Consumer rights enforcers in New Delhi have delivered a blow to Snapdeal, fining the e-tailer ₹5 lakh for enabling the sale of unsafe, non-BIS certified toys. The Central Consumer Protection Authority’s (CCPA) Monday directive spotlights lapses in online marketplaces.
Non-compliance with the Toys (Quality Control) Order, 2020, was blatant: toys from sellers like Stallion Trading and Thriftcart bypassed BIS requirements, missing essential labeling and certifications that prevent health risks to children.
CCPA, guided by Nidhi Khare and Anupam Mishra, pinpointed Snapdeal’s ₹41,032 earnings from these sales as evidence of complicity. Promotions touting superior quality masked the reality of unverified, shoddy products.
Snapdeal’s mall analogy fell flat; CCPA stressed its promotional muscle—driving ‘Deal of the Day’ frenzies with quality vows—creates direct accountability. Platforms can’t shirk verifying standards, the regulator affirmed.
Reliance on unchecked seller declarations was deemed ‘inadequate,’ and Snapdeal’s evasive stance on future compliance clinched the penalty. This builds on actions against peers like Amazon and Flipkart.
As e-commerce booms, CCPA’s resolve fortifies defenses against hazardous toys, urging buyers to prioritize BIS logos and platforms to prioritize due diligence over deals.