Green Crackers in India: Meaning, Rules & Identification

Do you know that Green Crackers are not pollution free crackers?

Yes, you have heard it right.

Green crackers also produce smoke and noise. The difference is that they are made to reduce certain emissions when compared with conventional crackers of the same type.

So calling them completely pollution free is not correct.

To reduce the problem of air pollution during the Diwali period, CSIR NEERI developed reduced emission green firecrackers.

In this discussion, you will get an idea about:

• What are green crackers?

• What is their composition and how are they different from conventional crackers?

• How to identify a genuine green cracker?

• Can green crackers be purchased online?

• What are the latest rules for buying and using green crackers?

Read ahead to know more.

What are Green Crackers?

Diwali is a festival of light and joy.

Crackers are synonymous with Diwali as they are one of the main elements of celebration.

But traditional fireworks cause air and noise pollution affecting human health.

So are all firecrackers banned in India?

No.

In 2018, the Supreme Court did not put a total ban on every firecracker in India.

It permitted reduced emission and green crackers subject to the prescribed conditions and restricted firecrackers that did not meet the permitted requirements.

Joined or series crackers, commonly called ‘laris’, were also prohibited under the governing directions.

You can read the Supreme Court order for more details.

So what eco friendly crackers actually are?

Green crackers are reduced emission firecrackers developed through CSIR NEERI formulations.

They are designed to reduce particulate matter and, depending upon the formulation, gaseous emissions when compared with a conventional cracker of the same category.

According to the official NEERI definition, a green cracker should achieve either:

• A minimum 30% reduction in particulate matter.

or

• A minimum 20% reduction in particulate matter along with at least 10% reduction in gaseous emissions.

Now you may ask:

Does it mean every green cracker causes exactly 30% less pollution?

No.

The 30% figure does not mean that smoke, noise, health risk and overall pollution will all become 30% lower.

Suppose there are two flower pot crackers or anars.

One is a conventional cracker and the other is a green cracker of the same type.

During testing, the emissions from the green anar are compared with the emissions from the conventional anar.

So when we say that emissions are reduced, the comparison is green cracker versus conventional cracker of the same type.

It does not mean that the green cracker produces no pollution.

Green does not mean pollution free

This point is very important.

Green crackers still produce smoke and particulate matter and they still make noise.

They can still affect people who are sensitive to smoke or loud sound.

And there is one more important point.

A genuine green cracker does not automatically become legal everywhere.

For example, if a city has completely banned firecrackers, you cannot use a green cracker there only because it has a NEERI QR code.

So remember this simple difference.

Green cracker means reduced emission cracker. It does not mean pollution free cracker.

What Are Conventional Firecrackers Made Of?

Have you ever wondered what is actually present inside a firecracker?

A conventional firecracker contains a mixture of different chemicals. Each one has a particular job.

The exact composition depends upon the type of cracker, but the basic components are almost similar.

1. Fuel

Fuel provides the energy required for burning.

Charcoal and sulphur are commonly used as fuels. Black powder, which is widely used in fireworks, contains charcoal, sulphur and potassium nitrate.

2. Oxidizing Agents

In order to ignite a fire, three things are required.

Heat, fuel and oxygen.

This is termed as a fire triangle.

But how will a cracker get enough oxygen when everything is packed inside?

This is the job of an oxidizing agent.

It supplies oxygen for rapid burning of the mixture.

Common examples are nitrates, chlorates and perchlorates.

3. Reducing Agents

Charcoal, sulphur and some metals react with the oxidizer and help release heat and gases.

You may notice that the same material can sometimes perform more than one function in a firecracker.

4. Reaction Regulators

The speed of burning also depends upon the composition and particle size of the materials.

For example, smaller metal particles generally react faster because more surface area is available for reaction.

5. Coloring Agents

Have you seen red, green or yellow fireworks?

Different metal compounds produce different colours when heated.

6. Binders

Finally, all these materials need to stay together.

So, Binders do this job.

Dextrin is a starch based material that helps hold all the firecracker ingredients together.

What are the Types and Composition of Green Crackers?

Are all green crackers made with the same chemicals?

