Year’s Eve fireworks of the F2 category (e.g. a volcano) may contain a powder rate of up to 50 grams,
  • battery and combined fireworks may – in accordance with the legislation – have a powder rate of up to 500 grams,
  • items of the F4 Category (display fireworks) may contain powder rates of several kilograms depending on the calibre.

    • Exception: Rockets
    The legislator limits the powder rate of rockets to 20 grams a rocket for the free sale for New Year’s Eve.

    Fireworks of the F2 category shall exclusively be let off on 31 December starting at midnight until 1 January at 12 p.m. It is moreover forbidden to let fireworks off in close proximity to hospitals, old people’s and children’s homes, churches, as well as half-timbered houses and houses with thatched roofs. Please mind the regional regulations of the competent authority in addition.
    Each of our fireworks items go through demanding safety checks in order to discover potential security gaps, during the production as well as a second time afterwards. These safety checks are performed by companies audited by the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM). We assure you that we make every effort to make the handling of fireworks as safe as possible for you.
    In those rare cases where our fireworks items do not ignite correctly or not completely, the cardinal rule is caution. Do not try to ignite the item again! Wait at least 15 minutes at a safe distance. If nothing happened in this period, you can lavish water on the item, or submerge it, and dispose it afterwards.
    In general, the legislator grants three dates of sale for New Year’s Eve fireworks (F2 category). Usually, these are the last three days of the current year (e.g. 29, 30 and 31 December). If one of these days happens to be a sunday, another date of sale is added before the regular first date of sale (in this case 28 December).

    Fireworks items are classified into categories. Where possible, the categorical belonging is characterized on each item and each packing.

    F1 category: smaller fireworks, e.g. table fireworks, christmas crackers, sparklers, etc.

    F2 category: New Year’s Eve fireworks, e.g. rockets, volcanos, etc

    F3 category: medium-sized fireworks, formerly called “garden fireworks”

    F4 category: professional fireworks

    If fireworks of different categories are combined to an assortment, the legal regulations for the item of the highest category count for the whole assortment.

    T category: technical fireworks, pyrotechnic items for stage and theatre, e.g. bengal flames, flares, smoking bombs and powder, etc. Depending on their dangerousness, Items of the T category are divided into the T1 and T2 categories.

    T1 category: fireworks for stage and theatre

    T2 category: fireworks for stage and theatre

    What can be purchased by whom?

    Fireworks of the F1 category
    can be purchased and used by persons at the minimum age of twelve years without any temporal limitation.

    Fireworks of the F2 category
    can only be bought during the statutory dates of sale by persons at the minimum age of 18 years, and shall exclusively be let off within the time between 31 December starting at midnight until 1 January at 12 p.m.

    License holders in accordance with § 7 or § 27 or a certificate of competence in accordance with § 20 of Explosives Act can also use fireworks of the F2 category betwenn 2 January and 30 December, provided they are let off together with other pyrotechnic items.

    Fireworks of the F3 category
    delivery exclusively againt presentation of a license in accordance with § 7 or § 27 or a certificate of competence in accordance with § 20 of Explosives Act for the use of items of the F3 category.

    Fireworks of the F4 category
    delivery exclusively againt presentation of a license in accordance with § 7 or § 27 or a certificate of competence in accordance with § 20 of Explosives Act for the use of items of the F4 category.

    You did not find the right answer to your question? No problem, do not hesitate to just ask us directly!

    Online Shop

    Yes, but only items of the F1 category as well as party items. Firework batteries etc. can only be purchased in retail trade during the statutory dates of sale at the end of the year. In case of an upcoming event like a wedding, a birthday or the like, which you would like to enhance with a fireworks, we warmly recommend our easyboxes to you.

    The shipping costs for fireworks are higher than for “normal goods” because they are dangerous goods and therefore place special demands on the logistics chain.

    End consumer (all prices incl. VAT):

    • Transport group 1.4S or no dangerous goods: From 200 € free shipping, up to 200 € we charge 7.95 € shipping costs and on order values below 100 € there is an additional 4.95 € small quantity surcharge/packing costs.

