India Seizes Two Containers of Misdeclared Fireworks from China Ahead of Diwali, Arrests Four
A pre-festival crackdown highlights ongoing efforts to curb illicit imports of hazardous materials amid heightened regulatory scrutiny.
In a targeted operation ahead of Diwali, India’s Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) intercepted two 40-foot containers at Tuticorin port carrying 83,520 units of Chinese fireworks valued at approximately ₹50 million (around $600,000). The shipment, misdeclared as “engineering goods,” was discovered during a coordinated raid from October 14–18 as part of “Operation Fire Trail,” a broader crackdown on illicit imports during the festive season .The DRI arrested four individuals—the importer and three accomplices from Chennai and Mumbai—who have since been remanded to judicial custody. Authorities emphasized that the seizure underscores violations of India’s Foreign Trade Policy, which restricts fireworks imports without licenses from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) under the Explosives Rules of 2008 .
Public Safety and Regulatory Context
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Risk Mitigation: The DRI noted that misdeclared fireworks, highly combustible and often concealed alongside benign goods like "aluminum sheets and silicone paste," pose severe risks to port infrastructure and public safety .
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Seasonal Vigilance: The operation coincided with a Supreme Court ruling allowing limited sales of certified “green crackers” in Delhi and surrounding areas from October 18–21, highlighting tensions between regulated domestic markets and illegal imports .
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Broader Pattern: This incident follows a July 2025 seizure of 100 metric tons of Chinese fireworks worth ₹35 crore in a similar misdeclaration scheme, indicating persistent smuggling attempts .
Implications for Trade Compliance
The DRI has intensified monitoring at key ports after detecting recurring false declarations. Officials warned that such practices not only circumvent legal channels but also exploit logistical chains, potentially endangering ships and crews . The agency reiterated its commitment to dismantling networks that misuse special economic zones (SEZs) and domestic tariff areas for diversion of restricted goods .This case reflects India’s tightened enforcement ahead of high-demand periods like Diwali, aligning with global trends of stricter hazardous-material controls. Exporters to India are urged to ensure accurate declarations and comply with licensing requirements to avoid legal repercussions .
