Chennai, Sep 30 (IANS): Stringent action will be taken against imports of firecrackers as such imports are illegal, said union Minister for Commerce and Industry Nirmala Seetharaman here Tuesday.

The central government has not given any import licence for firecrackers, she told media on the sidelines of a function organised by the Employees Provident Fund Organisation.

According to her, a delegation of firecracker industry met her in Delhi and briefed her about illegal imports from China. The firecrackers brought in containers are stored secretly and later distributed in the market.

She said the government has taken immediate action like issuing public notice.

The government will also be issuing advertisements in this regard to create public awareness, she added.

"We have sent letter to all the chief ministers, including Tamil Nadu, stating that it is the states' responsibility to take action on illegal firecrackers."

She stressed that the central government has not given any permission to import firecrackers under the Explosives Act.

Firecracker manufacturers in Tamil Nadu are complaining about import of Chinese products.