    • Transport group 1.4G: From 750 € free shipping, between 300 € and 750 € we charge 41.65 € shipping costs and on order values below 300 € we charge an additional 11.90 € packaging costs (dangerous goods cartons).

    • exclusively advertising material/merchandise: From 200 € free shipping, up to 200 € we charge 4.95 € shipping costs.

    If you order items of different dangerous goods classes, the shipping costs of the highest dangerous goods class always apply to the entire consignment.
    For collection by the customer, shipping costs are not applicable.

    For more information about our shop, click here.

    Our products can be purchased in the retail trade of many different sectors within the statutory dates of sale at the end of the year, e.g. construction markets, office and stationery supply stores, at newsagent’s shops, shops for decorative and party items, toy and food retailers. Retailers distributing our products can usually be identified by means of a variety of promotional items like a huge inflatable NICO rocket or banners.

    In our shop you can conviently pay with the following methods:

    By credit card:
    Here you can choose between the leading credit card providers (Mastercard, VISA, American Express). You simply need to indicate the number and expiry period of the card as well as the credit card company. The transmission of your credit card data takes place via a secure SSL-encrypted connection. The credit card data are not stored with us. Any misapplication is therefore practically excluded. Alternatively, you can also tell us your credit card data via telephone. Within four weeks, the amount will be debited to your credit card account automatically. Cash on delivery costs are not applicable then.

    By PayPal:
    You can also pay with PayPal. At the end of the ordering process, you will be led to PayPal directly. Your order will be shipped as soon as we receive your payment. Cash on delivery costs are not applicable.

    By Sofort Überweisung:
    If you do not want to reveal your account information, Sofort Überweisung is a good alternative. At the end of the ordering process, you will be led to a half filled transfer form in the course of a multilevel authentification process. You just need to complete the form with your data and confirm the tranaction by TAN. Your order will be shipped as soon as we receive your payment. Cash on delivery costs are not applicable.

    Payment in advance:
    Of course you can also pay in advance. Delivery, however, takes a bit longer as the goods are being shipped after the payment is received. Cash on delivery costs are not applicable.

    Articles

    Left and top right on the website you can find the search function. Here you have the possibility to search for article numbers directly. If you look for a certain category of products, e.g. rockets, you can easily type the word “rocket” into the search box. You will then see every article categories including rockets (single rockets, rockets in bags, etc.). You can of course also search for article descriptions or colours directly.

    By clicking the article illustrations you will find a bigger article illustration as well as numerous detailed information on burning times, contents per unit, EAN code, availability, an article description, etc. in a new tab. The green, red or yellow points provide information on the article’s availability:

    “green point”: The article is immediately available,
    “yellow point”: The article is not in stock, arriving at a later time,
    “red point”: The article is currently sold out.

    Warranty

    Each our products have been manufactured according to German quality and safety standards, are CE approved, and subject to a regular and intense quality check. In the case that a problem with any of our products occurs, you can, of course, make use of our return or exchange guarantee.
    Each our products have been manufactured according to German quality and safety standards, are CE approved, and subject to a regular and intense quality check. In the case that a problem with any of our products occurs, you can, of course, make use of our return or exchange guarantee. Please inform us immediately, which deficiency type occured and we will ensure a swift replacement.

    Environment

    If you are concerned about environmental factors – as we are – we can assure you, that we do our utmost in order to constantly minimize packaging as much as possible. Read more in the environment section. The packaging, however, is important in the interests of your safety. It has to be stable and fireproof. To ensure your safety, we do not want to and must not be stingy with it. Of course you can also contribute to the environmental relief by proper disposal of the waste emerged through the letting off of fireworks.

    The VPI (Association of the Pyrotechnic Industry) has issued the following recommendation on handling fireworks:

    Remains of CE-marked fireworks, such as empty firework tube batteries or rockets with power sticks that have worked completely, can be disposed of in the residual waste garbage can after sufficient cooling (e.g. overnight) due to the reaction of the explosive substances.

    CE-marked fireworks that have not worked or have not worked completely still contain explosive substances. Due to the unforeseeable dangers, these fireworks must not be re-lit under any circumstances, but must be disposed of in a recycling or reusable materials center with treatment for hazardous waste once they have cooled down sufficiently.