No.

Green crackers are not one single chemical recipe. Their composition changes with the type of cracker.

In simple words, CSIR NEERI changed the conventional cracker composition to reduce pollution.

In some crackers, the quantity of raw materials is reduced. In some cases the shell size is reduced.

Certain additives are also used to control dust and improve the burning process.

You can understand it like this.

A sparkler, flowerpot and sound cracker do not work in the same way. So their green versions also cannot have exactly the same composition.

Barium salts are not permitted under the present Supreme Court directions.

Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO) is responsible for ensuring that fireworks do not contain prohibited chemicals such as lithium, arsenic, antimony, lead and mercury.

You may also see news about new Generation 2 crackers, joint crackers or new formulations.

Does that mean they are already allowed?

Not necessarily.

A new formulation may be under testing or discussion. It becomes important for buyers only when it is finally permitted under the applicable official rules.

What are SWAS, STAR and SAFAL?

While reading about green crackers, you will often come across three names, SWAS, STAR and SAFAL.

What are they?

First of all, these are not cracker brands.

They are different green firecracker formulations developed by CSIR NEERI to reduce emissions compared with conventional firecrackers.

SWAS means Safe Water and Air Releaser.

The idea behind SWAS is to release water vapour and air during burning. This helps in reducing dust and particulate emissions produced during the bursting of crackers.

STAR means Safe Thermite Cracker.

It uses an improved thermite type composition so that the cracker can produce the required light and sound while reducing emissions compared with the conventional formulation.

SAFAL means Safe Aluminium Less Cracker.

As the name suggests, the quantity of aluminium is reduced in this formulation. Lower aluminium content helps in reducing particulate emissions from the cracker.

Now you may be thinking, do I really need to remember all this chemistry before buying green crackers?

No.

You do not have to check the chemical composition of every box.

For a buyer, the important thing is to check whether the manufacturer is registered with CSIR NEERI and whether the product carries the required identification and QR details.

Just because a packet has words like “green”, “eco friendly” or “less pollution” printed on it does not automatically make it a genuine green cracker.

So instead of remembering complicated chemistry, concentrate more on checking the manufacturer and the product details before buying.

Green Crackers vs Conventional Crackers

Question	Conventional Cracker	Green Cracker
What is the main difference?	It uses the traditional formulations.	It uses a modified formulation designed to reduce certain emissions.
What about emissions?	It produces the normal level of emissions.	It is designed to reduce particulate matter and certain gaseous emissions as compared with a conventional cracker of the same type.
Does it cause pollution?	Yes. It produces smoke, gases, particulate matter and noise.	Yes. It also causes pollution, but certain emissions are lower. Green does not mean pollution free.
How can we identify it?	It does not carry the official green cracker identification used for approved green crackers.	Check the official green cracker logo and QR code. Also check the manufacturer details with CSIR NEERI.
Is it legal everywhere in India?	No. Its sale or use may be restricted or banned in some places.	No. Even a genuine green cracker may not be allowed if local rules are stricter.
How can we understand the difference easily?	Think of an ordinary stove that produces more smoke while burning fuel.	Think of a better designed stove that produces less smoke. It is cleaner, but it still produces smoke.

Why are Traditional Firecrackers Harmful?

Let us discuss the main reasons why conventional firecrackers are harmful.

They Pollute the Environment Badly

During the Diwali festival, burning crackers can raise the level of hazardous gases, particulate matter and various pollutants in the air leading to air pollution.

Noise pollution also intensifies during this period.

A study was done using Delhi air quality data around Diwali.

The study found that Diwali was associated with a statistically significant rise in PM2.5.

Over a period of two days, it estimated an addition of about 40 micrograms per cubic metre to PM2.5 concentration.

Does it mean that all the bad air after Diwali comes only from crackers?

No.

Weather, vehicles, road dust, industries, biomass burning and other sources also matter.

Firecrackers can add pollution during a period when air quality may already be poor.

If you want to understand the AQI number shown on your phone or in the newspaper, read our simple article on air quality.

They Create a Health Hazard

Smoke and fine particles can irritate the eyes, nose and throat.

People who already have asthma or other breathing problems may feel the effect more.

Unwanted noise is another harmful effect of firecrackers.

Do you think green crackers are silent crackers?

No. They are not.

Firecrackers can still produce very high sound levels.

PESO specifies sound limits for authorised sound producing fireworks. For applicable crackers, the limit is 125 dB(AI) or 145 dB(C) peak when measured at a distance of 4 metres.

Loud noise can be especially disturbing for babies, older people and pets.

So less polluting should never be understood as safe for everyone.

Do Green Crackers Really Reduce Pollution by 30%?

This is one of the most common questions.

The simple answer is yes, green crackers are designed and tested to reduce specified emissions.

But saying that they produce exactly 30% less pollution is not completely correct.

NEERI compares a green cracker with a conventional cracker of the same category.

One qualifying route requires at least 30% reduction in particulate matter.

Another allows at least 20% reduction in particulate matter along with at least 10% reduction in gaseous emissions.

Some formulations may perform better than these minimum requirements.

But does it mean that your city AQI will improve by 30%?

No.

Think of it this way.

One car with lower emissions is better than a more polluting car. But if thousands of vehicles are added to the road, total pollution can still remain high.

The same logic applies here.

Lower emission from each cracker helps. But the total number of crackers, weather conditions and existing pollution finally decide what we breathe.

Why are Green Crackers Different?

Green crackers use improved formulations designed to reduce specified emissions.

Depending on the type of cracker, this may be done by reducing the quantity of some raw materials, changing the composition, reducing shell size or using additives that help reduce particulate emissions.

They are tested by comparing their emissions with a conventional cracker of the same category.

This is an important point.

A green cracker is not called green simply because the packet is green or because someone has printed the words eco friendly on it.

The formulation and product have to follow the approved system.

Green crackers still produce smoke, sound and waste.

They are therefore better described as reduced emission crackers rather than pollution free crackers.

How to Identify a Genuine Green Cracker?

This question is more important today than it was a few years ago.

The Indian Government launched a green logo and QR coding system in 2019 to help differentiate green crackers from regular crackers.

But can you trust a cracker only because a QR code is printed on the packet?

No.

This is where many people get confused.

The Supreme Court has itself recorded cases where QR codes linked with registered manufacturers were passed to unregistered manufacturers.

CSIR NEERI also clarified in October 2025 that it issues registration letters and does not provide QR or bar codes on the products.

So do not depend on one QR code.

Use more than one check.

1. Check the manufacturer name printed on the packet.
2. Open the current CSIR NEERI green cracker resource page and search for that manufacturer.
3. Match the manufacturer address and State also. A similar company name is not enough.
4. If a QR code is available on the packet, check whether the information matches the manufacturer and product. Treat it as an additional check and not the final proof.
5. Check the seller. Firecrackers should be purchased only from a properly licensed seller where their sale is permitted.
6. Finally, check your local rule. A genuine green cracker can still be prohibited in your city.

Suppose a packet says that it is manufactured by ABC Fireworks.

Do not simply look at the word GREEN printed on the box.

Search for ABC Fireworks in the current NEERI manufacturer list. Match its location also. If the details do not match, why take the risk?

Words like “green”, “eco” or “environment friendly” printed in big letters do not prove anything by themselves.

Where Can I Buy Genuine Green Crackers?

This is one question many people are asking before Diwali.

Do not start with a shop name. Start with the manufacturer.

CSIR NEERI publishes an official list of registered firecracker manufacturers.

The current NEERI resource page still provides the manufacturer list updated as on 15 September 2025. You can open it from the current NEERI green-cracker page

Does this mean that the list has expired?

No.

One more point is important.

On 19 September 2025, CSIR NEERI decided that renewal of registration was no longer required. Only new registrations would be accepted after that.

So do not reject a manufacturer only because the official list carries a 2025 date.

Still, always open the current NEERI page before buying. A new list or additional information can be published at any time.

How to Check the NEERI Manufacturer List?

It is quite simple.

1. Note the exact manufacturer name printed on the packet.
2. Search the same name in the current NEERI list.
3. If similar names appear, match the address and State.
4. Check the other details on the packet.
5. Then check whether the shop is legally permitted to sell firecrackers.

