Illegal sale of fireworks, illicit import of Chinese fireworks caused loss of 40% to fireworks traders, says federation
Talking to reporters here on Tuesday, the federation president V. Raja Chandrasekaran said that despite the Supreme Court banning taking online orders and sale of fireworks in 2018, the illegal online sale continued.
'This has been more pronounced in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Before it spreads to other States, the Government should ensure that no online sale of fireworks could be done,' he said.
Besides, stealth import of Chinese goods continued, he charged.
He pointed out that even recently, Chinese fireworks worth ₹35 crore were seized in Mumbai. 'The combination of online sales and Chinese imports had affected the business of traders to the extent of 40%, which is around ₹800 crore to ₹1000 crore, during Deepavali season 2024,' he said.
The federation would proceed with a case of contempt of court for allowing online sale of fireworks besides initiating criminal case, he said.
License for fireworks shops
Mr. Chandrasekaran complained that applications submitted for permanent cracker shops in February and March 2025 were yet to be processed.
'The process should have been completed within two months,' he said.
Besides, the license for permanent cracker shops is issued for five years under Explosives Act 2008. However, since the Department of Fireworks and Rescue gives no-objection certificate for only one year, the Revenue Department was giving license for only one year in many districts, he complained.
Besides, he insisted that the inordinate delay in giving license for temporary cracker shops during Deepavali season was taking a huge toll on the traders.
'The applications should be invited 90 days before Deepavali and the 15-day license should be given one month ahead of Deepavali to help the traders plan their business,' he said.
The federation secretary, N. Elangovan, was present.
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