India’s e-commerce growth needs a stronger consumer-safety layer.

Amazon. Flipkart. JioMart.

Three of India’s biggest online marketplaces have been penalised by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) after an unregistered agro-chemical product, marketed as “Cyclosinone Herbicide,” was listed, advertised and offered for sale on their platforms.

By Avijit Bose, COO, CONSUMER VOICE
Also Published on LinkedIn ↗

Can an online marketplace simply say: “The seller is responsible”?

The CCPA’s position is significant: seller declarations alone are not enough when regulated products are involved. Marketplaces have a responsibility to exercise due diligence and ensure that products offered to consumers comply with applicable laws.

And this is not just about herbicides.

Today it is an agro-chemical. Tomorrow it could be a toy, cosmetic, electrical product, health product or any other regulated item.

Consumers see the platform. They trust the platform. They buy through the platform.

Therefore, the question of responsibility cannot end with: “We only provide the marketplace.”

The CCPA’s action sends an important message: convenience cannot come at the cost of consumer safety.

For consumers, the lesson is simple:

A product being available online does not automatically mean it is legal, safe or compliant.