Very important: The NEERI list is a manufacturer list. It is not a list of shops from where you should buy crackers.

This difference is important.

A shopkeeper may tell you that he is a “NEERI approved dealer”.

Do not depend on this statement.

NEERI registration relates to the manufacturer and green cracker system. The shop selling the crackers must separately have the required license or permission.

Also remember that a manufacturer being present on the NEERI list does not prove that every packet carrying that name is genuine.

This is why you should check the manufacturer, packet details and seller together.

How Do I Know Whether the Shop Is Licensed?

Firecracker shops require a license under the Explosives Rules.

For normal and temporary firecracker shops, the relevant license is generally Form LE 5. Temporary shops can also be licensed for the permitted period under the applicable rules.

PESO provides license information through its public system. Local Police or District authorities may also publish lists of temporary licensed shops before Diwali.

So if you have any doubt, ask the seller for the license details.

There is nothing wrong in asking.

You are buying an explosive product. Checking the license is quite reasonable.

Can I Buy Green Crackers Online or Get Home Delivery?

You may see an advertisements saying:

“Green crackers – home delivery”

“Cash on delivery available”

“Order on WhatsApp”

“All India delivery”

Does this make the sale legal?

No.

An advertisement cannot decide the law.

The Supreme Court directions say that the sale of firecrackers should be through licensed traders and that e commerce websites should not accept online orders and effect online sales of firecrackers.

So do not assume that an online seller is legal only because the website looks professional or the seller accepts cash on delivery.

A WhatsApp number also does not prove anything.

Check the latest rule applicable to your State and city and check whether the seller is properly licensed.

Local restrictions can be stricter than the general rule.

Important Disclaimer BharatGoGreen does not sell or promote firecrackers. We do not recommend any manufacturer, dealer, shop or product. The NEERI manufacturer list and Government information are provided only to help readers verify the details themselves. Registration of a manufacturer does not prove that every packet carrying that manufacturer’s name is genuine. It also does not mean that the cracker can legally be sold or used everywhere in India. Rules can also change before Diwali. Always check the latest local Government, Police or District order before buying or using firecrackers.

NEERI, PESO, Supreme Court and Local Police. Who Does What?

You may see the names NEERI, PESO, Supreme Court and local Police while reading about green crackers.

But who actually does what?

Let us understand it in simple words.

CSIR NEERI

CSIR NEERI develops and tests green cracker formulations. It also maintains information related to registered green cracker manufacturers.

You can think of NEERI as the technical side of the green cracker system.

It does not give a shopkeeper permission to sell crackers.

PESO

PESO deals with explosives and firework safety rules and licensing.

For example, a fireworks shop needs the required licence under the Explosives Rules. Certain shop licences can also be issued by the concerned District authority.

So a cracker may come from a registered manufacturer, but the seller also needs proper permission to sell it.

These are two different things.

Supreme Court

The Supreme Court has issued important directions regarding the manufacture, sale and use of firecrackers in India.

These directions cover matters such as permitted crackers, banned chemicals, sale through licensed traders, online sale and bursting time.

State Government, Police and District Authority

This is where many people get confused.

Suppose green crackers are permitted under the general Supreme Court directions.

Can you automatically burst them anywhere?

No.

Your State, city or local authority can impose stricter restrictions.

Local authorities also deal with matters such as temporary sale licences, permitted places and enforcement.

Pollution Control Board or Committee

Pollution Control Boards monitor air and noise pollution and assist in environmental enforcement within their respective areas.

So before buying crackers, do not check only one authority.

The manufacturer, product, seller and local rule all matter.

Green Cracker Rules in India 2026

The general Supreme Court directions give us the basic position.

Reduced emission and permitted green crackers can be manufactured and sold subject to the applicable conditions.

Joined or series crackers, commonly known as laris, remain prohibited under the existing directions.

Firecrackers should be sold through licensed traders.

Online platforms are not permitted to accept orders and make online sales of firecrackers under the governing Supreme Court directions.

Barium salts also remain prohibited under the existing directions.

