New Delhi: India has launched a significant crackdown on e-commerce platforms for selling non-compliant goods, signaling a stricter enforcement of product quality and safety standards. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has initiated legal action under the BIS Act, 2016, targeting platforms that fail to meet the required compliance norms.
Strict Legal Action Under BIS Act, 2016
The BIS has invoked provisions of the BIS Act, 2016, which mandates that all products under the purview of BIS certification must meet specific quality standards before being sold in the Indian market. The penalties for non-compliance are severe, with fines ranging from ₹2 lakh to ten times the product’s value, depending on the nature and scale of the violation.
Raids Conducted at Warehouses
Authorities have conducted raids at multiple warehouses linked to leading e-commerce platforms. These raids have uncovered large quantities of non-compliant goods, including electronic items, home appliances, and consumer products. The seized products reportedly lacked proper BIS certification, raising concerns about product safety and consumer protection.
Government’s Stance on Consumer Safety
A senior BIS official stated that the crackdown is part of the government’s broader effort to protect consumers from substandard and unsafe products. “We are committed to ensuring that all products sold in India meet the required safety and quality standards. E-commerce platforms cannot be allowed to bypass these regulations,” the official added.
Impact on E-Commerce Platforms
Leading e-commerce companies have been asked to provide detailed reports on their product verification processes. Platforms failing to adhere to BIS regulations may face suspension of their business licenses and additional penalties. The government is also considering introducing stricter compliance guidelines for online sellers to prevent similar violations in the future.
