The Dutch firework sector is forecasting sales for the New Year celebrations will reach €67m this year.

The three-day window for buying fireworks opened on Thursday and the improved economy means consumers will spend more than the €65m handed out last year, the sector says.

The highest ever expenditure was in 2010, when the total bill ran to €73m.

Fireworks are only sold to the general public in the Netherlands under strict conditions. Consumers have to be at least 12 years told to buy fireworks and a shop can sell no more than 25 kilos per person.

By law, fireworks may only be set off between 6pm on December 31 and 2am on January 1. Some 20% of Dutch towns and cities have also brought in firework-free zones this year.