The Government has issued a second warning this year against illegal import of fire-crackers into the country, as Chinese items continue to be smuggled despite restrictions.

The first such statement was issued by the Commerce Ministry in September.

Public participation

The help of the general public to identify outlets and individuals selling such fire-crackers has also been sought in a statement issued by the Ministry.

“It has been brought to the notice of the Government that fireworks of foreign origin are being illegally brought into India under false declarations,” the statement said.

Fireworks are categorised as restricted items in India, which means that a special licence has to be obtained for their import.

No import licence has been granted for fireworks till date, the Ministry said. Various fireworks associations have informed the Commerce Ministry that smuggled fireworks are flooding the Indian market this Diwali and such items contain potassium chlorate, a dangerous and hazardous chemical, which can ignite or explode spontaneously, the release said.

“The general public and stakeholders are requested that information about possession or sale of such fireworks may be reported to the nearest police station or district authorities for suitable action,” the statement said.

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