DRI seizes Chinese-origin fireworks worth Rs 12 crore at Chennai Port

The DRI’s Hyderabad Zonal Unit seized Chinese-origin fireworks valued at around Rs 12 crore at Chennai Port. The consignments were allegedly misdeclared as other commodities and concealed behind declared cargo. DRI said the imports lacked requisite licences and authorisations.

HYDERABAD: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Hyderabad Zonal Unit, has seized Chinese-origin fireworks valued at approximately Rs 12 crore after busting an alleged attempt to smuggle the restricted goods through Chennai Port by misdeclaring them as other commodities.

Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officers examined several suspected containers in separate, coordinated operations at the port. The consignments had allegedly been declared as stationery items, medical gloves, plastic clips, hair bands, storage wardrobes, shoe racks and other goods.

---

During detailed examination, officers found large quantities of Chinese-origin pyrotechnic fireworks concealed behind cartons containing the declared cover cargo. The fireworks were seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.

The import of firecrackers and fireworks is restricted under the Foreign Trade Policy and requires valid authorisations from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) under the Explosives Rules, 2008.

According to the DRI, the consignments had been imported without the requisite licences and by resorting to misdeclaration and concealment. The seizures have exposed an attempt to circumvent regulatory controls governing the import and handling of fireworks.