    Fireworks with an old approval (e.g. BAM-PII-XXXX) may no longer be used and must also be disposed of in their original packaging, if possible, at a recycling or reusable materials center with treatment for hazardous waste.

    Switzerland

    No, Swiss consumers can purchase our products exclusively in specialist stores.

    In Switzerland, our items can be purchased in specialist stores. Retailers selling NICO items can often be identified with banners, inflatable rockets, and similar advertising media.
    Items of the F1 category can be bought year-round in relevant stores, while sales of F2 and F3 category items take place in tents or in the open terrain.

    Firefly

    Yes, you can also use rechargeable batteries as an alternative to the recommended Duracell 1.5V D alkaline batteries.

    Since FireFly needs 2 seconds of “charge time” per ignition, this is not possible with a single ignition module. However, if multiple FireFly ignition modules are used together, multiple channels can be fired simultaneously. You can connect up to 6 FireFlys at once. So you get up to 90 channels in total and 6 channels that can be ignite at the same moment.

    No, this is not possible. The planning of the show can only be done on your mobile devices (tablet, mobile phone).
    No, all you need is an active Bluetooth connection and location sharing.
    New ignition cables with a length of three or five meters can be found in our online shop.

  • Compatible are multiple Bluetooth FireFly devices (up to 6 devices).
  • Or all Wi-Fi devices (FireFly Plus, FireFly Mini and FireFly with upgrade).
  • Connect your smartphone / tablet to a FireFly (which is in red fire mode). Then turn on the other devices and switch them to blue Wi-Fi mesh mode. Now all FireFly devices that are in blue

    • Wi-Fi mesh mode will establish a connection with the primary FireFly, which is in red fire mode.
    In the app, there is a settings menu in the “FireFly Plus” submenu in the upper right corner. Here you will find a Refresh button, which can be identified by a circle with arrows. Press it several times. If you add a new FireFly, you have to press the Refresh button again. All devices should now be listed in the settings.

  • For an update to the latest firmware you need a smartphone or a tablet with a mobile internet connection, with which you can also open a personal hotspot.
  • You name this hotspot “TITANUPDATE” (all letters capitalized). With many devices it is not possible to give the hotspot its own name: Then simply rename the device name to “TITANUPDATE”.
  • Tip: Write down your normal device name so that you can name your device the same afterwards. Also change the password for the Personal Hotspot to “TITANUPDATE” (also with capital letters).
    Then activate the personal hotspot.
  • Now turn on your FireFly device. If you have several FireFly devices, update them only one after the other to avoid disturbances in the connection.
  • To enter update mode on the FireFly, press the mode button, which is located under the ON/OFF button, twice until the button glows solid red and blue at the same time.
  • The device will now connect to your smartphone or tablet and pull the new firmware from the cloud. On some devices, you’ll know you’re connected by a blue icon in the top corner of your display.
  • Downloading the new firmware can take a few seconds and up to 4 minutes, depending on the device and its connection to the Internet.
  • After the update, the FireFly device will light up, do a check of all channels as it did at startup, and automatically switch back to normal red fire mode.
  • If the update failed, try again or at a later time. You can tell by the version number in the FireFly app or by the fact that the FireFly does not switch back to fire mode. A failure can occur due to a bad connection to our server.

    • The batteries are enough for up to 300 ignitions. Please note that excessive cold or heat may harmful affects battery life. If the device is not in use for a long time, please remove the batteries until the next use.

    Do not mix used batteries with new ones or batteries with different chemical properties. Use only 1.5V D Alkaline batteries (recommended: Duracell) for this device.

    No there is not. In a homemade show, the cues need to be 2 seconds apart from each other, because FireFly needs some “charge time”. The actual ignition, however, takes place at the same time as shown in the app.

    If you use more than one FireFly module, several channels can be ignited at the same time or with a minimal delay apart from each other if desired.

  • Check that you have allowed access to your music in the device settings (not in the FireFly app). For Apple iOS devices, for example, this setting is called “Music and Apple Music” and can be found under “Settings” -> “FireFly”.
  • Also, Apple’s “Music” app, which is installed out of the box, must be on the device.
  • Delete the application and reinstall it.
    • The app can be found under the name Titan FireFly. It is available from Android version 5.0 in the Google Playstore or for iOS devices with Lightning port (from iPhone 5) in the App Store.

