The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), under the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, has initiated regulatory action against the unauthorized online sale and advertisement of hazardous chemicals, explosive substances, and related precursors on digital platforms. The action aims to strengthen consumer safety, public security, and responsible e-commerce practices. The CCPA initiated action following inputs regarding the online listing and sale of hazardous and regulated substances on platforms including
IndiaMART,
Justdial,
Sigma-Aldrich India,
Dial4Trade
ExportersIndia.
The substances identified include explosive precursors and hazardous chemicals which may pose serious risks to public safety and national security if sold without proper safeguards and verification mechanisms. Unauthorized online access to such hazardous substances may expose consumers to serious safety risks and unlawful supply channels.
Notices Issued to Online Platforms
The CCPA has issued notices to concerned e-commerce entities and online platforms seeking details regarding:
Seller information and licensing compliance
Buyer verification mechanisms
Quantities sold
Import details
Applicable regulatory approvals
During the preliminary examination, the CCPA observed that several hazardous chemicals and explosive substances being listed or advertised online are regulated, restricted, controlled, or prohibited under various laws and regulatory frameworks governing public safety and handling of hazardous substances.
The Authority has emphasized that online platforms and intermediaries must exercise due diligence and ensure strict compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements before permitting the listing, advertisement, or sale of such substances.
Hazardous Substances Under Scrutiny
The notices relate to the online sale, listing, advertisement, or facilitation of regulated and hazardous products such as:
Ammonium Nitrate
Gun Powder
Picric Acid
Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate (PETN)
In continuation of its enforcement efforts, the CCPA has issued a total of eight notices to various entities in connection with comparable violations involving regulated and potentially dangerous substances.
Coordination with PESO
As part of the coordinated regulatory response, the CCPA also convened a meeting with officials of the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) to examine the existing regulatory framework governing hazardous and explosive substances.
The list of sellers operating on these platforms, as provided by the e-commerce entities, has also been shared with PESO for necessary action under applicable laws and regulatory provisions.
Platforms Begin Delisting Hazardous Products
Following the intervention and enforcement actions initiated by the CCPA, several online platforms and entities have started removing, blocking, restricting, or delisting listings related to hazardous chemicals and explosive substances.
The action reinforces the Government’s commitment to ensuring that digital marketplaces do not facilitate unauthorized access to regulated or dangerous substances in violation of applicable laws and consumer safety standards.
The CCPA remains committed to protecting consumer rights, ensuring safe digital marketplaces, preventing unfair trade practices, and strengthening consumer trust in the rapidly evolving e-commerce ecosystem.
