What are the Explosives Rules 2008?

The rules made under the Explosives Act, 1884 that license the making, storage, sale, transport and use of explosives, fireworks included. Notified as G.S.R. 907(E) on 29 December 2008, they were last amended on 2 March 2026, and PESO and the District Magistrates enforce them.

Who issues a firecracker licence, PESO or the District Magistrate?

Both, by quantity. The District Magistrate issues Form LE-5 for a shop holding up to 100 kg of fireworks, every festival shop licence and every public display licence. PESO's Controller of Explosives licenses shops of 100 to 300 kg, store houses and larger factories.

What is a Form LE-5 licence?

The licence to possess and sell fireworks from a permanent shop under Schedule IV, article 5 of the Explosives Rules. It covers up to 100 kg of fireworks and 500 kg of Chorsa crackers or sparklers from the District Magistrate, or up to 300 kg from the Controller, for up to 10 financial years.

How do I get a temporary licence for a crackers shop?

Apply to the District Magistrate, or the Commissioner of Police in a commissionerate, before the festival. Rule 84 sets the conditions: a non-flammable shed 3 m from the next and 50 m from protected works, at most 50 shops a cluster with 2 fire tenders. The licence lasts at most 30 days.

Does a fireworks shop need a fire NOC?

The Explosives Rules do not issue one, but the state fire law often does: Punjab charges Rs 10,000 for a cracker shop's fire NOC, Andaman and Nicobar issues a clearance for temporary sale, and Karnataka's High Court let Mangaluru demand a fire NOC from traders in 2026.

What are the green crackers rules?

Since the Supreme Court's 23 October 2018 judgment, only reduced-emission and green crackers may be made and sold, through licensed traders; barium, joined crackers and online sales are banned; and bursting on Diwali is allowed only from 8 pm to 10 pm, throughout India.

What is the punishment under section 9B of the Explosives Act?

Up to 3 years or a Rs 5,000 fine for making, importing or exporting against the Rules; up to 2 years or Rs 3,000 for possessing, selling or transporting; Rs 1,000 for other breaches. Failing to report an accident costs up to Rs 500, or 3 months' jail if a life was lost.

How many crackers can I keep at home without a licence?

Up to 100 kg of fireworks for your own use and not for sale, under rule 9(5) of the Explosives Rules. You may carry them, but no more than 5 kg in a vehicle carrying more than 6 passengers.

Codes and laws 29 min read

Explosives Rules 2008: fireworks licences, shops, displays and the 2026 changes

Updated October 2026By Flamekite Editorial DeskFacts checked against official sources on 25 October 2026

Quick answer

The Explosives Rules 2008 license fireworks: a District Magistrate's LE-5 for a 100 kg shop, and since March 2026 new shops 50 m from schools and hospitals. The Rules are G.S.R. 907(E) of 29 December 2008, made under the Explosives Act, 1884, and administered by PESO.

They have been amended in 2011, 2013, 2019, 2024, 2025 and 2026. Licences now run up to 10 financial years, festival shops 30 days and a public display 1 month. Breaking the Rules or a licence condition while possessing or selling fireworks is punishable under section 9B of the Act with up to 2 years in prison or a Rs 3,000 fine.

Shop licence from the DM: 100 kg; Of fireworks, plus 500 kg of Chorsa crackers or sparklers, on Form LE-5; Licence table
New shops since 3 March 2026: 50 m; From schools, hospitals, diagnostic centres and religious places; Rule 86(5)
Licence term since 1 May 2025: 10 financial years; Festival shops 30 days, a display 1 month; Validity
Selling against the Rules, s.9B: 2 years; Or a fine up to Rs 3,000, or both; Penalties

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Explosives Rules 2008 at a glance

The instrument, who runs it and the fireworks lines that matter most, each with its source. Last verified 25 October 2026.
What	The rule	Source
Instrument	Explosives Rules, 2008: G.S.R. 907(E) of 29 December 2008, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in force on publication; replaced the Explosives Rules, 1983	Explosives Rules 2008
Parent Act	Explosives Act, 1884 (4 of 1884), sections 5 and 7; penalties in section 9B	Explosives Act (PESO)
Amended by	G.S.R. 65(E) of 2011, 772(E) of 2013, 17(E) of 2019, 633(E) of 2024, 284(E) of 2025 and 154(E) of 2026	G.S.R. 284(E), 2025
Regulator	PESO under DPIIT: the Chief Controller of Explosives at Nagpur and the Controllers in the circles	PESO contacts
Who licenses fireworks	The District Magistrate for small shops, festival shops, displays and factories up to 15 kg; the Controller or Chief Controller above those lines	Explosives Rules 2008
No licence needed	Fireworks up to 100 kg kept for your own use and not for sale (rule 9(5))	Explosives Rules 2008
Fireworks class	Class 7 of the 8 classes in Schedule I, in 4 divisions	Explosives Rules 2008
Licence term	Up to 10 financial years since 1 May 2025; 30 days for a festival shop; 1 month for a display	G.S.R. 284(E), 2025
Accident notice	Within 12 hours to the Chief Controller, the Controller, the District Magistrate and the police (rule 131, since 2019)	G.S.R. 17(E), 2019
Latest change	G.S.R. 154(E) of 2 March 2026: single-storey shops, 50 m from schools and hospitals, a fire alarm and sprinkler retrofit for existing shops	G.S.R. 154(E), 2026

Explosives Rules 2008 as notified and as amended to March 2026

The fireworks lines that changed since G.S.R. 907(E), with the notification that changed each.
Option	2008 text	In force on 25 October 2026	Source
Licence term (rule 106)	5 financial years for factories and magazines, 10 for other licences	10 financial years for all, since rule 106(3) was omitted (G.S.R. 284(E), 2025)	G.S.R. 284(E), 2025
Renewal (rule 112)	Up to 5 financial years; no renewal 3 months after expiry	Up to 10 financial years; no renewal 6 months after expiry, then it is a new application	G.S.R. 17(E), 2019
Accident notice (rule 131)	Within 24 hours	Within 12 hours, since 9 January 2019	G.S.R. 17(E), 2019
Sparklers sub-division	"Chinese crackers" in Class 7, Division 2, Sub-division 1 and in Form LE-5	"Chorsa crackers" (G.S.R. 17(E), 2019)	G.S.R. 17(E), 2019
Festival shop cluster (rule 84)	6 conditions: sheds, 3 m and 50 m gaps, lighting, 50 shops a cluster	Plus first aid, an ambulance, at least 2 fire tenders and a warning board in the local language (2019)	G.S.R. 17(E), 2019
Permanent shop building (rule 83)	Ground floor of a building, separated by walls	Ground floor of a single-storeyed standalone building, with DCP and CO2 extinguishers (2026)	G.S.R. 154(E), 2026
Shop distance from schools and hospitals	None in the Rules	50 m for new shops from educational institutions, hospitals, diagnostic centres and religious places (rule 86(5), 2026)	G.S.R. 154(E), 2026
Public display (Form LE-6)	24 conditions, 7 days' notice, no quantity cap	35 conditions, 15 days' notice, up to 2,000 kg, certified display operators (G.S.R. 633(E), 2024)	G.S.R. 633(E), 2024
DM's no objection certificate (rule 103(7))	Decision within 6 months	Decision within 3 months (2024)	G.S.R. 633(E), 2024

How a fireworks shop licence is granted under rules 101 to 112

Check the quantity first
Apply to the District Magistrate, or the Commissioner of Police in a commissionerate. Up to 100 kg of fireworks and 500 kg of Chorsa crackers or sparklers is a District Magistrate's LE-5; 100 to 300 kg and 500 to 1,200 kg goes to the Controller of Explosives (Schedule IV, article 5).
Build to rule 83
A brick, stone or concrete shop of 9 to 25 m² of storage, on the ground floor of a single-storeyed standalone building since March 2026, 50 m from schools, hospitals and religious places for a new shop.
Get the site approval and NOC
Rule 101(4) exempts shop licences from prior construction approval, though PESO's guideline still asks Controller-licensed shops for one on Form AE-5. For a Controller's licence the District Magistrate's no objection certificate may follow an already-built shop (rule 104), decided within 3 months since 2024.
Apply with the documents of rule 113
File Form AE-5 with the shop plan, the site layout with approach road and safety distances, proof of possession of the premises (added in 2019) and the scrutiny fee of Rs 200.
Pay the yearly fee
Rs 500 a year for a District Magistrate's shop licence and Rs 1,000 for the Controller's, for as many financial years as you ask, up to 10.
Renew before expiry
File Form RE-1 before the licence expires and it stays in force until the decision. Late by up to 6 months costs a penalty of one year's fee; later than that is a fresh licence. Existing shops must also give the rule 86(7) undertaking.

Explosives Rules amendments, 2008 to 2026, from the Gazette

Six amending notifications are listed in the Gazette notes. Four were read in full; the 2011 and 2013 ones are not on PESO's site.

29 December 2008
G.S.R. 907(E) notifies the Explosives Rules, 2008, superseding the 1983 Rules, from a draft of 6 September 2006. Explosives Rules 2008
24 January 2011
G.S.R. 65(E) amends the Rules; its text was not found on PESO's site. G.S.R. 284(E), 2025
11 December 2013
G.S.R. 772(E) moves the fees other than licence fees, from scrutiny fees to test fees, out of Schedule IV and into DIPP's User Fee Notice (Explosives). G.S.R. 772(E), 2013
9 January 2019
G.S.R. 17(E): accident notice cut to 12 hours, 2 fire tenders for festival shop clusters, Chorsa crackers, a 6-month renewal window. G.S.R. 17(E), 2019
18 June 2018
PESO publishes draft G.S.R. 570(E); it takes 6 years to become the 2024 amendment. G.S.R. 633(E), 2024
11 October 2024
G.S.R. 633(E), published 14 October: a new Form LE-6 for displays up to 2,000 kg and certificates for display operators and assistants. G.S.R. 633(E), 2024
24 April 2025
G.S.R. 284(E), published 1 May: every licence and renewal can run up to 10 financial years. G.S.R. 284(E), 2025
2 March 2026
G.S.R. 154(E), published 3 March, from a draft of 5 June 2025: single-storey shops, the 50 m rule and a fire-safety retrofit for existing shops. G.S.R. 154(E), 2026
6 October 2026
The Kerala High Court holds that festival shops are judged under rule 84, not the 2026 shop amendments. Kerala High Court

Explosives Rules Schedule I: the 8 classes and the fireworks divisions

Rule 4 sorts every explosive into one of 8 classes; fireworks are Class 7, and the division decides the licence limit.

