It has been brought to the notice of the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion that fireworks of foreign origin were illegally brought into India under false declarations. Various Fireworks Associations have informed that these smuggled items include the chemical `Potassium Chlorate` which is a dangerous and hazardous chemical and can ignite or explode spontaneously. The Tamilnadu Fireworks and Amorces Manufacturers’ Association (TANFAMA) has also informed that illegal fireworks of foreign origin have penetrated into our country in large quantities and they are likely to be sold through retail outlets extensively during coming Diwali season.

Fireworks in India have been declared as restricted item under ITC (HS) in respect of import by Director General of Foreign Trade. The manufacture, possession, use, sale, etc. of any explosive containing sulphur or sulphurate in admixture with any chlorate is banned in the country vide Notification GSR No. 64(E) dated 27.1.1992. Till date, no licence for import of fireworks has been granted under the Explosives Rules, 2008 by Petroleum & Explosives Safety Organisation, a subordinate office of Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion, Ministry of Commerce & Industry.

Possession and sale of fireworks of foreign origin in India is illegal and punishable under the Law. Information about possession and/or sale of such fireworks may be reported to the nearest Police Station for suitable action.

Possession and sale of foreign fireworks are illegal in India, punishable and subject to seizure; report occurrences to police. Possession and sale of fireworks of foreign origin in India are prohibited and punishable. Smuggled fireworks containing the hazardous chemical potassium chlorate pose ignition and explosion risks. Fireworks are classified as a restricted import item and the manufacture, possession, use and sale of explosives combining sulphur with any chlorate are banned by national notification. No import licences for fireworks have been issued under the applicable explosives rules, and reports of possession or sale should be made to the police for enforcement.