New Delhi: In a continued effort under operation “Fire Trail” to counter the illicit import of firecrackers, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has successfully uncovered another sophisticated smuggling attempt involving the illegal import of Chinese-origin fireworks and firecrackers into India.
During the operation, DRI officers intercepted a 40-foot container at Mundra port, originating from China, which was declared as carrying “water glass set” and “flower receptacle”. A detailed examination revealed 30,000 pieces of concealed firecrackers and fireworks hidden behind a front layer of water glass sets. Earlier, in October 2025, DRI had successfully thwarted attempts to illegally import Chinese firecrackers at Mumbai and Tuticorin.
The import of firecrackers is restricted under the ITC (HS) Classification of the Foreign Trade Policy and requires valid licences from both the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO) under the Explosives Rules, 2008. The importer did not have any valid documents to support the import and admitted that the goods had been smuggled for monetary gain. Accordingly, the smuggled Chinese firecrackers along with the cover cargo, valued at ₹5 crore, were seized on 15.11.2025 under the Customs Act, 1962. The mastermind-cum-financier of the transaction has been arrested.
The unlawful import of such hazardous goods poses serious risks to public safety, national security, critical port infrastructure, and the wider shipping and logistics chain. The DRI remains committed to safeguarding the public from hazardous contraband and maintaining the integrity of the country’s trade and security ecosystem by detecting and dismantling organised smuggling networks.
BI Bureau
