Draft Rules Propose Enhanced Safety Norms for Explosives and Fireworks Shops

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through its Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, issued a notification on June 4, 2025, publishing a draft of proposed amendments to the Explosives Rules, 2008. These draft rules, titled the Explosives (Amendment) Rules, 2025, are intended to be made in exercise of the powers conferred by sections 5 and 7 of the Explosives Act, 1884. The Central Government published these draft rules for the information of all persons likely to be affected, inviting objections or suggestions within thirty days from the date the Gazette of India containing the notification was made available to the public. The proposed amendments introduce significant changes aimed at bolstering safety standards for premises dealing with explosives, particularly fireworks. Upon their final publication in the Official Gazette, these rules will come into force.

The amendments primarily focus on structural requirements and fire safety measures for shops. A key change involves Rule 83(4), which now mandates specific structural conditions for such establishments. The legislation provided: “be located on the ground floor of a single storied building with independent/standalone activity having independent entrance and emergency exit from open air and having doors opening outwards;” This provision replaces the earlier clause, ensuring better accessibility and evacuation routes. Furthermore, Rule 86(3) introduces new clearance requirements for independent fireworks shops, stipulating a minimum 3-meter open-to-sky clearance from any adjacent structure or building and a 50-meter clear distance from protected works (areas requiring special protection due to their nature or occupancy). Importantly, existing fireworks shops holding a FORM LE-5 license under the Explosives Rules, 2008, are exempted from these new clearance distances, provided they adhere to a comprehensive set of fire safety requirements. These include the installation of automatic fire detection and alarm systems (with a combination of smoke and heat detectors) with auto-diallers for communicating with the shop owner and the nearest fire department, standalone automatic portable or gravity-fed water sprinkler systems with a minimum water storage capacity of 300-400 liters, and automatic tubing systems (clean agent gas-based) for protecting centralized large electric panels. Shops must also treat walls, ceilings, and doors with fire retardant paint or flameproofing materials to achieve a minimum 30-minute fire rating, ensure concealed electric wiring using fire survival cables or fire retardant low smoke type, and use spark/flame-proof electrical fittings. An annual electrical audit, to be conducted by a certified qualified person or electrical inspector recognized by the state electricity board, will be mandatory for the renewal of licenses. Additionally, Rule 112(3) has been amended to empower the licensing authority to require additional safety provisions from FORM LE-5 license holders before license renewal, by issuing a notice in writing with a compliance period of not less than three months, specifically referencing the newly introduced fire safety requirements.

The legislative intent behind the Explosives (Amendment) Rules, 2025, is to significantly enhance public safety and mitigate risks associated with the storage and sale of explosives, particularly fireworks. The earlier statutory framework, while providing regulations, was identified as needing more stringent and specific provisions to address contemporary safety challenges. The amendments aim to close statutory gaps by introducing detailed structural and operational safety requirements that were previously less explicit or absent. By mandating independent entrances, emergency exits, and specific clearances, the rules seek to prevent the spread of fire and facilitate emergency response. The introduction of comprehensive fire safety requirements, such as automatic detection, sprinkler systems, and fire-retardant materials, directly addresses the critical issue of fire hazards in fireworks shops. The requirement for annual electrical audits and the use of fire-safe electrical components aims to prevent electrical malfunctions, a common cause of fires. These amendments introduce new obligations for license holders, particularly those operating fireworks shops, by requiring substantial upgrades to their premises and operational protocols. The provision empowering licensing authorities to demand additional safety measures before license renewal strengthens enforcement mechanisms, ensuring continuous adherence to evolving safety standards. This proactive approach seeks to safeguard lives and property by establishing a more robust regulatory environment for the handling and sale of explosive materials.

Keywords: Explosives Rules, Fireworks Safety, Explosives Act, Draft Rules, Fire Safety, Licensing, India, Public Safety, Ministry of Commerce and Industry Geo Tags: India, Delhi District: Not Applicable