For Diwali, the general Supreme Court timing is from 8 PM to 10 PM.

But remember one important point.

Your State or city can have a stricter rule.

Therefore, never assume that the 8 PM to 10 PM timing means crackers are allowed everywhere.

Before Diwali, check the latest order issued for your city.

What Is the Rule for Green Crackers in Delhi?

Delhi needs a separate answer.

The Delhi Government currently has a standing ban on the manufacture, storage, sale and bursting of all types of firecrackers in Delhi. This also covers online delivery.

You may remember that green crackers were allowed for a short period during Diwali last year.

Yes, that is correct.

The Supreme Court gave a temporary relaxation for Diwali 2025 under specific conditions.

But that permission was for that particular period.

It does not automatically continue every year.

As of 24 September 2026, I could not find a fresh official order giving a similar relaxation for this Diwali on the Delhi Government and Delhi Police pages checked for this update.

So what should you do?

If you are in Delhi, check the latest Delhi Environment Department and Delhi Police notice before buying crackers.

Do not depend upon last year’s WhatsApp message, newspaper clipping or shopkeeper’s statement.

The rule can change close to Diwali.

What About Barium, Generation 2 and Joint Crackers?

You may have recently seen headlines saying that new crackers containing a reduced quantity of barium may be allowed.

You may also read that joint crackers could return.

Does this mean the old rule has already changed?

Not necessarily.

Research and testing on newer green cracker formulations are continuing. CSIR NEERI also held discussions with the firework industry in 2026 on issues including barium salts and new formulations.

But as of this update, I could not find a final official Supreme Court order giving a general permission that replaces the existing restrictions.

Therefore, do not buy a cracker simply because a newspaper headline says that it may be allowed.

There is a big difference between something being studied and something being legally permitted.

Check the latest official order before Diwali.

Before You Buy Green Crackers

Do you know whether the cracker sold to you is genuine and whether the shop is legally allowed to sell it?

Check a few things before paying.

1. Check whether firecracker sale is permitted in your city.
2. Check the manufacturer against the latest official information available from CSIR NEERI.
3. Check the packet and product details carefully.
4. Check the product identification or QR details wherever applicable.
5. Buy only from a properly licensed seller.
6. Do not depend only on advertisements, WhatsApp sellers or home delivery offers.

A registered manufacturer and a licensed shop are not the same thing.

Both checks are important.

Before You Burst Green Crackers

Did You bought genuine green crackers?

That still does not mean you can burst them anywhere and anytime.

So, Before using them, check these points.

1. Are crackers permitted in your State or city?
2. What date and timing have been allowed?
3. Are there any restrictions near hospitals, schools or other silence zones?
4. Has your local authority issued any special order?

And most importantly, do not assume that last year’s relaxation is valid this year.

Firecracker rules can change. It is always better to spend two minutes checking the latest official notice than depend on an old social media message.

Green Crackers FAQ

Is a QR code enough to prove a cracker is genuine?

No. A QR code is an important check, but it is not enough. Check the product details, manufacturer name and buy only from a permitted seller.

Can I buy green crackers online or get home delivery?

Do not assume that online sale or home delivery is legal. Supreme Court directions restrict online sale of firecrackers, and local rules can be even stricter.

If green crackers pollute less, why can AQI still become very bad?

Because less pollution from one cracker does not mean clean air in the whole city. Thousands of crackers, weather conditions and other pollution sources can still make the AQI very poor.

You can understand this better in our article on Air Quality Index (AQI).

Are green crackers safe for children, asthma patients or pets?

Green crackers are not smoke free or silent. They may produce less pollution than conventional crackers, but smoke and loud noise can still affect children, asthma patients and pets.

If the packet says “eco friendly”, is it a green cracker?

No. Anyone can print green colour or words like eco friendly on a box. Check the actual product details, QR code and manufacturer information.

Can a genuine green cracker still be illegal in my city?

Yes. A cracker may be genuine, but your city or state can still restrict or ban its sale or use. Always check the latest local rule.

Why does the NEERI manufacturer list still show a 2025 date?

