Deepavali Fireworks Laws in Singapore 2026: Firecrackers, Sparklers and Licensed Displays

Diwali 2026 › Diwali fireworks laws Singapore

Legal information last verified: 25 October 2026. Official rules verified on the sources linked below.

Quick answer: can you use fireworks for Deepavali in Singapore?

• No. The Singapore Police Force says the import, possession or use of fireworks or firecrackers is prohibited unless you hold a valid licence, and individuals may not buy or use them, even for festive occasions. Singapore Police Force: FAQ for GEWCA Regulatory Regime
• Unauthorised use of explosives under the Guns, Explosives and Weapons Control Act 2021 (GEWCA) carries up to 36 months in prison and a fine of up to $50,000. Singapore Police Force news release: Trio arrested for unlawful...
• Sparklers are treated differently: low-risk wire sparklers (not more than 3% potassium perchlorate) are covered by a class licence, with no application or fee. Singapore Police Force: FAQ for GEWCA Regulatory Regime
• Fireworks displays need an Explosive User Licence, which only a licensed business can hold: $100 per event, applied for at least 14 days ahead. GoBusiness: Explosive User Licence for Fireworks Display... Singapore Police Force: FAQ for GEWCA Regulatory Regime
• We found no Deepavali exemption in any official source.

The law: GEWCA replaced the Dangerous Fireworks Act

For decades Singapore's fireworks ban sat in the Dangerous Fireworks Act 1972, which covered firecrackers, rocket fireworks and sandcrackers. Dangerous Fireworks Act 1972 (2020 Revised Edition), Singapore...

The police now say the Guns, Explosives and Weapons Control Act 2021 (GEWCA) replaced that Act, together with the Arms and Explosives Act 1913 and the Explosive Substances Act 1924. Singapore Police Force: FAQ for GEWCA Regulatory Regime

Under the police's GEWCA guidance, user licences for fireworks go only to professional companies approved to conduct fireworks displays. Individuals are not allowed to buy or use fireworks, even for festive occasions. Singapore Police Force: FAQ for GEWCA Regulatory Regime

In March 2026 the police arrested three people over fireworks set off at a multi-storey car park in Ghim Moh, and reminded the public that discharging fireworks without proper authorisation is illegal. Singapore Police Force news release: Trio arrested for unlawful...

So for a Deepavali celebration at home, in an HDB void deck, a corridor or a park, the answer is the same: no firecrackers, rockets or other fireworks.

Sparklers: the low-risk exception

Under GEWCA, wire sparklers are listed among the low-risk explosives covered by a class licence, except those containing more than 3% potassium perchlorate. The class licence covers import, export, supply, storage, possession, use and transport. Singapore Police Force: FAQ for GEWCA Regulatory Regime

A class licence means you are automatically licensed if you meet all the requirements. There is no application or fee, but you must follow the licensing conditions published by the police. Singapore Police Force: FAQ for GEWCA Regulatory Regime

The police suggest checking the packaging, shipping documents or safety data sheet to find a sparkler's potassium perchlorate content. Singapore Police Force: FAQ for GEWCA Regulatory Regime A 2020 police advisory explained that higher-content sparklers are prohibited because of the safety risk, especially to children. SPF Police Licensing & Regulatory Department: Advisory on import...

Practically: buy sparklers only from an established local shop, keep the packaging, and do not bring loose or unlabelled sparklers back from a trip abroad.

Temple and community fireworks displays

A fireworks display needs an Explosive User Licence for Fireworks Display under GEWCA. Only a UEN-registered business can apply, and it must be fit and proper and experienced in handling explosives. GoBusiness: Explosive User Licence for Fireworks Display...

The fee is $100 per event and the estimated processing time is about 3 weeks; the police ask for applications at least 14 days before the event. GoBusiness: Explosive User Licence for Fireworks Display... Singapore Police Force: FAQ for GEWCA Regulatory Regime

The licensed company needs an engagement letter from the event organiser, a no-objection letter from the venue owner, a site map and set-up plan, a safety assessment, and CAAS, RSAF or PUB approvals where they apply. GoBusiness: Explosive User Licence for Fireworks Display...

