The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has initiated regulatory action against the un-authorized online listing, hosting, advertising and facilitating the sale of regulated and hazardous explosive substances on digital platforms. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution said that the action is aimed at strengthening consumer safety, public security and responsible e-commerce practices. These substances such as Ammonium Nitrate, Gun Powder, Picric Acid and Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate, are classified as explosives and regulated under the Explosives Act, 1884. 

 

The Ministry said that the lawful sale and purchase of such substances require the prescribed license, and online platforms are expected to ensure that sellers’ valid PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation) license details are disclosed. It said, the identity and licensed status of buyers are verified before a purchase.

 

The CCPA has initiated action regarding the online listing and sale of such substances on online platforms including IndiaMART, TradeIndia, Dial4Trade, Justdial, Sigma-Aldrich India, ExportersIndia and Ibuychemikals. Over three thousand nine hundred sellers have been delisted from these platforms.