No Chinese fireworks this Deepavali, import banned

Chennai: This Deepavali may be less colourful for consumers with no Chinese fireworks in the sky. But it will be a most cheerful one for domestic fireworks manufacturers. The Rs 3,000-crore Sivakasi fireworks industry, employing over three lakh people, will have a celebration of sorts this season, thanks to the latest Central notification banning the import of Chinese crackers.

With about Rs 300-crore business being weaned away by cheap Chinese imports last year, the industry was worried if it would be able to double the business this year. This had impelled the Tamil Nadu Fireworks and Amorces Manufacturer’s Association (TNFAMA) to make a representation to the Modi government to save their industry. .

“We submitted a memorandum to the Centre last month highlighting the safety issues of cheap Chinese crackers,” said Mr G. Abiruben, president of TNFAMA. These crackers use potassium chloride which is a friction-sensitive material. This is not just banned in India but emit hazardous smoke, particularly harmful for children,” he added.

Taking cognisance of their plight, the Centre issued a public notification on Monday night, just about three weeks before Deepavali, that it is illegal to possess or sell imported crackers this year. Confirming this, Ms Nirmala Seetharaman, minister of state for commerce and industry, said, “Last night (Monday), we have issued a notification and advertisement that it is illegal to sell imported crackers in retail, since there has been no permit given to anyone to import crackers. If found in markets, investigation would be made on how it found its way into India.”

Chinese crackers are imported by Nepal. They are then shipped through Kolkata, Mumbai and Kandla ports,

However, these crackers, which are cheaper and brighter, find their way into the country mixed with Chinese toy imports. “As these crackers are being produced in large numbers and use banned chemicals, they come cheap,” said Mr Ansg. Arasan, a leading manufacturer and past president of TNFAMA.
A huge consignment of Rs 3.6 crore worth of material was seized last month at Mumbai port. “But thanks to the central notification this time, the state government has also been alerted on such illegal imports and we can surely have a safe and happy diwali this time,” Mr Arasan said.