The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has initiated regulatory action against the unauthorised online sale and advertisement of hazardous chemicals, explosive substances and related precursors on digital platforms.
The action has been taken under the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
According to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, the CCPA initiated the action after receiving inputs regarding the online listing and sale of hazardous and regulated substances on platforms including IndiaMART, Justdial, Sigma-Aldrich India, Dial4Trade and ExportersIndia.
The substances identified include explosive precursors and hazardous chemicals that may pose serious risks to public safety and national security if sold without proper safeguards and verification mechanisms.
The ministry said unauthorised online access to such hazardous substances may expose consumers to serious safety risks and unlawful supply channels.
The CCPA has issued notices to the concerned e-commerce entities and online platforms seeking details on seller information and licensing compliance, buyer verification mechanisms, quantities sold, import details and applicable regulatory approvals.
During its 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 the handling of hazardous substances.
The authority has emphasised 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.
The notices relate to the online sale, listing, advertisement or facilitation of regulated and hazardous products such as ammonium nitrate, gun powder, picric acid and pentaerythritol tetranitrate, also known as PETN.
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In continuation of its enforcement efforts, the CCPA has issued a total of 8 notices to various entities in connection with comparable violations involving regulated and potentially dangerous substances.
As part of the coordinated regulatory response, the CCPA 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.
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 ministry said the action reinforces the government’s position that digital marketplaces should not facilitate unauthorised access to regulated or dangerous substances in violation of applicable laws and consumer safety standards.
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