Ahead of the Diwali festival, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence and customs have seized 285 tonnes of illegal firecrackers during August-September period.
"During 2015-16 (Aug to Sept) Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) & the Customs have seized 285 MT of illegal firecrackers. During whole of 2014-15, 101 MT was seized. Action initiated in consultation with Contr.Of Explo. (Controller of Explosives) for destruction of confiscated," Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tweeted.
The move is aimed at tightening grip over illegal imports particularly from China which are reportedly flooding the Indian market.
Domestic fireworks associations have complained about illegal import of fireworks from China ahead of Diwali.
Last year, the DIPP had stated that complaints of rising illegal imports of fireworks from China were received. It had said that possession and sale of imported fireworks is illegal and punishable.
The Tamil Nadu Fireworks and Amorces Manufacturers' Association (TANFAMA) had informed that illegal fireworks of foreign origin have penetrated into the country in large quantities.
Till September last year, no licence for import of fireworks was granted under the Explosives Rules, 2008 by Petroleum & Explosives Safety Organisation, a subordinate office of the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP).
The domestic industry has said that imports may affect job prospects of 10 lakh workers employed in fireworks units in India.
Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu is the manufacturing hub of India's fireworks industry.
