Stories
DRI Seizes Chinese-Origin Fireworks Worth Over Rs 12 Crore at Chennai Port
- •The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence seized Chinese-origin fireworks valued at over Rs 12 crore at Chennai Port.
- •The contraband was illegally imported by misdeclaring the firecrackers as stationery items, medical gloves, and other goods.
- •Import of firecrackers requires valid authorizations from the DGFT and PESO under the Explosives Rules, 2008.
- •The shipments lacked the requisite licenses and were seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.
Key Questions Answered
Specific intelligence gathered by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Hyderabad Zonal Unit, revealed that Chinese-origin firecrackers were being illegally imported in containers by misdeclaring them as stationery, medical gloves, plastic clips, hair bands, storage wardrobes, and shoe racks. Officers acted on this information to examine suspected containers and recover the hidden pyrotechnic fireworks.
The Chinese-origin pyrotechnic fireworks recovered during the coordinated operations at Chennai Port were collectively valued at approximately Rs 12 crore.
Under the Foreign Trade Policy and the Explosives Rules, 2008, the import of firecrackers and fireworks is restricted and requires valid authorisations from both the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO).
