CCPA cracks down on IndiaMART, Justdial over sale of explosives, hazardous chemicals

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has launched action against several e-commerce and online platforms over the listing and sale of hazardous chemicals and explosive substances, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs said on Wednesday.

The regulator has issued notices to IndiaMART, Justdial, Sigma-Aldrich India, Dial4Trade and ExportersIndia over the online sale and advertisement of substances such as ammonium nitrate, gun powder, picric acid and PETN, according to a government statement.

"The substances identified include explosive precursors and hazardous chemicals which may pose serious risks to public safety and national security if sold without proper safeguards and verification mechanisms," the statement said.

The CCPA, which functions under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, sought details from the platforms on seller licensing compliance, buyer verification systems, quantities sold, import records and regulatory approvals.

The authority said several chemicals and explosive substances being advertised online were regulated, restricted or prohibited under laws governing public safety and the handling of hazardous materials.

The notices pertain to products such as ammonium nitrate, gun powder, picric acid and pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN).

The CCPA has also issued a total of eight notices to various entities in connection with similar violations involving regulated and potentially dangerous substances, the statement said.

Several online platforms have begun removing, restricting or delisting listings related to hazardous chemicals and explosive substances following the intervention, it added.

The regulator also held discussions with the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) to review the existing framework governing hazardous and explosive substances.

"The action reinforces the Government's commitment to ensuring that digital marketplaces do not facilitate unauthorized access to regulated or dangerous substances in violation of applicable laws and consumer safety standards," the statement said.