Classes 1 to 4: Gunpowder; nitrate mixture; nitro-compound (Division 1 nitroglycerine types, Division 2 such as TNT); chlorate mixture (any explosive containing a chlorate, in 2 divisions). Explosives Rules 2008
Classes 5, 6 and 8: Fulminate (2 divisions); ammunition (3 divisions: safety cartridges and fuses, ammunition without its own ignition, and with it); liquid oxygen explosives. Explosives Rules 2008
Class 7, Division 1: Fireworks composition: any star or coloured fire composition used to make fireworks. A sealed metal case of no more than 500 g counts as a manufactured firework. Explosives Rules 2008
Class 7, Division 2, Sub-division 1: Fireworks that are relatively innocuous and do not explode violently or all at once, such as sparklers, Chorsa crackers and serpents (wording of 2019). G.S.R. 17(E), 2019
Class 7, Division 2, Sub-division 2: Rockets, shells, maroons, wheels, barrages, fountains, illumination pieces and pyrotechnic devices: the class a 100 kg shop limit counts. Explosives Rules 2008
Class 7, Division 2, Sub-division 3, and Divisions 3 and 4: Fireworks assembled at site purely for display; contrivances used to make fireworks such as quick match fuse; fireworks for the Armed Forces. Explosives Rules 2008
Sound and light categories (rule 4(3)): Sound-emitting fireworks up to 125 dB(AI) or 145 dB(C)pk at 4 m, less 5 log10(N) dB for N joined crackers; colour and light fireworks up to 90 dB(AI) at 4 m. Explosives Rules 2008
Aerial fireworks (rule 2(24A), 2024): Items with a lifting charge and an aerial charge, shells and rockets included, but not items under 1 inch across or 6 inches high. G.S.R. 633(E), 2024
UN Class 1 divisions: Divisions 1.1 to 1.6 for transport: fireworks composition is 1.1, mass explosion; most manufactured fireworks are 1.4, no significant hazard. Explosives Rules 2008

Explosives Rules licence forms and who grants each

Schedule IV, Part 1 names the form and the authority for each licence. The fireworks rows are read off the Gazette as amended to 2024.

	Form	Quantity line	Licensing authority
Make fireworks or gunpowder, small Explosives Rules 2008	LE-1	Up to 15 kg at any one time	District Magistrate
Make fireworks or gunpowder, medium Explosives Rules 2008	LE-1	Over 15 kg up to 500 kg	Controller of Explosives
Make fireworks or gunpowder, large Explosives Rules 2008	LE-1	Over 500 kg	Chief Controller, or a Controller he authorises
Fireworks store house for your own shop Explosives Rules 2008	LE-3	Up to 5,000 kg, not for sale (rule 82)	Chief Controller, or a Controller he authorises
Explosives in a magazine for sale or use Explosives Rules 2008	LE-3	Classes 1 to 7, by the magazine's capacity	Chief Controller, or a Controller he authorises
Sell fireworks from a shop G.S.R. 17(E), 2019	LE-5	100 kg of Sub-division 2 and 500 kg of Chorsa crackers or sparklers	District Magistrate
Sell fireworks from a bigger shop G.S.R. 17(E), 2019	LE-5	Over 100 kg up to 300 kg, and over 500 kg up to 1,200 kg	Controller of Explosives
Sell pyrotechnic devices from a shop Explosives Rules 2008	LE-5	Up to 2,000 Class 6 Division 1 devices	District Magistrate
Public fireworks display G.S.R. 633(E), 2024	LE-6	Up to 2,000 kg at a time (2024)	District Magistrate
Transport in a road van or freight container G.S.R. 17(E), 2019	LE-7	By the van's approved capacity	Controller of Explosives
Import or export Explosives Rules 2008	LE-8	Per consignment	Chief Controller
Anything not in articles 1 to 8 Explosives Rules 2008	LE-9 (Special)	As licensed	Chief Controller
Foreman in a fireworks factory G.S.R. 17(E), 2019	LE-11	5 years in fireworks making and class ten (2019)	Controller of Explosives
Fireworks display operator or assistant G.S.R. 633(E), 2024	LE-11(A)	Certificate valid 5 years, renewable for 5	Controller of Explosives

Festival shops are licensed by the District Magistrate under rule 84, not by an article of Schedule IV. A Commissioner of Police counts as the District Magistrate where one is appointed (s.4(c) of the Act).

Explosives Rules licence fees in Schedule IV

Licence fees are the 2008 figures; the 2013 to 2026 amendments read did not change them. Other fees, such as scrutiny, permits and appeals, have followed DPIIT's User Fee Notice (Explosives) since 11 December 2013.

As published

Fireworks shop licence, District MagistrateRs 500 a yearPaid in the way the DM specifies (rule 100(1)) Explosives Rules 2008
Fireworks shop licence, Controller of ExplosivesRs 1,000 a yearFor 100 to 300 kg Explosives Rules 2008
Fireworks store house (LE-3)Rs 3,000 a year Explosives Rules 2008
Making fireworks up to 15 kg at a timeRs 200 a year Explosives Rules 2008
Making fireworks over 15 kg up to 200 kgRs 2,000 a year Explosives Rules 2008
Making fireworks above 200 kgRs 2,000 plus Rs 500 per extra 50 kgCapped at Rs 15,000 a year Explosives Rules 2008
Public display of fireworks (LE-6)Rs 500 once Explosives Rules 2008
Road van for explosives (LE-7)Rs 2,000 a year Explosives Rules 2008
Scrutiny, permits, appeals and testsPer DPIIT's User Fee NoticeG.S.R. 772(E) of 2013 replaced the 2008 list (shop scrutiny Rs 200, temporary permit Rs 200, appeal Rs 1,000); check the notice in force before paying G.S.R. 772(E), 2013
Late renewal, up to 6 months after expiryOne year's licence fee as penaltyRule 112(6) Explosives Rules 2008

A licence taken for several financial years pays the yearly fee for each year (rule 100(3)). The 2011 and 2013 amendments were not read, so check the fee with your licensing authority before paying.

Fireworks from factory to festival: the Explosives Rules licence at each stop

One cracker passes through up to 6 licences between the factory and the sky. Each stop below names the form and the rule.

1. Authorisation of the product
No firework may be made, sold or used unless the Chief Controller has authorised it and the Central Government has published it (rule 6). The Supreme Court adds NEERI's green formulations for sale. Explosives Rules 2008
2. The factory, Form LE-1
From the District Magistrate up to 15 kg, the Controller to 500 kg and the Chief Controller above, after the DM's no objection certificate and, for a factory outside the Factories Act, a bond of Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000 (rule 103(8)). Explosives Rules 2008
3. Transport
Fireworks need no transport licence (rule 9(4)) and may go by ordinary vehicle (rule 63), but not with fulminates or detonators; up to 1,000 kg may share a vehicle with harmless goods (rule 66). G.S.R. 633(E), 2024
4. The store house, Form LE-3
Up to 5,000 kg, not for sale, for transfer to your own licensed shop; one store house per shop, 15 m from similar premises (rules 82 and 86(2)). Explosives Rules 2008
5. The shop, Form LE-5 or a rule 84 licence
A permanent shop on LE-5, or a District Magistrate's temporary licence for a festival shed valid for 30 days. Explosives Rules 2008
6. The display, Form LE-6
A public display from the District Magistrate for at most 1 month, run by certified display operators since 2024. Displays at temple festivals are covered on the temples page. G.S.R. 633(E), 2024

Fire safety for a permanent fireworks shop under rules 83 and 86 since March 2026

G.S.R. 154(E) of 2 March 2026 is the biggest fire-safety change to fireworks shops since 2008. These are its items, with the older rule 83 and 85 duties they sit on.

Ground floor of a single-storeyed building with standalone activity, an independent entrance and an emergency exit straight to open space, doors opening outwards (rule 83(4)(a), 2026) G.S.R. 154(E), 2026
At least 2 fire extinguishers, of DCP and CO2 type, at strategic points (rule 83(4)(g), 2026) G.S.R. 154(E), 2026
A new standalone shop keeps 3 m of clearance open to the sky from any neighbouring structure (rule 86(4)) G.S.R. 154(E), 2026
Existing shops: 2 automatic fire detection and alarm systems with dual smoke and heat detectors and an auto-dialler to the owner and the nearest fire station (rule 86(7)(i)) G.S.R. 154(E), 2026
Existing shops: a standalone automatic portable or gravity-fed sprinkler with at least 300 litres of water and a pump of at least 2 HP, on battery or alternate power (rule 86(7)(ii), (iii)) G.S.R. 154(E), 2026
Existing shops: an automatic tube clean-agent system on the main electric panel, sensing at 80 to 90 °C (rule 86(7)(iv)) G.S.R. 154(E), 2026
Existing shops: walls, ceiling and doors coated to a 30-minute fire rating; concealed fire-survival or FRLS wiring; an electrical audit every year (rule 86(7)(v) to (vii)) G.S.R. 154(E), 2026
Storage area of 9 to 25 m², brick, stone or concrete, not in a basement or mezzanine, not under dwelling floors, not near a staircase or lift, and reachable for fire fighting (rule 83) Explosives Rules 2008
Fireworks kept in spark-proof receptacles or sealed original packs, never in the shop window, clear of customers and away from anything flammable (rule 85) Explosives Rules 2008
No smoking, flame or mobile phone within 15 m of the stock, and no worker under 18 (rule 10(6), (7)) Explosives Rules 2008

The 50 m rule for new fireworks shops: rule 86(5)

From 3 March 2026 the Rules set, for the first time, a distance between a fireworks shop and places where vulnerable people gather.

Word for word

The fireworks shop shall maintain a minimum clear distance of fifty meters from educational institution, hospital, medical diagnostic centre and religious place.

Rule 86(5), Explosives Rules, 2008, inserted by G.S.R. 154(E) of 2 March 2026 G.S.R. 154(E), 2026

Rule 86(6) exempts existing shops licensed on Form LE-5 from the 50 m and 3 m lines; instead, rule 86(7) makes them retrofit alarms, sprinklers and fire-rated finishes, and rule 112(3) lets the licensing authority call for an undertaking within 3 months before renewing. On 6 October 2026 the Kerala High Court held that these amendments are meant for permanent shops: a festival shop is judged under rule 84 alone.

Temporary fireworks shops during festivals under rule 84

A festival cracker stall is not an LE-5 shop. The District Magistrate grants a temporary licence for at most 30 days, on 8 conditions in rule 84.

Rule 84 lets the District Magistrate issue temporary licences for possession and sale of fireworks in a temporary shop during festivals, and rule 106(4) caps them at 30 days. The sheds must be of non-flammable material, closed and secured, at least 3 m apart and 50 m from any protected work, and must not face each other. No oil lamp, gas lamp or naked light is allowed in or near them; electric lights are fixed to the wall or ceiling, switches are rigid, and each row has a master switch.

No fireworks may be displayed within 50 m of any shed, and one cluster may hold no more than 50 shops. Since 9 January 2019 a cluster must also have first aid, an ambulance and at least 2 fire tenders, and a warning board reading 'Explosive and Dangerous Goods' in the local language.

In 2026 the Thiruvananthapuram Collector asked the Tahsildar, the police and the District Fire Officer to check a festival applicant against the March 2026 shop rules. The Kerala High Court held on 6 October 2026 (2026:KER:77035) that only rule 84 applies, and told the Collector to decide within 3 weeks under strict scrutiny of rule 84.

The fire service's own clearance comes from the state's fire law, not the Explosives Rules. Andaman and Nicobar issues a Fire Clearance Certificate for temporary sale of fireworks; Punjab's 2021 fee letter prices a cracker shop's fire NOC at Rs 10,000; Assam fines making, storing or selling fireworks without a certificate Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh; Tamil Nadu brings buildings that handle crackers under its fire rules at any height; and Karnataka's High Court let Mangaluru demand a fire NOC from cracker traders in August 2026.

Rule 84 conditions for a festival fireworks shop
What	The rule	Source
Shed	Non-flammable material, closed and secured	Explosives Rules 2008
Spacing	At least 3 m between sheds, 50 m from any protected work, sheds not facing each other	Explosives Rules 2008
Lighting	No oil, gas or naked lights; fixed electric lights, rigid switches, a master switch per row	Explosives Rules 2008
Displays nearby	None within 50 m of any shed	Explosives Rules 2008
Cluster size	Not more than 50 shops	Explosives Rules 2008
Emergency cover (2019)	First aid, an ambulance and at least 2 fire tenders for the cluster	G.S.R. 17(E), 2019
Warning (2019)	'Explosive and Dangerous Goods' board in the local language	G.S.R. 17(E), 2019
Term	At most 30 days (rule 106(4))	G.S.R. 284(E), 2025

When fireworks need no explosives licence: rule 9 and the transport rules

Rule 9 lists the cases where no licence is needed. Everything else needs one, and fireworks may be sold only from licensed premises (rule 88).

If You keep fireworks at home for your own Diwali, not for sale
No licence up to 100 kg (rule 9(5)). Above 100 kg you need a licence. Explosives Rules 2008
If A shop sells only amorces and sparklers
No licence up to 100 kg (rule 9(9)); any other firework needs an LE-5 or a festival licence. Explosives Rules 2008
If You carry your own fireworks in a bus, taxi or van with more than 6 passengers
At most 5 kg, securely packed in the original packing (rule 57). Explosives Rules 2008
If A trader moves fireworks by road
No transport licence (rule 9(4)) and no road van needed (rule 63); up to 1,000 kg may travel with harmless goods (rule 66). G.S.R. 633(E), 2024
If You sell fireworks from any premises without a licence
Barred by rule 88, and punishable under section 9B(1)(b) of the Act. Explosives Act (PESO)
If You want to sell from a permanent shop
An LE-5 licence from the District Magistrate up to 100 kg; the shop's fire NOC is set out on the shops page. Fire NOC for Shop Explosives Rules 2008
If You hold more than 300 kg for your own shops
A store house on LE-3 for up to 5,000 kg; bulk godowns are covered on the godowns page. Fire NOC for Godown Explosives Rules 2008

Explosives Rules licence validity and renewal after the 2025 amendment

Rule 106 caps each licence's term, and rule 112 governs renewal. The 2025 amendment doubled the longest term to 10 financial years.

Rule 106(5)
Up to 10 financial years
Every licence not listed below, now including factories and storage magazines, which were held to 5 years until rule 106(3) was omitted on 1 May 2025. G.S.R. 284(E), 2025
Rule 106(4)
30 days
A temporary fireworks shop during a festival. Explosives Rules 2008
Rule 106(2)
1 month
A licence for public display of fireworks on Form LE-6. Explosives Rules 2008
Rule 106(1)
6 months
Import or export of explosives. Explosives Rules 2008
Rule 107(6C)
5 years
A fireworks display operator's or assistant's certificate on Form LE-11(A), renewable for 5 years on Form AE-11(A). G.S.R. 633(E), 2024
Rule 112
Renewal up to 10 financial years
Apply on Form RE-1 before expiry and the licence is deemed in force until decided; the same fee is charged for each year; after 6 months it is a new application. G.S.R. 17(E), 2019

Fireworks under the Explosives Rules in numbers

100 kg
Fireworks you may keep for your own use without a licence (rule 9(5)) Explosives Rules 2008
5,000 kg
Most fireworks a licensed store house may hold, not for sale (rule 82) Explosives Rules 2008
50
Most temporary shops allowed in one festival cluster (rule 84(6)) Explosives Rules 2008
15 m
No smoking, fire or mobile phone within this distance of stored explosives (rule 10(6)) Explosives Rules 2008
12 hours
To report a fire or explosion to PESO, the District Magistrate and the police (rule 131) G.S.R. 17(E), 2019
2,000 kg
Most fireworks one LE-6 display licence covers, with 20 people at most (2024) G.S.R. 633(E), 2024
134
Deaths in 89 fireworks unit accidents in Virudhunagar district, 2022 to August 2025, filed by the Collector before the NGT NGT filing, Virudhunagar
123
Of those deaths, at factories licensed by PESO rather than the District Magistrate NGT filing, Virudhunagar

Green crackers rules: what the Supreme Court orders allow and forbid

The Arjun Gopal judgment of 23 October 2018 set the rules every state must follow; the 2021 and 2025 orders kept them. These are the courts' own words, paraphrased.

