Crackdown Targets E-Commerce Platforms for Selling Products Without Mandatory Certification
In a significant move to enforce product quality standards, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) conducted search and seizure operations at Amazon and Flipkart warehouses in Delhi, confiscating goods valued at approximately ₹76 lakh. The seized items, including electric water heaters, food mixers, and sports shoes, were found to lack the mandatory BIS certification, raising concerns about consumer safety and regulatory compliance.
Details of the Seizure
The BIS’s recent actions are part of a broader initiative to curb the distribution of non-compliant products through e-commerce platforms. In Delhi, the agency seized electric water heaters and food mixers worth about ₹70 lakh from an Amazon warehouse. Additionally, sports shoes valued at nearly ₹6 lakh were confiscated from a Flipkart warehouse for not carrying the necessary product certification marks.
Tracing the Source
Investigations revealed that the non-certified products originated from Techvision International Pvt Ltd, a supplier based in Delhi. Subsequent raids at Techvision’s facilities uncovered approximately 7,000 electric water heaters, 4,000 electric food mixers, 95 electric room heaters, and 40 gas stoves without BIS certification. Brands associated with these products include Digismart, Activa, Inalsa, Cello Swift, and Butterfly.
Legal Actions and Compliance
The BIS has initiated legal proceedings under the BIS Act, 2016, against the entities involved in distributing non-compliant products. Two cases have already been filed against Techvision International Pvt Ltd, with additional cases in process for other seizure operations. These actions underscore the government’s commitment to ensuring that products sold in the market meet prescribed safety and quality standards.
E-Commerce Platforms’ Response
Amazon India responded to the raids, stating, “We require sellers of all products to comply with applicable laws, regulations, and Amazon policies. We ensure our selection meets industry-accepted standards and develop innovative tools to prevent unsafe products from being listed.” The company emphasized its efforts to maintain a safe selection for customers, including removing non-compliant products and collaborating with regulators.
Flipkart has yet to issue a public statement regarding the recent seizures.
Broader Implications
This crackdown highlights the challenges e-commerce platforms face in monitoring and ensuring the compliance of products sold through their channels. The BIS’s actions serve as a reminder of the importance of rigorous quality control measures and the need for online retailers to exercise due diligence in verifying the certification of products offered on their platforms.
Conclusion
The BIS’s seizure of non-certified goods from Amazon and Flipkart warehouses in Delhi marks a significant step in enforcing product quality standards in India’s burgeoning e-commerce sector. As the industry continues to grow, ensuring compliance with safety regulations remains paramount to protect consumers and maintain trust in online marketplaces.