CCPA Initiates Regulatory Action Against Online Sale of Hazardous and Explosive Substances

• Manish Kumar
• 29 May 2026
• 141 Views

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), operational under Consumer Protection Act 2019, has taken regulatory action against unauthorized online sale and advertisement of hazardous chemicals, explosive substances and related precursors on certain digital platforms. 

This action initiated by the Authority aims to enhance consumer safety as well as public security. It also envisions promoting responsible e-commerce practices in the country. The CCPA's actions were prompted by reports of hazardous and regulated substances being listed and sold on these platforms:-

• IndiaMART

• Justdial

• Sigma-Aldrich India

• Dial4Trade

• ExportersIndia

The identified substances include explosive precursors as well as hazardous chemicals that could pose significant risks to public safety and national security if they get sold without any appropriate safeguards and verification mechanisms. Unauthorized online access to such hazardous materials may expose consumers to serious safety hazards and illegal supply channels. 

CCPA has Issued Notices to the Platforms 

The concerned e-commerce entities and online platforms have been issued notices by the CCPA. The notices seek details regarding the following:

• Seller information as well as licensing compliance

• Buyer verification mechanisms

• Quantities sold by the seller

• Details pertaining to import

• Applicable regulatory approvals

During the preliminary examination, it was observed by the Authority that several hazardous chemicals and explosive substances listed/advertised online are regulated, restricted, controlled or prohibited under various laws and regulatory frameworks governing public safety and the handling of hazardous materials. 

The Authority has emphasized that online platforms and intermediaries must exercise due diligence and ensure strict compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements before allowing the listing, advertisement or sale of such substances. 

Dangerous Substances under CCPA’s Scrutiny

The notices pertain to the online sale, listing, advertisement or facilitation of regulated and hazardous products such as: - 

• Ammonium Nitrate

• Gun Powder

• Picric Acid

• Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate (PETN) 

CCPA, in continuation of its enforcement efforts, has issued eight notices to various entities for violations involving regulated and potentially dangerous substances. 

CCPA’s Meeting with PESO Officials

CCPA held a meeting with officials of Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO) so as to examine the prevailing regulatory framework that governs hazardous and explosive substances. 

For necessary action under applicable laws and regulations, the list of sellers operating on these platforms, as provided by e-commerce entities, has also been shared with PESO to take necessary action.

Delisting of Hazardous Products by Platforms

After the intervention and enforcement actions by CCPA, many digital platforms and entities have begun removing, blocking, restricting or delisting listings pertaining to hazardous chemicals and explosive substances. 

The action initiated by the CCPA reinforces the commitment of the Indian government to ensure that the online marketplaces do not facilitate unauthorized access to regulated or dangerous substances in violation of applicable laws and consumer safety standards.

The Authority is dedicated to protecting consumer rights, ensuring safe digital marketplaces, preventing unfair trade practices and strengthening consumer trust within the ever-evolving e-commerce ecosystem.

Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB)