Fireworks dealers in Keralam demand action against unauthorised sales
Fireworks merchants in Kerala are protesting against illegal online sales and strict new government regulations. They argue that these factors threaten the livelihoods of thousands of licensed traders and workers.
Why it matters
It illustrates the tension between enforcing safety regulations and the economic survival of traditional, regulated industries.
The fireworks industry and its licensed traders in Keralam are facing a serious crisis due to illegal online sales, unauthorised stocking, tax evasion, and impractical provisions under the central government’s Explosives (Amendment) Rules, 2026, say merchants.
According to K.P. Suresh Babu, State president of the Fireworks Merchants Association (FMA), around 16,800 licensed traders and nearly 100,000 workers dependent on the industry are on the verge of losing their livelihoods and shutting down their establishments.
“While illegal online firework sales from Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu continue unchecked in violation of Supreme Court directives, legitimate traders bear heavy financial burdens to maintain LE-5 licenses, adhere to safety standards, pay employee wages, local body fees, and GST. In contrast, unauthorised operators bypass all licensing, safety, and tax obligations,” he said.
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