The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has taken regulatory action against several online platforms like IndiaMART, Justdial, Sigma-Aldrich India, Dial4Trade, and ExportersIndia for selling hazardous chemicals and explosive substances without authorization. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution revealed that these platforms were found listing and selling substances that could endanger public safety and national security. The identified substances include explosive precursors and hazardous chemicals that require strict verification and safeguards.
The CCPA has issued notices to these e-commerce entities, requesting details on seller information, licensing compliance, buyer verification processes, quantities sold, import specifics, and regulatory approvals. Preliminary investigations by the authority highlighted that many hazardous chemicals and explosive substances advertised online are subject to regulations governing public safety and hazardous materials handling. The ministry emphasized the importance of online platforms ensuring compliance with legal requirements before allowing the sale or advertisement of such substances.
Notable hazardous substances under scrutiny include ammonium nitrate, gunpowder, picric acid, and pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN). The CCPA has sent a total of eight notices to various entities for similar violations involving regulated and potentially risky substances. Additionally, the authority held discussions with the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) to assess the current regulatory framework concerning hazardous and explosive materials. The e-commerce platforms have shared a list of sellers with PESO for necessary actions under relevant laws and regulations.
