Tamil Nadu’s Sivakasi fireworks industry, a cornerstone of India’s pyrotechnics sector for over a century, has applied for a Geographical Indication (GI) tag to protect its heritage, improve authenticity, and expand export opportunities. The application, filed under the “manufactured goods” category, was submitted to the Geographical Indications Registry by the Tamil Nadu Fireworks and Amorces Manufacturers Association (TANFAMA) through intellectual property attorney P. Suganthi.
Sivakasi, alongside Vemkottai, Virudhunagar, Sattur, Srivilliputhur, and parts of Kovilpatti, produces more than 80 percent of India’s fireworks, benefiting from a dry climate ideal for firework manufacturing. With an annual market value of approximately 600 billion rupees, the industry is witnessing steady growth of nearly 10 percent per year.
Manufacturers argue that securing a GI tag will distinguish Sivakasi-made fireworks from unregulated and counterfeit products, strengthening credibility, safety, and financial support for the industry. Illegal manufacturing units have contributed to frequent fire accidents, raising concerns about product quality and safety. Intellectual Property attorney Sanjai Gandhi emphasized that a GI tag would serve as a legal safeguard against substandard imitations, ensuring genuine Sivakasi fireworks meet rigorous quality control standards.
Beyond festivities, Sivakasi’s fireworks play a role in strategic sectors. The armed forces use certain firework variants for training purposes, while airports employ Sivakasi rockets to prevent bird strikes on runways. The industry, dating back to the pre-Independence era, was founded by pioneering firms National Fireworks, Kaliswari Fireworks, and Standard Fireworks. By 1980, the number of factories had surged to 189, employing over 75,000 workers. Today, more than 1,000 units operate in the region.
However, despite its expansion, the industry faces challenges, including environmental concerns and a declining interest among younger generations to join the family trade. Manufacturers hope that securing a GI tag will revitalize the sector, attracting fresh talent and reinforcing Sivakasi’s place as India’s premier fireworks hub in the international market.
