BIS Targets Amazon and Flipkart for Distributing Unsafe, Non-Certified Products
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has recently launched a crackdown on e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and Flipkart, targeting the sale of non-certified and unsafe products. The BIS conducted search and seizure operations at various warehouse locations in cities like Lucknow, Gurugram, and Delhi in response to concerns about the distribution of non-compliant goods online.
Govt cracks down on e-comm platforms like Amazon and Flipkart
On March 7, 2025, a BIS raid took place at an Amazon warehouse in Lucknow, where the authorities seized 215 toys and 24 hand blenders that lacked the mandatory BIS certification. Similarly, a raid at Flipkart’s warehouse in Gurugram led to the seizure of 534 stainless steel bottles, 134 toys, and 41 speakers—all of which were found to be uncertified. These products are critical examples of the larger problem BIS has been investigating on major e-commerce platforms.
BIS’s inquiry into the violations traced the origin of these non-certified products back to Techvision International Pvt Ltd, a company involved in the production and distribution of various consumer goods. Acting on this lead, BIS carried out further raids at two of Techvision’s facilities in Delhi, discovering a large volume of uncertified products. Among the seized items were approximately 7,000 electric water heaters, 4,000 electric food mixers, 95 electric room heaters, and 40 gas stoves, none of which carried the necessary BIS certification. Some of the affected brands included well-known names such as Digismart, Activa, Inalsa, Cello Swift, and Butterfly.
Following these seizures, BIS initiated legal proceedings against Techvision International Pvt Ltd under the provisions of the BIS Act, 2016. The company faces charges under Sections 17(1) and 17(3) of the BIS Act, which impose strict penalties for the sale of non-certified products. To date, two legal cases have been filed, and additional cases are expected as BIS continues its enforcement actions. Defaulters could face hefty fines, ranging from two lakh rupees up to ten times the value of the goods sold, along with the possibility of imprisonment for up to two years
The BIS Act, 2016, mandates that various common household products such as pressure cookers, hand blenders, food mixers, room heaters, PVC cables, gas stoves, and toys must be BIS certified to ensure their safety and performance standards. These products are subjected to strict market surveillance because of the potential hazards posed by substandard items, which can lead to consumer harm.
Despite the legal requirements, BIS has found that a number of uncertified products continue to be sold on popular e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, Myntra, and BigBasket. Many of these products either do not carry the mandatory ISI Mark or feature an invalid ISI number, indicating they have not undergone the necessary third-party testing for safety and quality. This lack of certification poses significant risks to consumers, as these items may not meet essential safety standards.
Amazon and Flipkart Down
BIS’s actions are part of a broader effort to ensure that only certified, safe products reach consumers, especially in an era where online shopping continues to grow rapidly. By enforcing strict penalties and conducting thorough investigations, BIS aims to safeguard public health and safety by ensuring that products sold online adhere to established standards.
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