The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has released a draft notification proposing amendments to the Explosives Rules, 2008. These draft rules, titled Explosives (Amendment) Rules, 2025, primarily aim to bolster safety provisions related to the storage and sale of explosives, particularly for fireworks shops. The Central Government has invited objections and suggestions from the public by July 5, 2025.
The proposed changes are a step towards ensuring greater public safety and stricter compliance in handling explosive materials.
Key Proposed Amendments
Location Requirements for Explosive Premises
Any premises for the storage or handling of explosives must now be located on the ground floor of a single-storied building.
The building must have an independent/standalone activity with an independent entrance and emergency exit opening directly to open air.
All doors must open outwards.
Enhanced Safety Norms for Fireworks Shops
Minimum Clearances: Independent fireworks shops must observe a minimum 3 meters open-to-sky clearance from any adjacent structure or building and a minimum of 50 meters clear distance from “protected works.”
Existing Licensed Shops (FORM LE-5): Importantly, these new distance requirements will not apply to fireworks shops that already hold a FORM LE-5 license under the Explosives Rules, 2008, provided they comply with a comprehensive set of upgraded fire safety requirements.
Mandatory Fire Safety Upgrades for Existing FORM LE-5 Shops
Fire Detection System: Installation of an automatic fire detection and alarm system (two conventional dual-type detectors combining smoke and heat) with an auto-dialler to communicate with the shop owner and the nearest fire department. These systems must be approved by BIS/equivalent standards.
Water Sprinkler System: Standalone automatic portable or gravity-fed water sprinkler systems with a minimum water storage capacity of 300-400 liters, connected to a minimum 2 HP pump. Alternate power supply or battery backup is required. Existing fixed hydrant systems can provide an extension. The entire system must be BIS/equivalent approved.
Electric Panel Protection: For centralized large electric panels, an automatic tubing system (clean agent gas-based) is required. The detection tube should activate between 80-90 degrees Celsius, and both the tube and gas must be BIS/equivalent approved.
Fire Prevention Material: Shop walls, ceiling, and doors must be treated with fire retardant paint or flameproofing material coating to provide a minimum 30-minute fire rating. The material must be BIS/equivalent approved.
Electrical Safety: Concealed electric wiring using fire survival cables or fire retardant low smoke type cables is mandatory, and all electrical fittings must be spark/flame-proof.
Annual Electrical Audit: All fireworks shops must undergo an annual electrical audit conducted by a certified qualified person or electrical inspector recognized by the state electricity board. This audit certificate will be mandatory for the renewal of licenses under the Explosives Rules, 2008.
License Renewal Provisions (Rule 112(3) for FORM LE-5):
The licensing authority now has the explicit power to require holders of FORM LE-5 licenses to implement additional safety provisions deemed necessary for the premises’ safety before license renewal. A written notice will be issued, and the license holder must comply within a period of not less than three months.
Crucially, these additional safety provisions will include adherence to the detailed fire safety requirements outlined in Rule 86(3)(c)(i) to (vi) for existing fireworks shops.
Interested persons are encouraged to submit their objections or suggestions in writing to the Director (Explosives), Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Room No. 252A Udyog Bhavan, New Delhi –110 011, or via email to expl-dipp@nic.in within the specified 30-day period. The Central Government will duly consider all feedback received.
