Why Did the Centre Issue Notices to E-Commerce Platforms Over Sale of Pakistani Merchandise?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The CCPA has taken action against e-commerce platforms for selling Pakistani merchandise.
- Union Minister Pralhad Joshi emphasized the need for compliance with national laws.
- Online retailers must adhere to regulatory standards to protect consumer rights.
- The sale of non-compliant products poses risks to national security.
- There has been a significant volume of non-compliant listings across major platforms.
New Delhi, May 15 (NationPress) The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has sent out notices to prominent e-commerce platforms, such as Amazon India and Flipkart, concerning the sale of flags and items featuring Pakistani symbols on their websites, as stated by Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Pralhad Joshi, on Wednesday.
The Union Minister announced this via a post on the X social media platform.
“The CCPA has issued notices to @amazonIN, @Flipkart, @UbuyIndia, and @Etsy, The Flag Company and The Flag Corporation regarding the sale of Pakistani flags and associated merchandise,” the minister tweeted.
He emphasized that such insensitivity will not be accepted.
“E-commerce platforms are instructed to promptly remove all such listings and comply with national laws,” stated Joshi.
Additionally, the minister cautioned all online retailers to rigorously adhere to Indian regulations while operating within the country.
Just last week, the CCPA issued 13 notices to major digital marketplaces like Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, and OLX for listing and selling walkie-talkies without appropriate frequency disclosure, licensing information, or Equipment Type Approval (ETA).
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs noted that walkie-talkies are being sold on e-commerce platforms without essential disclosures regarding the necessity of a wireless operating license or compliance with relevant laws.
A preliminary investigation revealed a concerning volume of such listings across these platforms, including around 467 listings on Amazon, 314 on Flipkart, 489 on Meesho, and 423 on TradeIndia, indicating the widespread nature of the problem.
Union Minister Joshi remarked that the sale of non-compliant wireless devices not only violates statutory obligations but may also pose significant risks to national security.
“All sellers must strictly conform to applicable regulatory standards to protect consumer rights and prevent illegal trade practices,” the minister posted on X social media.