28th September 2016

- KNN

Possession & sale of foreign origin fireworks is punishable, says DIPP; mfgs say imports have hit MSMEs

New Delhi, Sep 28 (KNN) After receiving several complaints from the Fireworks Associations, government has been issuing warnings that possession and sale of fireworks of foreign origin in India is illegal and punishable.

Talking to KNN, a senior official at Standard Fireworks, Sivakasi, Mr Valayaphady said, “Hundreds of MSMEs are into making of fireworks in India. But the sales have drastically gone down since last few years due to cheap imports from China.”

He said, China alone produces 90% of fireworks consumed worldwide.

“The Tamil Nadu Fireworks Manufacturers Association has been taking up the matter with the state and the central government. The government is now taking serious measures to check this,” he added.

Today, the Ministry of Commerce has said in a statement, “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, the government has been saying.

However, the 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.

“The domestic sale of fireworks is very down. Street vendors and shopkeepers still possess and sell imported fireworks,” Valayaphady added.

The manufactures have been saying that unlike Indian products, Chinese fireworks do not adhere to any noise standards prescribed by the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986 and the Explosives Rules, 2008. (KNN Bureau)