The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has initiated regulatory action against seven online platforms over the unauthorised listing, advertising and facilitation of sales of regulated explosive substances, prompting the removal of 3,940 seller and listing entries.
The action covers IndiaMART, TradeIndia, Dial4Trade, Justdial, Sigma-Aldrich India, ExportersIndia and Ibuychemikals, according to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution. The substances involved include ammonium nitrate, gunpowder, picric acid and pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN).
The CCPA has imposed penalties totalling ₹30 lakh through three final orders.
The authority said lawful transactions involving the regulated substances require prescribed licences. Platforms are expected to disclose sellers’ valid Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation licence details and verify buyers’ identities and licensed status before purchases.
Citizens can report instances of online explosives sales to the National Consumer Helpline on 1915.
