The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has initiated regulatory action against the unauthorised online sale and advertisement of hazardous chemicals and explosive substances on digital platforms, citing concerns over consumer safety and national security.
The action, undertaken under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, follows inputs regarding the listing and sale of regulated substances on platforms such as IndiaMART, Justdial, Sigma-Aldrich India, Dial4Trade and ExportersIndia. The substances under scrutiny include Ammonium Nitrate, Gun Powder, Picric Acid and Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate (PETN), which are regulated under various laws governing hazardous and explosive materials.
According to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, the CCPA has issued notices to the concerned platforms seeking details related to seller information, licensing compliance, buyer verification mechanisms, quantities sold, import details and regulatory approvals.
During its preliminary examination, the authority observed that several hazardous substances being listed online were either restricted, controlled or prohibited without adequate safeguards.
The CCPA stressed that digital intermediaries must exercise due diligence and ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory norms before allowing the sale or advertisement of such products.
As part of the enforcement process, the CCPA also held discussions with the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) to review the regulatory framework governing hazardous substances.
Seller details provided by the e-commerce entities have been shared with PESO for further action under applicable laws. Following the intervention, several platforms have started removing, restricting or delisting listings linked to hazardous chemicals and explosive materials.
The government said the move reinforces its commitment to ensuring safe digital marketplaces and preventing unauthorised access to dangerous substances.
