Government bans electric detonators from April 1, 2025

The Central government has banned the manufacturing, possession and import of electric detonators from  April 1, 2025 in view of security concerns and public safety. The notification issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has said that the central government is of the opinion that electric detonators are of a" dangerous" character.

Electric detonators 

• Electric detonators are devices used to initiate or trigger explosives for various applications, including mining, construction, quarrying, and demolition.
• The electric detonator typically consists of a small metallic shell containing a primary explosive, which is sensitive to electrical current or energy. When an electric current is passed through the detonator, it ignites the primary explosive, initiating a chain reaction that sets off the main explosive charge.
• Electric detonators, also known as blasting caps or blasting detonators, play a crucial role in safely and precisely setting off a controlled explosion by providing the initial electrical impulse required to ignite the explosive material.

Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)  

The government of India set up the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) in 1995. The DIPP was later reconstituted in 2000 with the merger of the Department of Industrial Development. 

In January 2019, DIPP was renamed as Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).

DPIIT comes under the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry.  

Important Function of the DPIIT 

• It plays a crucial role in making the central government's Industrial policies.
• It is the nodal body regarding matters related to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
• It undertakes the promotion of investment for the industrial development of the country. 
• It is the main body for matters relating to Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and administers law related to IPR.