Amazon and Flipkart Warehouses Raided: Non-Certified Toys, Kitchen Appliances, and Electrical Goods Seized
BIS Cracks Down on Non-Compliant E-Commerce Products
India’s Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has conducted a large-scale raid on Amazon and Flipkart warehouses, uncovering non-certified products being sold on their platforms.
- The Consumer Affairs Ministry stated that these operations aim to prevent the sale of substandard and unsafe goods through e-commerce.
- Raids were carried out in major cities, including Lucknow, Gurugram, and Delhi, targeting warehouses of Amazon, Flipkart, and their suppliers.
Authorities discovered uncertified items such as toys, kitchen appliances, electrical equipment, and food containers, all of which failed to meet BIS safety standards.
Large Seizure of Uncertified Products
BIS officials seized hundreds of uncertified products from warehouses operated by both e-commerce giants.
- Raids at Amazon warehouses in Lucknow and Gurugram uncovered hand blenders, aluminium foils, metallic water bottles, PVC cables, food mixers, speakers, and toys, all lacking proper certification.
- Similarly, at a Flipkart warehouse managed by Instakart Services Pvt Ltd in Gurugram, authorities confiscated stainless steel bottles, toys, and speakers, raising concerns over consumer safety.
These operations highlight the widespread availability of uncertified products on major online platforms, prompting strict enforcement of BIS regulations.
Techvision International Pvt Ltd Identified as Key Supplier
Investigations revealed that the primary source of these uncertified products was Techvision International Pvt Ltd, leading to raids at their facilities in Delhi.
- BIS uncovered nearly 7,000 electric water heaters, 4,000 electric food mixers, 95 room heaters, and 40 gas stoves, all lacking mandatory BIS certification.
- Brands found in the seized products include Digismart, Activa, Inalsa, Cello Swift, and Butterfly, among others.
The presence of such a high volume of non-compliant goods raises serious concerns about quality control and consumer safety.
Non-Certified Products Found Across Multiple Platforms
The Consumer Affairs Ministry emphasized that BIS certification is mandatory for these products due to their potential safety risks.
- Non-certified items, which lack the ISI Mark or have invalid license numbers, do not meet minimum safety standards, making them hazardous for consumers.
- Investigations indicate that such products are also available on other e-commerce platforms, including Meesho, Myntra, and BigBasket.
The unchecked sale of non-certified goods poses a serious threat to consumer safety, prompting BIS to take legal action against violators.
Legal Action and Consumer Awareness
BIS has initiated legal proceedings under the BIS Act, 2016, against Techvision International Pvt Ltd and other entities found violating safety standards.
- Legal action includes two court cases against Techvision International Pvt Ltd, with penalties ranging from ₹2 lakh to ten times the value of the seized goods.
- Offenders could also face imprisonment for up to two years, depending on the severity of violations.
To further enforce consumer safety, BIS has ramped up market surveillance and product testing, ensuring stricter compliance with quality standards.
BIS Urges Consumers to Verify Products
BIS encourages consumers to verify product certification before purchasing, using the BIS Care app.
- The app allows users to check whether a product holds a valid ISI Mark and verify the manufacturer’s license number (CM/L).
- Consumers can also report non-certified products or file complaints regarding substandard BIS-certified items directly through the app.
This initiative aims to empower consumers, helping them make informed purchasing decisions while ensuring that unsafe products are removed from the market.
