The Haryana government on Monday declared possession and sale of imported firecrackers illegal and punishable in the state, a spokesperson said here.
Deputy commissioners of all the districts have been directed to be vigilant in this regard and take strict action against the sale and distribution of imported firecrackers, he said.
Additionally, they have also been asked to ensure there is no storage of imported firecrackers by conducting the inspection of all the establishments and taking preventive actions.
He said according to a letter issued by the Union ministry of commerce, fireworks fall under the Indian Trade Classification (Harmonised System) and their import is prohibited.
Firecrackers cannot be imported without obtaining a license or authorization from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade. In the recent years, no license or authority has been issued by the directorate-general for import of firecrackers, the spokesperson said.
The sale of firecrackers requires a license issued by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation.
The spokesperson said all district deputy commissioners, commissioners of police and superintendents of police in the state have been directed to take stringent measures to stop the sale of imported firecrackers and alert people not to use such firecrackers.
Cases of possessing or sale of such firecrackers should be immediately reported to the nearest police station so that appropriate action can be taken against such offenders, he added.