    If you lose the connection to the ignition module before ignition, the fireworks cannot be ignited. On the other hand, if the show has already been started, you can remove yourself from the Bluetooth area and the show will continue.

    Warning: If you move outside the Bluetooth range, the initiation of an emergency stop is no longer possible!

    With the radio-controlled FireFly ignition module, the range is up to 50 meters.
    The indicator lights on the channel indicate that the cable and clip are intact and properly connected to the module. If the connection cable is not properly connected to the module or the heating coil inside the clip is damaged, neither of the two indicator lights will light up. If the cable cannot be connected properly, please replace it.
    An ignition clip must be replaced if the two red and green indicator lights on the channel remain dark when the cable is plugged in. The indicator lights on the channel both light up when the cable and clip are intact and properly connected to the module. Do not try to repair the cables or clips. This could lead to an electrical short. New clips with 3 m or 5 m cables are available in our shop, click here.

    FireFly harmonizes with the following Android versions:

  • 5.x Lollipop
  • 6.x Marshmallow
  • 7.x Nougat

    • To successfully pair with FireFly, you need Bluetooth version 4.2 or higher. FireFly also supports Bluetooth LE.

    FireFly harmonizes with every iOS device running iOS 6 or higher:

  • iPhone 5 and higher
  • iPad 4. Gen. and higher
  • all iPad Air, Mini and Pro

    • The FireFly ignition system is independent from any manufacturer. In the FireFly App show mode, the integrated product catalogue includes a selection of over 100 NICO Firework items, such as cakeboxes, volcanoes, fountains, crackers, and other items that you can use for your customized FireFly Show. In Manual Firing mode, you can connect and fire both NICO and non-NICO products.

    IMPORTANT: Do not use rising articles (such as rockets) for FireFly ignition. This can lead to serious personal injuries and equipment damages.

    The safety distance depends on the particular firework items to be fired. You will find the required information on the items itself.

    Channels 8 and 10 do not work individually in manual firing mode, but they are by no means defective. This is a power management optimization measure designed to extend battery life. All 13 other channels work quite regularly and can easily be ignited independently.

    To operate channels 8 and 10 as usual, please make sure that the previous channels are connected.

    The indicator lights on the channel indicate that the cable and clip are intact and properly connected to the module. When sending the ignition pulse both lamps go out briefly.

    If all the lights are on but the glow wire does not glow, or only briefly or faintly, it is probably due to the battery’s usage status.

    More about batteries can be found here.

    Your device possibly uses an older or incompatible PDF reader.

    Please double-check if the tool is functional and has been installed correctly e.g. by opening other PDF files with your PDF reading app.

    Hint: The free PDF-Reader available in Google Play Store provides good service.

    Location sharing is used to identify the country in which the device is being used. This is necessary to take the respective country settings into account.

    When your Android device fails to pair, there are several possible reasons.

    1. Your Bluetooth Version might be older than Version 4.2
    2. You are not moving within the efficiency range of approx. 80 meters.
    3. Your mobile device uses Android 8.0 or higher.

    The product developer issued a statement, saying that with Android 8.0 and higher, great difficulties with Bluetooth® connectivity arose – e.g. disconnection or inability to connect with FireFly. This problem, however, does not only relate to FireFly, but also to cars, earphones and portable speakers. The same mobile devices would have harmonized perfectly using the previous Bluetooth versions. They say that Google works on it already, but there is no date when this problem will be remedied.

    If you own an Apple or another Android device running version 5.x to 7.x, please use it as a controller for the time being.

    To check which operating system your mobile phone uses, please proceed as follows (designations may vary depending on the device):

    > Open “Settings”
    > Select “Device Information”
    > Go to “Software Information”
    > Android Version _____

    Android devices running Android 5.x to 7.x and Apple devices with at least iOS 6 or higher.
    You also need Bluetooth version 4.2 to pair with FireFly.

    easybox

    No, pyrotechnical training is not required to purchase and use the easybox.

