New Delhi, May 27 (H.S.): The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has initiated action against the online sale and listing of hazardous and explosive substances. The CCPA has launched regulatory proceedings against several online platforms, including IndiaMART, Justdial, Sigma-Aldrich India, Dial4Trade, and Exporters India.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution said that the Central Consumer Protection Authority has initiated regulatory action under the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 against the unauthorized online sale and advertisement of hazardous chemicals, explosive substances, and related precursors on digital platforms. The action by the CCPA aims to strengthen consumer safety, public security, and responsible e-commerce practices.

According to the Ministry, the CCPA initiated the action after receiving information regarding the online listing and sale of hazardous and regulated substances on various platforms, including IndiaMART, Justdial, Sigma-Aldrich India, Dial4Trade, and Exporters India.

The Authority stated that notices have been issued to major e-commerce platforms regarding the listing and sale of regulated substances, including ammonium nitrate, PETN, gunpowder, and picric acid. Information relating to the sellers has also been shared with the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO). Following the intervention of the CCPA, the platforms have started removing and restricting such listings.

It is noteworthy that earlier the CCPA had also issued notices to major e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, and JioMart regarding the sale of unregistered and hazardous agricultural chemicals, including “Cyclocinon Herbicide,” a type of weedicide. The Authority had warned these platforms that they could not provide “digital convenience” at the cost of consumer safety and legal compliance.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar