The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has released draft amendments to the Explosives Rules, 2008. This notification was published on January 13, 2025.
These proposed changes aim to streamline regulations and potentially improve safety measures.
The draft is open for public comment for 30 days from the date the notification is published. Individuals can submit feedback to the DPIIT via mail or email.
Changes Proposed:
- Rule 106(3) Omission: This rule currently outlines that the licensing authority may grant a licence for the period not exceeding five financial years in case of manufacture of explosives or storage magazine, but the amendment proposes its removal.
- Increased Storage Duration (Rule 112): The draft proposes doubling the permissible storage duration for certain explosives from 5 years to 10 years.
Therefore, the draft proposes that every licence except the licences granted for a specific period not exceeding one year, shall be renewable for a maximum period of ten financial years ending on the 31st March. Moreover, every licence granted under these rules other than a licence granted for a specified period shall be renewable for a maximum period of ten years where there has been no contravention of the Act or these rules framed there under or of any condition of the licence so renewed.
This could potentially reduce the frequency of required renewals for storage licenses.
The DPIIT encourages all interested parties to review the draft amendments and submit comments or suggestions by February 12, 2025. Public feedback can help ensure the finalized regulations are effective, practical, and address industry concerns.
