Govt launches crackdown on illegal imports of Chinese crackers

Source: PIB, Government of India

In pursuance of specific intelligence regarding large scale smuggling of sub-standard, poor quality Chinese make fire crackers by way of concealment and mis-declaration, strict surveillance was maintained in the local markets. Import of fire crackers in India is restricted in terms of Foreign Trade Policy by Ministry of Commerce. Import of fire crackers is allowed against a license issued by the Ministry of Commerce. The Ministry of Commerce has not issued any license in this regard, so far to any importer. Besides harming the domestic industry, fireworks of foreign origin are hazardous in nature and jeopardize public safety and health. Accordingly, in a country wide operation undertaken on October 28 to detect and seize the offending goods, the officers of Directorate of Revenue Intelligence raided more than 100 godowns and retail outlets in Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Trichy, Vijawada, Madurai, Ludhiana etc. During the course of operation, various types of Chinese make fire crackers have been recovered having total value of more than Rs. 2 crore. The recovered Chinese make firecrackers have been seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. Further investigations are in progress.  

October 30, 2015 | 5:05pm IST.