Do

Sell only reduced-emission (improved) crackers and green crackers, and only through licensed traders (2018, directions (i) and (iv)). Supreme Court
Burst crackers on Diwali and festivals such as Gurpurab only from 8 pm to 10 pm, and on Christmas eve and New Year eve from 11.55 pm to 12.30 am: these time limits apply throughout India. Supreme Court
Look for NEERI's registration and QR code: NEERI registers only manufacturers who hold a PESO explosives licence, and its green formulations cut particulates by at least 30 percent. Supreme Court
In Delhi-NCR, follow the order of the season: in 2025 the Court allowed sales only from 18 to 20 October at designated places, and bursting from 6 to 7 am and 8 to 10 pm on 2 days. Supreme Court

Don’t

Don't make, sell or use joined crackers (series crackers or laris), or fireworks with barium salts. Supreme Court
Don't buy or sell crackers online: e-commerce sales are barred, on pain of contempt. Supreme Court
Don't use fireworks with lithium, antimony, mercury, arsenic, lead or strontium chromate: since 2024 that is also a licence condition under the Rules. G.S.R. 633(E), 2024
Don't treat the time limits as Delhi-only: on 29 October 2021 the Court made Chief Secretaries, Police Commissioners, SPs and SHOs personally liable for banned crackers in their area. Supreme Court

Explosives Act 1884 section 9B penalties and licence action

Section 9B sets the punishment for breaking the Rules or a licence condition. Its amounts date from 1983, and neither Jan Vishwas Act changed them.

Offence	Penalty	Law
Making, importing or exporting an explosive against the Rules or a licence condition	Up to 3 years, or a fine up to Rs 5,000, or both	s.9B(1)(a) Explosives Act (PESO)
Possessing, using, selling or transporting an explosive, fireworks included, against the Rules or a licence condition	Up to 2 years, or a fine up to Rs 3,000, or both	s.9B(1)(b) Explosives Act (PESO)
Any other breach of the Rules or a licence	A fine up to Rs 1,000	s.9B(1)(c) Explosives Act (PESO)
Breaking a Central notification that prohibits a dangerous explosive	Up to 3 years, or a fine up to Rs 5,000, or both	s.9B(2), with s.6 Explosives Act (PESO)
Selling or delivering explosives to a person under 18 or otherwise barred	Up to 3 years, or a fine, or both	s.9B(3)(a), (b), with s.6-A Explosives Act (PESO)
Not giving notice of an accident	A fine up to Rs 500; up to 3 months, a fine, or both if a life was lost	s.9B(3)(c), with s.8 and rule 131 Explosives Act (PESO)
Any breach of the Act, the Rules or a condition	Licence liable to suspension or cancellation, after a hearing	Rule 118; s.6-E Explosives Rules 2008
A firm or company committing an offence	Everyone in charge of the business is liable with it, unless they prove due diligence	s.9-C Explosives Act (PESO)

The court may also forfeit the explosives (s.10), and a person whose act tends to cause an explosion or fire may be arrested without a warrant (s.13). The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026 lists 79 Acts and none of them is the Explosives Act. State fire-law penalties are on the fire NOC penalties page.

Explosives Rules worked examples for fireworks sellers and organisers

Flamekite's reading of the Rules for six common cases. The licensing authority's view prevails.

Case 1
A family's Diwali stock
60 kg of crackers bought from a licensed shop and kept at home.
What applies No licence: rule 9(5) allows up to 100 kg for own use. Rule 57 limits what they may carry to 5 kg only in a vehicle that carries more than 6 passengers. Explosives Rules 2008
Case 2
A new cracker shop opening in 2026
Ground-floor shop under a 3-storey residential block, 40 m from a school.
What applies Refused as built: a new shop must stand alone in a single-storeyed building (rule 83(4)(a)) and 50 m from a school (rule 86(5)). G.S.R. 154(E), 2026
Case 3
A shop licensed on LE-5 since 2019
180 kg of fireworks held on a Controller's licence, renewing in 2026.
What applies Exempt from the 50 m line, but before renewal the authority can demand an undertaking to fit the rule 86(7) alarms, 300-litre sprinkler and 30-minute finishes, given within 3 months. G.S.R. 154(E), 2026
Case 4
A Diwali stall market
64 temporary sheds planned on one ground for 2 weeks.
What applies Two clusters at most 50 shops each, sheds 3 m apart and not facing, 2 fire tenders and an ambulance per cluster; each licence lasts no more than 30 days (rules 84 and 106(4)). G.S.R. 17(E), 2019
Case 5
A city New Year display
1,500 kg of aerial shells fired from a stadium car park.
What applies One LE-6 licence from the District Magistrate (up to 2,000 kg), certified display operators on LE-11(A), insurance, a risk assessment, an onsite emergency plan and 15 days' notice. G.S.R. 633(E), 2024
Case 6
A small fireworks workshop
Making 12 kg of fireworks at a time, outside the Factories Act.
What applies An LE-1 from the District Magistrate (up to 15 kg), a Rs 200 yearly fee and a Form CE-3 bond of Rs 10,000 for injured workers (rule 103(8)). Explosives Rules 2008

