Revision of the BSV: new regulations only from 2027 - pyrotechnics ban planned
Following the fire incident in Crans-Montana and in view of around 11,000 responses from the consultation process, the Intercantonal Organ for Technical Barriers to Trade IOTH is drawing the consequences: The new Swiss fire protection regulations will come into force later. At the same time, a nationwide ban on pyrotechnics in publicly accessible areas is to be introduced as an immediate measure.
The Steering Committee of the Intercantonal Body on Technical Barriers to Trade IOTH (Concordat of Building Directors of all 26 cantons) has discussed the next steps in the total revision of Swiss fire safety regulations (BSV 2026). Both the initial findings from the devastating fire in Crans-Montana and the approximately 11,000 responses received as part of the technical consultation process were discussed.
Both aspects must be carefully evaluated and incorporated. The entry into force of the completely revised fire protection regulations is therefore expected to be postponed until fall 2027.
As an immediate measure, the Executive Committee of the IOTH Plenary Assembly on March 6, 2026 is proposing a nationwide ban on the setting off of pyrotechnics in publicly accessible areas. Categories of fireworks that already require a permit today remain exempt from this.
The results of the technical consultation completed on January 11, 2026 and the preliminary findings from the ongoing investigations into the tragic fire in Crans-Montana will be fully incorporated into the total revision of the fire safety regulations.
The large number of responses confirms that the fundamental focus on a risk-based approach and uniform enforcement is correct. This approach ensures that fire protection measures are implemented and monitored more intensively where there are increased risks. The goal is a harmonized, technically strengthened and consistent enforcement throughout Switzerland, to which the IOTH Steering Committee adheres.
Source: IOTH
