Delhi's Green Cracker Market Plagued by Counterfeit Codes, Illegal Trade

Enforcement agencies in the national capital have uncovered widespread circulation of fake green crackers bearing counterfeit QR codes, raising concerns about both consumer fraud and environmental compliance as the festive season approaches. The illicit trade is operating through underground networks that circumvent regulatory oversight, making it difficult for consumers to verify whether products meet pollution standards.

Green crackers, designed to reduce air and noise pollution compared to traditional fireworks, were introduced as a compromise between festive celebrations and environmental protection. However, manufacturers have been exploiting the regulatory gap by producing substandard crackers and equipping them with fraudulent QR codes that falsely authenticate compliance with pollution norms.

Market investigations reveal that illegal sales channels are thriving across Delhi, with unregistered vendors openly selling non-certified crackers in residential areas and commercial zones. Consumer awareness regarding verification mechanisms remains limited, allowing counterfeiters to operate with relative impunity.

Regulatories authorities have urged consumers to purchase crackers only from authorized retailers and verify QR codes through official databases before purchase. The development underscores the challenges in enforcing green cracker mandates and highlights the need for stronger monitoring mechanisms across the supply chain during peak festive season demand.