Aerial shells are generally prohibited. The police allow them only for events such as cultural or commemorative events of national significance or community events where fireworks play a major role, with a public sector agency's endorsement. SPF: Guidelines for application of Explosive User Licence for...

For a temple, that means the temple does not buy or light fireworks itself. It engages a licensed fireworks company, gives the engagement letter and venue consent, and leaves the licence to the company.

Little India and Deepavali events

The Little India Deepavali Light-Up and festival village are the best-known public celebrations. We did not find an official STB, LISHA or police page announcing the 2026 programme or any fireworks display, so we do not list dates here.

For events and temple programmes, see Deepavali 2026 events in Singapore, Malaysia and Dubai and Hindus in Singapore 2026: Little India and temples guide.

What the official sources say about fireworks in Singapore

Each point below is taken from the official source linked after it. Read the source itself before you rely on it.

• The import, possession or use of fireworks or firecrackers is prohibited in Singapore unless you hold a valid licence. Singapore Police Force: FAQ for GEWCA Regulatory Regime
• Individuals are not allowed to buy or use fireworks, even for festive occasions. Singapore Police Force: FAQ for GEWCA Regulatory Regime
• User licences for fireworks are granted only to professional companies approved to conduct fireworks displays. Singapore Police Force: FAQ for GEWCA Regulatory Regime
• The Guns, Explosives and Weapons Control Act 2021 (GEWCA) replaced the Arms and Explosives Act 1913, the Dangerous Fireworks Act 1972 and the Explosive Substances Act 1924. Singapore Police Force: FAQ for GEWCA Regulatory Regime
• Under GEWCA, unauthorised use of explosives carries imprisonment of up to 36 months and a fine of up to $50,000, the police said on 23 March 2026. Singapore Police Force news release: Trio arrested for unlawful...
• The police say discharging fireworks without proper authorisation is illegal. Singapore Police Force news release: Trio arrested for unlawful...
• The former Dangerous Fireworks Act 1972 defined dangerous fireworks as firecrackers, rocket fireworks, sandcrackers and other fireworks declared by the Minister. Dangerous Fireworks Act 1972 (2020 Revised Edition), Singapore...
• Deepavali is a public holiday on Sunday 8 November 2026; Monday 9 November 2026 is a public holiday if your rest day falls on 8 November. Ministry of Manpower: Public holidays in Singapore

Deepavali 2026 dates in Singapore and the fireworks rules

HinduTone's Drik Panchang-aligned calendar lists Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) on Sunday 8 November 2026 for this region, with Dhanteras on Friday 6 November, Govardhan Puja on Tuesday 10 November and Bhai Dooj on Wednesday 11 November. Naraka Chaturdashi falls on the morning of the same day as Diwali. The dates differ from India because the tithis are calculated for local time.

The Ministry of Manpower lists Deepavali as a public holiday on Sunday 8 November 2026, with Monday 9 November a public holiday if your rest day falls on the Sunday. Ministry of Manpower: Public holidays in Singapore The holiday does not change the fireworks rules.

Key rules in Singapore at a glance

What we could not verify

These points are still open. Do not treat them as settled until the official authority confirms them:

• The exact date GEWCA came into force; the police cite it in a March 2026 news release, but we did not read the commencement notification.
• The text of GEWCA and its regulations. The rules on this page come from Singapore Police Force guidance, the GoBusiness licence page and a police news release.
• The full class licence conditions for wire sparklers, which the police publish separately.
• How a sparkler with exactly 3% potassium perchlorate is treated: police pages word the threshold differently.
• Whether the traveller allowance for sparklers in the 2020 police advisory still applies under GEWCA.
• The 2026 Little India Deepavali Light-Up programme and whether any Deepavali event in 2026 has a licensed display.

