Crackers Production

It has been made mandatory for firecracker manufacturers to mention the composition of explosives and quantity of the same as per Rule 15 (4) of the Explosives Rules, 2008. However, it is not mandatory to mention the consequential effects of fireworks on the environment and human health on the label of the packet or carton.

Government of India vide Notification G.S.R. No.64 (E) dated 27.01.1992 prohibited the manufacture, possession and importation of any explosive consisting of or containing sulphur or sulphurate in admixture with chlorate of potassium or any other chlorate, provided that this prohibition shall not extend to the manufacture or possession of such explosives: (a) in small quantities for scientific purposes; (b) for the purpose of manufacturing heads of matches; (c) for use in toy amorces (paper caps for toy pistols); or (d) in percussion caps for use in Railway Fog Signals. There is no proposal to ban the use of any other chemical in firecrackers at present.

Illegal manufacturing of firecrackers is punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees or with both, under Section 9B of the Explosives Act, 1884.

This information was given by the Commerce and Industry Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.