SIVAKASI WEATHER
CHINESE CRACKERS FLOOD DELHI MARKETS

26-10-2016
26th October 2016

- The Pioneer

CHINESE CRACKERS FLOOD DELHI MARKETS

Despite the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) not issuing even a single licence for the import of foreign crackers, the Capital’s markets are reportedly flooded with Chinese crackers. This fact has come to light in wake of a communication by Directorate of Revenue Intelligence Director General Jayant Mishra to Chief Secretary KK Sharma in which he has urged him to direct his officers to immediately report the presence of imported firecrackers in licensed premises to the Customs department. Customs too have denied that any consignment of Chinese crackers was cleared by them. Officials say smuggled Chinese crackers are being sold in the markets.

The import of firecrackers is restricted in terms of the Foreign Trade Policy and is allowed only against an import licence issued by the DGFT. And all premises, which sell firecrackers, have to be duly authorised or licensed under Rule, 84 of the Explosives Rules, 2008 by the District Magistrate who may issue temporary licences for possession and sale of fireworks. Mishra told the Chief Secretary that the DGFT has not issued any licence in this regard to any importer so far. “Besides harming the domestic industry, fireworks of foreign origin are hazardous in nature and can jeopardise public safety and health.”

Mishra’s letter said, “…It is observed that some elements circumvent this policy and indulge in illegal import of firecrackers by concealment and mis-declaration. It is a serious concern that these illegal imports are reportedly continuing despite best efforts by the law enforcement agencies. As the Diwali season is nearing, there is possibility of more such illegal imports that are in turn displayed and sold in the local market without necessary permission.”

The letter said, “You can direct the officers concerned and confirm that licences are given only for the sale of Indian firecrackers. In case any imported firecrackers are noticed in licensed premises, the jurisdictional Customs authorities may be informed and in case such sale takes place in unlicensed premises, then necessary action may please be taken by the police authorities.”

A senior officer said that there is a possibility that Chinese firecrackers had most probably entered the Indian markets through Nepal. “With the fear of authorities acting against those indulging in sale of foreign firecrackers, some traders may repackage them and pass them on to customers like Indian made products.”

Earlier, an alert issued by the DRI said that in order to circumvent the licensing requirements, unscrupulous importers were indulging in the illegal import of firecrackers by way of mis-declaration and concealment. “It has been noticed that even after the issuance of several alerts, imports of foreign origin firecrackers is still rampant as is evident from the recent seizures made by this a Directorate. This is a serious matter and a grave cause of concern.”

Sources said smuggling of such items takes place from ports with active collusion of certain customs officials who allow under invoicing and wrong declarations on the containers. Explosive substances cannot be bought into the country by air routes. Such materials are brought through sea routes by smugglers, they added.

When asked about Chinese crackers, a trader said on the condition of anonymity that the consignments of Chinese crackers that arrived long back have to be sold. No new orders are being placed as customs officials are vigilant.

In the last week of September, the Centre issued a notification restricting import of made in China crackers. But the rules remain ambiguous on whether there are curbs on sale of crackers imported from China, before the Centre’s notification. It is learnt that fumes of Chinese crackers cause more pollution and are also harmful to human. The Indian crackers are safer.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Government has constituted 11 district-wise teams headed by area SDMs and assisted by Executive Engineers (DPCC) to curb the sale of illegally imported/Chinese fire crackers in the market, which are the main source of spreading toxicity in the air during Diwali.

These teams have been directed to make surprise inspections daily and to take action as per law, against violators found stocking and selling illegal/imported Chinese firecrackers. The Delhi Police has also been requested to take necessary action as per provisions of law and also to provide assistance to teams set up by Delhi Government.

The Minister directed the teams of area SDMs, DPCC and Delhi Police to intensify field visits and take stringent actions against the violators.

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