Explosives Rules myths about firecracker licences

You may have read
PESO issues every cracker shop licence.
Myth
What the sources say
The District Magistrate grants LE-5 shop licences up to 100 kg, festival licences, displays and factories up to 15 kg; PESO's Controllers license above those lines. Explosives Rules 2008
You may have read
A store house licence is for more than 5,000 kg of fireworks.
Myth
What the sources say
Rule 82 and article 3(d) of Schedule IV license a store house for fireworks not exceeding 5,000 kg; larger stocks need a magazine. Explosives Rules 2008
You may have read
Licences must be renewed every year.
Myth
What the sources say
Since 1 May 2025 a licence and its renewal can run up to 10 financial years, paying the yearly fee for each year. G.S.R. 284(E), 2025
You may have read
The 2026 rules close every cracker shop near a school.
Myth
What the sources say
Rule 86(6) spares existing LE-5 shops from the 50 m line; they must retrofit fire safety instead. G.S.R. 154(E), 2026
You may have read
The Supreme Court has banned firecrackers across India.
Myth
What the sources say
It has not. The 2021 order says there is no total ban; it bans barium, joined crackers and non-green crackers, and sets national time limits. Delhi-NCR has its own stricter orders. Supreme Court
You may have read
An Explosives Rules licence is the shop's fire NOC.
Myth
What the sources say
It is not. The fire service clears the premises under the state fire law; Punjab, for example, charges Rs 10,000 for a cracker shop's fire NOC. Local Govt Punjab

Firecracker hearings in the Supreme Court in 2026, as reported

From news reports, not yet an official source.

No Supreme Court order for Diwali 2026 was found on the Court's site by 25 October 2026. The latest official record read is the Arjun Gopal proceedings of 22 July 2026, which sought CPCB's view on relaxing noise limits for some crackers. The reports below are news, not orders.

12 October 2026
LawBeat reports a bench of the Chief Justice in the Delhi-NCR pollution matter giving no direction on firecrackers, asking CAQM to take a view, keeping the NCR ban until the next hearing on 15 October. LawBeatnews report
3 October 2026
Organiser reports a hearing of 30 September 2026 in Arjun Gopal: no blanket ban, and the bench accepting the Centre's recommendation to allow next-generation joined crackers with about 30 percent lower emissions; barium and Delhi-NCR questions left open. Organisernews report
July 2025
Lexplosion reports DPIIT inviting comments until 17 July 2025 on a draft Explosives Bill, 2025 to replace the 1884 Act; no Bill had been introduced in Parliament by 25 October 2026 as far as Flamekite found. Lexplosionnews report

Where to read the Explosives Rules 2008 PDF and apply online

PESO hosts the 2008 text and each amendment as Gazette PDFs; there is no official consolidated version, so read the 2008 text with the amendments.

The Rules
PESO: Explosive Rules 2008
The 163-page Gazette text of G.S.R. 907(E) as notified on 29 December 2008. PESO
peso.gov.in/web/index.php/en/explosive-rules-2008
Latest amendment
Explosives (Amendment) Rules, 2026
G.S.R. 154(E): the March 2026 shop rules, 4 pages. G.S.R. 154(E), 2026
peso.gov.in/web/sites/default/files/2026-06/Explosives%20Rules%20amendment%2002-03-2026.pdf
Displays
Explosives (Amendment) Rules, 2024
G.S.R. 633(E): the new Form LE-6 and its 35 conditions, and Form LE-11(A). G.S.R. 633(E), 2024
peso.gov.in/web/sites/default/files/2025-03/Explosives%20Amendment%20Rules%202024.pdf
The Act
PESO: Explosives Act, 1884
The Act in English with its amendment notes, section 9B included. Explosives Act (PESO)
peso.gov.in/web/sites/default/files/2019-12/Explosive_%20Act_1884.pdf
Apply
PESO Explosives Online
Applications for Controller and Chief Controller licences, approvals and renewals under the Rules. PESO Explosives Online
online.peso.gov.in/ExplosivesOnline
Single window
National Single Window System
PESO approvals listed with the other central business licences. NSWS
www.nsws.gov.in/portal/peso

PESO offices that license fireworks

The Chief Controller sits at Nagpur. These offices, as PESO publishes them, handle the most fireworks work; your District Magistrate handles the small-shop and festival licences.