NEERI changed the registration process in September 2025 and said renewal is no longer required. So the 2025 date should not be treated as an expiry date.

How do I know whether the shop is licensed?

Do not be shy to ask the seller. You can also check the PESO Public Domain licence information or the temporary seller list issued by your District or Police authority.

Are green crackers quieter?

Not necessarily. Green mainly refers to reduced emission formulations, while noise limits are a separate requirement. A green cracker is not a silent cracker.

What Is the Indian Government Doing About Green Crackers?

Green crackers contain new and improved formulations as compared to conventional firecrackers.

The aim is simple. Reduce emissions without completely changing the way a firecracker works.

But who checks whether a cracker is really green?

CSIR NEERI has developed green cracker formulations, emission testing methods and a registration system for manufacturers. It also provides information for identifying genuine green crackers.

PESO looks after the licensing and safety requirements related to the manufacture and sale of fireworks.

So today the system is not only about making a greener cracker.

The manufacturer has to be checked. The product has to be checked. The seller should also be properly licensed.

For example, suppose a box has the word “Green” printed in big letters. Does that make it a genuine green cracker?

No.

The manufacturer and product details should also match the official system.

You can also read the official CSIR NEERI press release on green firecrackers to understand how these crackers were developed.

Conclusion

Green crackers are not clean crackers. They are reduced emission crackers.

They can reduce certain emissions compared to conventional crackers, but they still produce smoke, gases and noise.

The biggest mistake is to think that the word “green” on a box makes everything safe and legal.

It does not.

If you decide to buy crackers, check four things. The product, the manufacturer, the seller and your local rule.

One more simple point.

If ten crackers produce less pollution than ten conventional crackers, burning fifty of them can still create a lot of pollution.

So using fewer crackers also matters.

What do you think?

Are green crackers really a practical solution, or should we simply reduce the number of crackers we use during Diwali?

Please share your thoughts in the comments.

References

1. CSIR–National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI). Definition of Green Crackers. Official technical document defining improved and new-formulation green firecrackers and their emission-reduction criteria.
2. CSIR–National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI). Press Release: Green Firecrackers. Official information on development of low-emission fireworks, manufacturer registration and product-specific QR codes.
3. CSIR–National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI). Registration of Firework Manufacturers with CSIR-NEERI, dated 19 September 2025, including the list of registered manufacturers as on 15 September 2025 and the decision that renewal of registration is no longer required.
4. Supreme Court of India. Arjun Gopal & Ors. v. Union of India & Ors., Writ Petition (Civil) No. 728 of 2015, Judgment dated 23 October 2018, together with subsequent clarificatory orders concerning manufacture, sale and use of firecrackers.
5. Supreme Court of India. Arjun Gopal & Ors. v. Union of India & Ors., Writ Petition (Civil) No. 728 of 2015, Order dated 29 October 2021. This is an important reference for prohibited firecrackers, barium salts, joined/series crackers, licensed sale and enforcement.
6. Supreme Court of India. M.C. Mehta v. Union of India & Ors., Writ Petition (Civil) No. 13029 of 1985, Order dated 15 October 2025, concerning the temporary Delhi-NCR green-cracker arrangement, NEERI-approved products, QR-code controls, licensed sale and enforcement.
7. Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), Government of India. Explosives Rules, 2008. Particularly the provisions and forms dealing with possession and sale of fireworks, including Form LE-5 / Form AE-5.
8. Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), Government of India. Authorized Fireworks. Official specification including the prescribed sound limits for sound-emitting crackers.
9. Government of NCT of Delhi, Department of Environment. Directions under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act regarding complete ban on manufacture, storage, sale and use of firecrackers in the National Capital Territory of Delhi. Current Delhi-specific government reference.
10. Ghei, D. and Sane, R. (2018). “Estimates of air pollution in Delhi from the burning of firecrackers during the festival of Diwali.” PLOS ONE, 13(8), e0200371.
11. Press Information Bureau, Government of India (2019). India launches ‘Green Crackers’ in its bid to curb air pollution. Useful official background on the introduction of green-cracker technologies and the roles of CSIR-NEERI, PESO, CPCB and MoEFCC.