BIS Conducts Major Raid on South India's Largest Warehouse, Seizes Goods Worth Rs 2.5 Crore
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Synopsis
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) initiated a raid at South India's largest warehouse, managed by Instakart Services Pvt Ltd under Flipkart. The operation led to the seizure of goods worth Rs 2.5 crore, highlighting violations of the BIS Act and Quality Control Orders.
Key Takeaways
- 104 different types of products were seized.
- Confiscated items valued at Rs 2.5 crore.
- Legal action under BIS Act, 2016.
- Emphasis on verifying BIS Standard Mark.
- Public encouraged to report misuse of ISI mark.
Bengaluru, April 23 (NationPress) The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Bangalore Branch Office, executed a significant search and seizure operation at the largest warehouse in South India, managed by M/s Instakart Services Private Limited, which operates under the brand Flipkart.
In a formal announcement made on Wednesday, the BIS disclosed that its team, directed by Director Narender Reddy Beesu and comprising Director Vinodini Kishore, Joint Director Premlata Sinha, and Assistant Director Piyush Kumar Gupta, carried out the raids.
Approximately 104 different types of products, totaling around 17,500 units, were discovered in breach of regulations and subsequently confiscated. These included wireless earbuds, Bluetooth earphones, speakers, toys, footwear, cables, and more.
The total estimated market value of the confiscated items is about Rs 2.5 crore, as per the statement.
Legal proceedings will be initiated against the company under Section 17(3) in conjunction with Section 29 of the BIS Act, 2016.
This Act stipulates imprisonment for up to two years or a minimum fine of Rs 2 lakh for the first offence. For repeat offences, fines will not be less than Rs 5 lakh and may go up to ten times the value of the goods, or both, as adjudged by the court.
The firm was reportedly storing and selling items that breached the Quality Control Orders (QCOs) issued by the Union Government and the BIS Act, 2016.
During the operation, it was discovered that several product models taken from the site lacked proper licensing, misused the ISI mark and Registration mark, and violated the conditions of the BIS license, the statement elaborated.
Some of these products are covered under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS), while others require Mandatory Certification by BIS, as per the QCOs. These regulations specify that no item shall be manufactured or sold without a valid BIS license and adherence to the pertinent Indian Standards.
The BIS encourages consumers to always verify the BIS Standard Mark (ISI mark) and license number of manufacturers prior to making any purchases. The validity of a license and the relevant Indian Standard can be confirmed via the BIS CARE mobile app.
During the operation, the team also provided education to warehouse staff on how to verify product compliance before permitting sellers to store goods.
The BIS remains committed to performing regular search and seizure operations based on reports of misuse, striving to safeguard the public from fraudulent practices and the circulation of low-quality or counterfeit items, as stated.
It further encouraged anyone with knowledge about the misuse of the ISI mark, BIS registration mark, or BIS hallmark to report it confidentially via email, letter, or through the BIS CARE mobile application.