Chief Controller of Explosives PESO contacts
Head office: LE-3 store houses, large LE-1 factories, authorisation of fireworks
Address
A Block, CGO Complex, 5th floor, Seminary Hills, Nagpur 440006
Phone
(0712) 2510248
Website
peso.gov.in
Deputy Chief Controller of Explosives, Sivakasi Sub-Circle PESO contacts
Sivakasi's fireworks factories and shops
Address
FRDC Complex, near ESI Hospital, Sivakasi West, Sivakasi 626124
Phone
(04562) 254353
Fireworks Research and Development Centre (FRDC) PESO contacts
Controller of Explosives: fireworks testing and research
Address
Near ESI Hospital, Sivakasi West, Sivakasi 626124
Phone
(04562) 254402
Deputy Chief Controller of Explosives, Ernakulam Sub-Circle Kerala High Court
Kerala's fireworks store houses and Controller's licences
Address
C2, 3rd floor, CGO Complex, Kakkanad, Ernakulam 682030
Joint Chief Controller of Explosives, Agra Circle PESO contacts
North India circle office
Address
A-Wing, 2nd floor, Kendralaya, 63/4 Sanjay Place, Agra 282002
Phone
(0562) 2523266
Joint Chief Controller of Explosives, Kolkata Circle PESO contacts
East India circle office
Address
8th floor, 2nd MSO Building, 234/1 A.J.C. Bose Road, Kolkata 700020

What Flamekite could not confirm about the Explosives Rules

Gaps a reader would expect us to fill, and what to do until they are filled.

If The text of G.S.R. 65(E) of 24 January 2011
Not on PESO's site, and not in the eGazette's Commerce and Industry listings for January or February 2011. It may have changed licence fees or forms; confirm the fee with your licensing authority before paying. G.S.R. 284(E), 2025
If Whether any Act after 1983 changed the section 9B amounts
PESO's English copy shows the 1978 text in force from 2 March 1983, and the Jan Vishwas Act, 2026 does not touch the Act; India Code's copy could not be opened. Treat the amounts as current until India Code confirms them. Jan Vishwas Act 2026
If A Supreme Court order for Diwali 2026
None found on the Court's site by 25 October 2026. Follow the 2018 time limits outside Delhi-NCR and your District Magistrate's order inside it. Supreme Court
If PESO's licence guideline says LE-3 is for store houses 'exceeding 5000 kg'
The Rules say 'not exceeding'. The Gazette prevails, as the guideline itself says. PESO SOP
If A national count of fireworks accidents
No official all-India series was found. The Virudhunagar Collector's NGT filing is the only official count used here. NGT filing, Virudhunagar
If District fees and online portals for festival licences
Each District Magistrate sets the payment route (rule 100(1)); Flamekite did not find a single official list. Explosives Rules 2008

Questions about Explosives Rules

What are the Explosives Rules 2008?: The rules made under the Explosives Act, 1884 that license the making, storage, sale, transport and use of explosives, fireworks included. Notified as G.S.R. 907(E) on 29 December 2008, they were last amended on 2 March 2026, and PESO and the District Magistrates enforce them.
Who issues a firecracker licence, PESO or the District Magistrate?: Both, by quantity. The District Magistrate issues Form LE-5 for a shop holding up to 100 kg of fireworks, every festival shop licence and every public display licence. PESO's Controller of Explosives licenses shops of 100 to 300 kg, store houses and larger factories.
What is a Form LE-5 licence?: The licence to possess and sell fireworks from a permanent shop under Schedule IV, article 5 of the Explosives Rules. It covers up to 100 kg of fireworks and 500 kg of Chorsa crackers or sparklers from the District Magistrate, or up to 300 kg from the Controller, for up to 10 financial years.
How do I get a temporary licence for a crackers shop?: Apply to the District Magistrate, or the Commissioner of Police in a commissionerate, before the festival. Rule 84 sets the conditions: a non-flammable shed 3 m from the next and 50 m from protected works, at most 50 shops a cluster with 2 fire tenders. The licence lasts at most 30 days.
Does a fireworks shop need a fire NOC?: The Explosives Rules do not issue one, but the state fire law often does: Punjab charges Rs 10,000 for a cracker shop's fire NOC, Andaman and Nicobar issues a clearance for temporary sale, and Karnataka's High Court let Mangaluru demand a fire NOC from traders in 2026.
What are the green crackers rules?: Since the Supreme Court's 23 October 2018 judgment, only reduced-emission and green crackers may be made and sold, through licensed traders; barium, joined crackers and online sales are banned; and bursting on Diwali is allowed only from 8 pm to 10 pm, throughout India.
What is the punishment under section 9B of the Explosives Act?: Up to 3 years or a Rs 5,000 fine for making, importing or exporting against the Rules; up to 2 years or Rs 3,000 for possessing, selling or transporting; Rs 1,000 for other breaches. Failing to report an accident costs up to Rs 500, or 3 months' jail if a life was lost.
How many crackers can I keep at home without a licence?: Up to 100 kg of fireworks for your own use and not for sale, under rule 9(5) of the Explosives Rules. You may carry them, but no more than 5 kg in a vehicle carrying more than 6 passengers.

Keep reading

Explosives Rules MCQ44 practice questions on classes, fireworks licences, shops and offences, each cited.
Fire NOC for shopsThe fire NOC for a permanent cracker shop, state by state.
Fire NOC for godownsBulk firecracker godowns and the quantity that brings in PESO.
Fire NOC for templesFestival fireworks displays at places of worship, and Puttingal.
Fire NOC penaltiesWhat each state's fire law charges for running without a NOC.
New fire safety rules in 2026The 2026 shop amendment beside every other fire rule change this year.
Free fire NOC checkerCheck whether your shop or store needs a state fire NOC.

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