The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I) on February 25, 2026, issued the Draft Explosives (Amendment) Rules, 2026, to amend the Explosives Rules, 2008.
The following has been stated: -
•New definitions inserted for “Defense Explosives,” MSMEs (as per the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006), Startups (as per Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade notification), and Women Entrepreneurs.
•Safety distances for defense explosives to follow relevant STEC pamphlets; Rule 9 amended to include “proposed new” establishments.
•New provision under Rule 113 introduces Permission (R&D) to manufacture, store, and use up to 5 kg of explosives for research purposes with detailed documentation (Form AE-13).
•Schedule IV and V updated to include the AE-13 application form, with approval authority designated as the Chief Controller of Explosives.
•Objections or suggestions may be submitted within 30 days.
The detailed notification is given in the document below.
[Notification No.: G.S.R. 143(E)]
