The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, under the authority of the Central Government, has recently proposed key amendments to the Explosives Rules, 2008, aimed at improving public safety, and confirming strict regulatory oversight in the manufacture, storage, and selling of explosives, especially fireworks. The proposed amendments are published in the Gazette of India as a draft notification seeking objections and suggestions from the public within thirty days of its publication.

These Explosives (Amendment) Rules, 2025 has been prepared in accordance with sections 5 and 7 of the Explosives Act, 1884 (4 of 1884), and seek to introduce important changes related to shop layout, structural standards, fire safety, and licensing norms.

Importance of the Explosives (Amendment) Rules, 2025

These amendments indicate a proactive approach by the Indian government to reduce fire hazards and ensure public safety, particularly in high-risk industries like fireworks manufacturing and retailing. With a focus on fire prevention, detection, and emergency preparedness, updated rules ensure:

1. Improved compliance with modern safety standards.
2. Better licensing scrutiny and enforcement.
3. Greater accountability between retailers and manufacturers

These regulations are particularly important in light of the frequent accidents related to fireworks, which often result in loss of life, property damage and long-term environmental damage.

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Key Amendments to the Explosives Rules, 2008

The draft Explosives (Amendment) Rules, 2025, introduces a series of significant amendments in existing Explosives Rules, 2008, the main objective of which is to improve safety, enhancing compliance, and minimizing the risks related with the storage and sale of fireworks. Below are the key changes proposed:

• Revised Shop Layout for Fireworks Retailers: The amendment orders that fireworks shops shall be located on the ground floor of single-story, stand-alone buildings. To be open, each shop must have an independent entry and an emergency exit. Doors must open outwards to facilitate quick evacuation, minimizing fire hazards and enhancing emergency response measures.
• Mandatory Clearance and Distance Regulations: In the revised rule 86(3), the amendments introduce new spatial safety principles aimed at reducing collateral damage and refining public safety in the event of an explosion or accidental fire. According to the updated rules, any freestanding fireworks shop must maintain a of open-to-sky clearance of at least three meters from any adjacent structure or building. Additionally, a mandatory minimum distance of fifty meters between fireworks shops and any safe work such as schools, hospitals, or assembly places, ensuring a safe buffer zone around potentially vulnerable areas.
• Exemptions and Safety Measures for Existing Shops: Shops already holding valid licenses in FORM LE-5 under the Explosives Rules, 2008, till the date of publication of these rules, are exempt from certain new structural requirements. However, they must firmly adhere to a set of fire safety standards, including:

1. Fire Detection System: Fireworks shops should install alarm systems with automatic fire detection and at least two dual-type detectors that sense both smoke and heat. These systems should have auto-dialling capability to notify the store owner and the nearest fire station. All instruments must be BIS certified or fulfill equivalent international standards.
2. Water Sprinkler System: Shops must have a portable or gravity feed water sprinkler system with a water storage capacity of between 300 to 400 litres. The system should be supported by at least a 2 HP pump and should include an alternative power supply or battery backup. The entire setup must have BIS or its equivalent certification.
3. Electric Panel Protection: Centralized electric panels in fire shops should be protected by an automatic clean agent gas-based hose system that operates at temperatures between 80 and 90 degrees Celsius. This ensures rapid suppression of electrical fires. All components must comp adhere with BIS standards for safety and effectiveness.
4. Fire Retardant Coating: All interior surfaces including fire shop walls, ceilings and doors should be treated with fire retardant or flame proof material. These coatings need to provide a minimum fire resistance rating of 30 minutes, which increases the overall fire safety of the shop.
5. Electrical Safety Standards: The internal wiring of fireworks shops must use fire survival cables or fire retardant low smoke wires. Moreover, all electrical equipment installed must be spark and flame safe to reduce the risk of electrical fire and ensure the highest level of safety.
6. Annual Electrical Audits: Fireworks shops must undergo a compulsory annual electrical safety audit conducted by certified inspectors acknowledged by the State Electricity Board. Successful completion of these audits is vital and will be a mandatory condition for license renewal under the Explosives Rules, 2008.

• Revised Licensing Requirements: As per the amendment to Rule 112(3), the licensing authority may now issue written notices to existing license holders under FORM LE-5 to comply with additional safety protocols and mandates, within a listed period, not less than three months, failing which the license may not be renewed. This offers regulatory agencies strong powers to enforce compliance and upgrade safety standards over time.

Also Read: Fire Safety & Compliance Services in India

What Stakeholders Should Do

Anyone affected by these proposed changes be it fireworks manufacturers, shop owners, safety inspectors, or industry associations should:

• Review the draft rules cautiously.
• Submit any objections or suggestions to the Director (Explosives), Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade within the 30-day window.
• Begin planning essential adjustments to meet compliance requirements, especially in regard to fire safety systems and electrical audits.

Conclusion

The Explosives (Amendment) Rules, 2025 represents a significant step in aligning India’s safety standards with international best practices. Given the imperative of structural and operational reforms in the fireworks industry, the Government aims to prevent tragedies and promote a safe, regulated commercial environment.

Industry stakeholders should view these developments not just as a legal requirement but as a moral obligation to safeguard workers, consumers, and surrounding communities.