Press Information Bureau

Government of India

Ministry of Commerce & Industry

28-September-2016 13:48 IST

Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion receives a number of complaints/representations regarding clandestine import of fireworks of foreign origin under false declarations. Various Fireworks Associations have time and again raised the issue and informed that these smuggled items include the chemical ‘Potassium Chlorate’ which is a dangerous and hazardous chemical and can ignite or explode spontaneously.

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 license for import of fireworks has been granted under the Explosives Rules, 2008 by Petroleum & Explosives Safety Organization, a subordinate office of Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion.

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.

MJPS

Import restriction on fireworks: foreign-origin fireworks containing hazardous chlorates are unlawful and reportable for enforcement. Fireworks containing potassium chlorate are a hazardous restricted import item; manufacture, possession, use or sale of explosives mixing sulphur or sulphurate with any chlorate is prohibited by GSR No. 64(E). No import licences for fireworks have been granted under the Explosives Rules, 2008 by the Petroleum & Explosives Safety Organization, making importation, possession and sale of foreign-origin fireworks unlawful and reportable to police for enforcement action.