Diwali fireworks safety tips for Singapore

• Use only low-risk wire sparklers bought locally, and keep the packaging so the potassium perchlorate content can be checked. Singapore Police Force: FAQ for GEWCA Regulatory Regime
• In an HDB flat or condominium, never light sparklers or diyas in corridors, stairwells or near laundry, and follow your town council or management rules on open flames.
• Never go back to a firework that has failed to go off. Leave it well alone, then soak it in water once it is safe to approach.
• Check for a fire ban or dry-weather warning on the day. A ban can be announced at short notice and overrides the normal rules.
• Choose one sober adult to light everything. Light at arm's length, step back at once, and never lean over a firework.
• Keep a bucket of water or a hose ready, and soak every spent firework before it goes into the bin.
• Never light fireworks indoors, on a balcony, under trees or near parked cars, and never point them at people, homes or animals.

Lawful ways to celebrate Diwali without fireworks

• Little India light-up walk: a walk through the decorated streets of Little India in the Deepavali season needs no permit; check the organisers' own channels for the 2026 light-up schedule.
• Clay diyas: a row of oil lamps at the door and windows is the heart of Deepavali and needs no permit. Stand each one on a metal plate or a tray of sand.
• LED diyas and string lights: battery diyas are safe for balconies, dormitories, rented flats and anywhere open flames are restricted.
• Rangoli: a coloured-powder, rice-flour or flower rangoli at the entrance welcomes Lakshmi and gives children a creative part in the festival.
• Temple and community celebrations: most Hindu temples and community associations hold Lakshmi Puja, aarti and cultural programmes during Diwali week; check their own website or notice board for the 2026 schedule.
• Authorised public displays: a professional display run under a permit or licence gives the family a fireworks moment without the legal risk.
• Lakshmi Puja at home: the evening puja, aarti, sweets shared with neighbours and a family meal are what most people remember about Diwali.

Who to contact

For fireworks licences and sparkler questions, contact the Singapore Police Force Police Regulatory Department (6835 0000) through its GEWCA FAQ page. Licensed companies apply through the GoBusiness licence page. In an emergency, call 999.

Frequently asked questions

Can I set off firecrackers for Deepavali in Singapore?

No. The Singapore Police Force says individuals are not allowed to buy or use fireworks, even for festive occasions, and the import, possession or use of fireworks or firecrackers is prohibited without a licence.

Are sparklers legal in Singapore?

Low-risk wire sparklers are covered by a class licence under GEWCA, with no application or fee, except sparklers containing more than 3% potassium perchlorate. You must follow the class licence conditions.

What is the penalty for setting off fireworks in Singapore?

The police said in March 2026 that unauthorised use of explosives under GEWCA carries imprisonment of up to 36 months and a fine of up to $50,000.

Can a temple hold a Deepavali fireworks display in Singapore?

Only through a licensed fireworks company. The company applies for an Explosive User Licence for Fireworks Display ($100 per event), with the organiser's engagement letter and venue consent, at least 14 days before the event.

Is the Dangerous Fireworks Act still in force?

The Singapore Police Force says the Guns, Explosives and Weapons Control Act 2021 replaced the Dangerous Fireworks Act 1972, the Arms and Explosives Act 1913 and the Explosive Substances Act 1924.

Important

This page is general information, not legal advice; local rules and temporary fire bans can change. Always check with the official authority for your exact address before buying or using fireworks.

Editor's note (25 October 2026): HinduTone checked the rules on this page against Singapore Police Force guidance, the GoBusiness licence page and a police news release on 25 October 2026. We review this guide every year before Deepavali; the next scheduled review is 15 September 2027. This is not an official government statement; check with the Singapore Police Force.

Related guides

• Deepavali 2026 in Singapore: Lakshmi Puja muhurat
• Hindus in Singapore 2026: Little India and temples guide
• Deepavali 2026 events in Singapore, Malaysia and Dubai
• Deepavali fireworks laws in Malaysia
• Diwali fireworks laws in Australia
• Diwali cracker safety precautions
• Eco-friendly, cracker-free Diwali ideas