New Delhi’s consumer protection watchdog has struck hard against e-commerce lapses. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) imposed a hefty ₹5 lakh penalty on Snapdeal on Monday for facilitating the sale of toys that failed to meet mandatory BIS standards.
This action underscores a broader crackdown on platforms peddling unsafe children’s products. The regulator highlighted violations of the Toys (Quality Control) Order, 2020, which mandates strict adherence to Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certifications for all toys sold in India.
Snapdeal, operated by Ace Vector Limited, came under fire for promoting non-compliant toys through sellers like Stallion Trading Company and Thriftcart. These listings lacked critical details such as manufacturer information and BIS certification numbers, relying solely on unverified seller declarations.
CCPA Chief Commissioner Nidhi Khare and Commissioner Anupam Mishra led the probe, issuing a final order that exposed Snapdeal’s inadequate oversight. The platform earned ₹41,032 in commissions from these dubious sales, profiting from what the authority deemed ‘unfair trade practices and misleading advertisements.’
Snapdeal defended itself by likening its model to a physical shopping mall, but CCPA dismissed this analogy outright. The regulator pointed to Snapdeal’s active role in flash sales like ‘Storm Sale’ and ‘Deal of the Day,’ where it guarantees ‘best value and good quality’—claims that ring hollow for non-BIS compliant items.
‘Platforms bear indirect liability for deficiencies in listed products,’ CCPA asserted, emphasizing the duty to verify safety standards before listing. Snapdeal’s failure to commit to future compliance further sealed its fate.
This penalty is part of a sweeping enforcement drive targeting major players including Amazon, Flipkart, and others. Notices have been served to multiple entities for similar breaches, signaling that regulators are tightening the noose on e-commerce accountability. For parents, this serves as a stark reminder to check BIS markings on toys, ensuring children’s safety amid the online shopping boom.