Firecrackers, fireworks under the name "Tet Toys", publicly advertised for sale
As Tet approaches, the fireworks market becomes bustling due to the sudden increase in people's demand. Besides licensed Z121 firecrackers of the Ministry of National Defense, many types of firecrackers that are absolutely prohibited such as BB firecrackers, mortar firecrackers, egg firecrackers, foreign fireworks... smuggled are also publicly advertised on social networks, with the beautiful name "Tet toys".
Contacting directly with a seller of various products, this person only accepts contact via Zalo named P.H. This person said that they provide Thai firecrackers, priced from 600,000 to 1,200,000 VND/set; billiard firecrackers are priced at 500,000 VND/pack of 100 firecrackers. However, due to high demand, there are no goods coming close to Tet, so currently only 49, 100 tubes are available.
P.H also said that he can deliver goods on the same day in Hanoi, but requires customers to deposit in advance because it is "sensitive goods". The subject also does not deliver goods directly, but through the shipper, the recipient is checked but is not tested for firecrackers.
Realizing that reporters were still hesitant, the seller immediately sent videos of receiving goods directly, feedback (feedback) from buyers... to gain trust and affirm: "You can buy with peace of mind, this goods is very ok, many times more beautiful than Vietnamese goods".
Another account named T.C publicly introduced rotating firecrackers and butterfly firecrackers with small sizes and loud explosions. Many people commented that they were interested and wanted to buy these types of firecrackers. However, the subject did not publicly disclose the price and selling location, only accepting exchanges via Zalo.
Z121 fireworks priced 3 times higher right at the point of sale
According to the list of Chemical Company Limited Company 21, the retail price of sprayers ranges from 280,000 VND to 420,000 VND per sprayer. However, buying at the listed price is extremely difficult.
Reporters recorded the reality at some fireworks business stores with Z121 signs in Hanoi. At a store introducing and selling Z121 fireworks products in Dai Mo ward, the "price chaos" situation took place publicly.
Staff at the store said that if buying retail, the price for each D16x25 pellet sprayer is at 460,000 VND/rack, 180,000 VND/rack higher than the listed price. Meanwhile, each D16x25 flower sprayer is sold by the store at 800,000 VND/rack, the D16x36 flower sprayer is priced at 1,300,000 VND/rack. This price is 3 times higher than the listed price of Z121.
When reporters have a need to buy large quantities, store staff said that they will set the price at about 430,000 VND/D16x25 flower sprayer and 770,000 VND/D16x25 flower sprayer. This price is still many times higher than the listed price.
Warning about legal risks when buying and using illegal firecrackers
Discussing this issue, lawyer Nguyen Quang Huy (Hanoi Bar Association) said that according to Clause 2, Article 14 of Decree 137/2020/ND-CP, only organizations and enterprises under the Ministry of National Defense are allowed to trade in fireworks and must be granted a Certificate of eligibility for security and order by a competent Police agency; ensuring conditions on fire prevention and fighting, incident prevention and response, and environmental protection.
The fact that stores introduce and distribute Z121 fireworks products at prices many times higher than the listed price is against regulations and may be penalized.
At the same time, all activities of buying and selling fireworks, exploding firecrackers... on social networks when legal conditions are not met are illegal and pose many risks for buyers.
People also need to clearly distinguish between fireworks and exploding firecrackers. Exploding firecrackers (containing explosives, causing explosions) and exploding firecrackers (with whistling sounds, explosions) are types that are absolutely prohibited for individuals. People are only allowed to use fireworks that create lighting effects, colors, and do not cause explosions.
According to Decree 282/2025/ND-CP, sanctions for acts related to fireworks have been significantly increased. Fines are applied according to the level of danger: A fine of 2,000 VND to 5,000 VND for the act of using fireworks in violation of regulations; a fine of 5,000 VND to 10,000 VND if fireworks are delivered to unaqualified people.
In particular, the act of using firecrackers and exploding fireworks will be fined from 20,000,000 VND to 40,000,000,000 VND. In addition to fines, violators will also have their exhibits confiscated.
Even if the act is sufficient to constitute a crime, an individual may be prosecuted for criminal liability for the act of trading in prohibited goods as prescribed in Article 190 of the Penal Code.