    The following applies in principle:
    Persons who have reached the age of 18 and are in possession of an exemption permit in accordance with § 24 SprengV may set off or organize category 2 fireworks (small fireworks) even in the absence of a pyrotechnician.

    The easybox is the simple and safe way for anyone to set off a spectacular firework display.

    It is available in 5 different module variants, which are divided into start, extension and finale and thus allow many possible combinations for a varied and spectacular fireworks show.

    Prefabricated packages consisting of several modules are also available as a complete show. By purchasing one of our easybox packages, you also benefit from a package price advantage.

    Our easyboxes are available as individual modules to combine yourself and in prefabricated packages.
    5 different modules in different combinations make up our easybox packages.

    You can find all our modules in our Shop.

    Safety instructions for the easybox:
    The easybox should be placed on a firm and level surface. Do not place it on snowy or icy surfaces! Remove the fireworks quickly after ignition.
    As a safety distance to people and endangered buildings, we recommend a distance of at least 25 meters.

    Safety instructions for the light display:
    The ignition of a light image takes place at the back of the plate. After ignition, quickly move away from the light image. A safety distance of 8 meters applies here.

    The easyboxes have a CE classification and are subject to regular quality assurance. The light patterns have also been tested and CE certified by the BAM (Federal Office for Materials Testing).

    easyboxes are category 2 fireworks and can only be set off on New Year's Eve without a permit. On all other days, you require a special permit in accordance with § 24 SprengV.

    The first thing you should do is call your local authority or town to ask for a fireworks permit. Ask whether an exemption permit will be granted, how much it will cost and whether there is a fixed form for the application.

    If there are no formal requirements for the application, you can also use our form. Simply complete and submit the application. You can only order the Easybox from us by submitting the permit.

    The burning of candle images on private property does not require a permit. All we need from you is a T1 confirmation and a copy of your ID for proof of age.

    No, pyrotechnical training is not required to purchase and use the easybox.

    The following applies in principle:
    Persons who have reached the age of 18 and are in possession of an exemption permit in accordance with § 24 SprengV may set off or organize category 2 fireworks (small fireworks) even in the absence of a pyrotechnician.

    To be able to order the easybox, you need a special permit and must be at least 18 years old.
    You can find the application form for the permit here. We are also happy to help you by telephone:

    Tel: 030 / 720 080 - 1040

    Deliveries abroad are possible after consultation.

    Please contact us in this regard via our contact form or simply by telephone: +49 30 / 720 080 - 1040.

    As soon as we have received approval from the relevant authorities and payment has been made (by bank transfer, credit card or PayPal).

    This has not happened so far...

    However, we would of course replace it or - if replacement is no longer possible in time - arrange for it to be returned.

    You must be at least 18 years old.

    Transportation (hazardous goods) takes 3-7 working days.
    You are also welcome to order early and have the goods delivered at a later date.

    If there is no ignition after approx. 2 minutes, you have the option of igniting another strand (reserve strand). The reserve strand is located on the specially marked green field.

    1. Open the easybox modules at the approved burning location by pulling the tear tab on the box, remove the top part of the box and position the easybox modules as described in the enclosed installation plan.
    2. Connect the modules with the enclosed easybox composite ignition cords according to the instructions supplied.
    3. Start your firework by igniting the ignition cord on the starter module.

    After igniting once, quickly move at least 8 meters away from the fireworks!
    We recommend that spectators keep a safe distance of at least 20 meters.

    The VPI (Association of the Pyrotechnic Industry) has issued the following recommendation on handling fireworks:

    Remains of CE-marked fireworks, such as empty firework tube batteries or rockets with power sticks that have worked completely, can be disposed of in the residual waste garbage can after sufficient cooling (e.g. overnight) due to the reaction of the explosive substances.

    CE-marked fireworks that have not worked or have not worked completely still contain explosive substances. Due to the unforeseeable dangers, these fireworks must not be re-lit under any circumstances, but must be disposed of after sufficient cooling at a recycling or reusable materials center with treatment for hazardous waste

    Fireworks with an old approval (e.g. BAM-PII-XXXX) may no longer be used and must also be disposed of in their original packaging, if possible, at a recycling or reusable materials center with treatment for hazardous waste.

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