The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has launched regulatory action against the unauthorized online sale and advertisement of hazardous chemicals and explosive substances on digital platforms, aiming to strengthen consumer safety, national security, and responsible e-commerce practices.
The action was initiated under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 after authorities received inputs about the online listing and sale of regulated substances on platforms such as indiamart.com, justdial.com, sigmaaldrich.com, dial4trade.com and exportersindia.com
According to the CCPA, several hazardous and explosive precursor chemicals were found being listed online without adequate safeguards. These substances could pose serious threats to public safety and national security if accessed without proper authorization or verification.
Notices Issued to E-Commerce Platforms
The CCPA has issued notices to multiple online platforms seeking details related to:
- Seller identity and licensing compliance
- Buyer verification mechanisms
- Quantity of substances sold
- Import records
- Regulatory approvals and clearances
During its preliminary investigation, the authority observed that many of the chemicals being advertised online fall under regulated, restricted, or prohibited categories governed by various public safety and hazardous substance laws.
The CCPA stressed that online platforms and intermediaries must exercise strict due diligence before allowing the listing, advertisement, or sale of such dangerous substances.
Hazardous Chemicals Under Investigation
The substances under scrutiny include:
- Ammonium Nitrate
- Gun Powder
- Picric Acid
- Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate (PETN)
The authority stated that these materials are regulated due to their explosive nature and potential misuse.
Coordination with PESO
As part of the enforcement drive, the CCPA held discussions with officials from the peso.gov.in to review the existing regulatory framework for hazardous and explosive substances. Seller details shared by e-commerce platforms have also been forwarded to PESO for further action under applicable laws and safety regulations.
Platforms Begin Removing Listings
Following the CCPA’s intervention, several online platforms have started removing, blocking, restricting, or delisting hazardous chemical and explosive-related products from their websites. The government said the move reinforces its commitment to ensuring that digital marketplaces do not facilitate unauthorized access to dangerous or regulated substances, while also protecting consumer rights and strengthening trust in India’s growing e-commerce ecosystem.
