New Delhi, July 12, 2025:| Skylink Times – News Desk
In a significant crackdown on illegal imports ahead of the festive season, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized Chinese firecrackers worth ₹35 crore as part of a high-intensity operation dubbed “Operation Fire Trail.” This is one of the biggest seizures of banned Chinese firecrackers in recent years, raising concerns about ongoing smuggling networks active across the Indian border.
These Chinese fireworks, weighing 100 metric tonne were illicitly imported in the name of a KASEZ unit and certain IEC holders, by misdeclaring them as goods such as “Mini Decorative Plants,” “Artificial Flowers”, and “Plastic Mats”.
According to official sources, the smuggled firecrackers were concealed in shipments falsely declared as household goods and industrial chemicals. The DRI team conducted extensive surveillance and coordinated raids across multiple locations in Delhi-NCR, Gujarat, and Maharashtra to intercept the consignment.
Notably, some of these consignments were routed through Kandla SEZ by a KASEZ unit with an intent of diversion into the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA). The key individual, a partner of the SEZ unit, found to be actively involved in the smuggling of Chinese firecrackers/fireworks through misdeclaration and misuse of SEZ provisions, has been arrested. He has been remanded to judicial custody by the Hon’ble Court.
The import of firecrackers is ‘Restricted’ under ITC (HS) Classification of the Foreign Trade Policy, and requires licences from DGFT and Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO) under the Explosive Rules 2008. Firecrackers and fireworks are harmful as they contain banned chemicals like red lead, copper oxide, lithium, etc.
Key Highlights of the Operation Fire Trail:
Total seizure valued at ₹35 crore Consignments traced back to Chinese origin Containers declared falsely to evade customs checks Raids conducted in Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai Likely links to a pan-India smuggling syndicate
DRI officials emphasized that these Chinese firecrackers pose serious health and safety hazards and are banned under Indian law. The smuggled items were not only illegally imported but also lacked safety certifications and compliance with pollution norms.
Legal Action Underway
Further investigation is underway to identify the kingpins and financiers behind the illegal imports. The DRI is working with international agencies to track the origin and logistics trail of the shipments.
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