BIS Cracks Down on Amazon and Flipkart Over Non-Compliant Products

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) recently raided Amazon and Flipkart warehouses in Lucknow, Gurugram, and Delhi, seizing non-compliant products like toys, hand blenders, and water bottles. At an Amazon warehouse in Lucknow, officials found 24 hand blenders and 215 uncertified toys, while a raid in Gurugram uncovered multiple non-compliant household items.

A Flipkart warehouse in Gurugram also had uncertified products. BIS has filed a lawsuit under the BIS Act of 2016, with penalties including fines up to 10 times the product value or imprisonment. Amazon responded by stating that it requires sellers to follow regulations and removes unsafe products. The crackdown highlights growing concerns about uncertified products being sold online. BIS continues its efforts to enforce safety standards and protect consumers.

BIS Cracks Down on Amazon and Flipkart Over Non-Compliant Products

Amazon India has responded to recent actions by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) against non-compliant products, emphasizing its commitment to customer safety. The company stated that it takes necessary steps to ensure that all products sold on its platform comply with legal and safety standards. It also highlighted that sellers must adhere to all relevant laws, regulations, and Amazon’s internal policies.

In a detailed statement, Amazon India explained that it actively works to align its product listings with industry standards. The company employs advanced tools and technology to detect and prevent the sale of unsafe items. If a product is found to be non-compliant, Amazon removes it from the platform and collaborates with sellers, manufacturers, and government agencies to address the issue.

BIS Raids on E-Commerce Warehouses

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) recently conducted raids at warehouses of major e-commerce platforms, including Amazon and Flipkart, in cities such as Lucknow, Gurugram, and Delhi. These raids aimed to crack down on the sale of products that fail to meet safety standards and could pose risks to consumers.

During an inspection at an Amazon warehouse in Lucknow on March 7, 2025, BIS officials discovered 24 hand blenders and 215 toys that lacked the required BIS certification. In another raid at Amazon’s Gurugram facility in February, authorities found 58 aluminum foils, 34 metallic water bottles, 25 toys, 20 hand blenders, seven PVC cables, two food mixers, and a speaker—all of which failed to meet compliance standards.

Similarly, at a Flipkart warehouse in Gurugram, managed by Instakart Services Pvt Ltd, BIS officials seized 534 stainless steel bottles, 134 toys, and 41 uncertified speakers. These findings have raised serious concerns about the sale of unsafe products on e-commerce platforms.

Legal Consequences for Non-Compliance

The BIS has initiated legal action under the BIS Act of 2016 to hold those responsible for selling non-compliant products accountable. According to the law, violators can face fines of up to 10 times the value of the non-compliant products sold, with a minimum penalty of ₹2 lakh. In more severe cases, offenders could face up to two years in jail.

Amazon’s Commitment to Safety

Amazon India has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all products sold on its platform comply with legal and safety standards. The company stated that it uses advanced technology to monitor and prevent the sale of unsafe items. If any product is found to be non-compliant, Amazon takes immediate action by removing it from the platform and working with relevant parties to address the issue.

Ongoing Consumer Safety Concerns

The recent raids and seizures have highlighted ongoing concerns about the safety of products sold online. Despite strict regulations, uncertified and potentially hazardous products continue to be available on e-commerce platforms. This raises questions about the effectiveness of existing measures to ensure consumer safety.

The BIS has reaffirmed its commitment to market surveillance and enforcement to protect consumers. The agency is particularly focused on products that require mandatory certification, such as electrical appliances, children’s toys, and pressure cookers, which can pose significant risks if they fail to meet safety standards.

Conclusion

The recent actions by the BIS underscore the importance of ensuring that all products sold online meet safety and compliance standards. Amazon India has stated that it is committed to working with sellers, manufacturers, and government agencies to ensure that all products on its platform are safe for consumers. However, the discovery of non-compliant products in its warehouses suggests that further efforts are needed to prevent the sale of unsafe items.

The BIS has made it clear that it will continue monitoring the market and taking action against those who violate safety standards. Consumers are encouraged to remain vigilant and check for proper certification when purchasing products online, especially items that could pose safety risks.