The Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MoCI) has proposed repealing the Explosives Act, 1884 and introducing the Explosives Bill, 2025, in a significant move to modernize the country’s regulatory framework for explosives. The government has called for public and stakeholder feedback on the proposed Bill by July 17, 2025.
Why Replace the Explosives Act, 1884?
The current Act, though amended in 1978, is rooted in colonial-era legislation and is considered outdated and misaligned with the current technological, industrial, and safety standards. The proposed Explosives Bill, 2025, aims to streamline regulations, enhance safety measures, and align legal references with India’s newly enacted criminal codes — the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.
🔑 Key Highlights of the Explosives Bill, 2025:
- New Definitions Added: Includes terms like Chief Controller, Licensing Authority, Third-Party Inspection Agency, etc.
- Updated Penal Provisions: Fines for violations are proposed to increase, though imprisonment terms remain unchanged.
- Modern Enforcement Framework: Introduction of third-party inspections and competent persons for oversight and safety audits.
- Regulatory Re-alignment: References to the Indian Penal Code and CrPC replaced with new Bharatiya criminal laws.
- Licence Modernization: Clearer procedures and new powers for authorities to issue, suspend, or revoke licenses.
- Simplified Structure: Several sections renumbered or consolidated to improve clarity and legislative efficiency.
- Sunset Clause & Saving Clause: Provisions included for smooth transition and continuity of previous actions under the old Act.
📝 How to Send Comments:
Email by July 17, 2025:
Send in MS Word format to:
📧 pritam.k@gov.in
📧 expl-dipp@nic.in
Subject line: Comments/suggestions on the proposed Repeal of the Explosives Act, 1884 and introduction of the Explosives Bill, 2025
OR
Mail to:
Shri Pritam Kumar
Under Secretary, Explosives Section
Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Room No. 460 B, Udyog Bhawan, New Delhi – 110011
(Envelope should be marked accordingly.)
This initiative forms part of India’s broader effort to review and repeal obsolete pre-constitutional laws to better serve present-day industrial and national security needs.
