Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion have been receiving 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.

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 27.01.1992. Besides, fireworks have been declared as restricted item under ITC (HS) in respect of import by the Director General of Foreign Trade. Till date, no license for import of fireworks has been granted under the Explosives Rules, 2008 by Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization, a Subordinate Office of Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion.

Possession and sale of fireworks of foreign origin 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.

Illegality of imported fireworks containing hazardous oxidisers affirmed; possession and sale are unlawful and reportable for enforcement. Illegality and public-safety risk from clandestine importation and trade in foreign-origin fireworks containing potassium chlorate are underscored; manufacture, possession, use or sale of explosives containing sulphur or sulphurate mixed with any chlorate is prohibited, fireworks are a restricted import item, no import licences for fireworks have been issued by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation under the Explosives Rules, and possession or sale of such fireworks is illegal and reportable to police.