Centre issues notices to Amazon, Flipkart and Snapdeal for selling toys without BIS mark
It includes retail stores like Hamleys, Archies
The Centre has seized 18,600 toys across the country from retail stores, including Hamleys and Archies, for lack of BIS quality mark, reported news agency PTI.
Bureau of Indian Standards Meanwhile, consumer protection regulator CCPA has also issued notices to three major e-commerce players, Amazon, Flipkart and Snapdeal for alleged violation of toys quality control order, it said.
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the national standard body that is responsible for standardization, marking and quality certification of goods.
"We received complaints from domestic manufacturers of sale of toys that do not conform with the BIS standard. We conducted 44 raids in last one month and seized 18,600 toys from major retail stores," BIS Director General Pramod Kumar Tiwari said in a press conference.
The raids were conducted at retail stores, including those of Hamleys, Archies, WH Smith, Kids Zone and Cococart located at major airports and malls across the country, he said.
A legal action will be taken against retailers as per the provisions under the BIS Act, Tiwari said.
Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) chief Nidhi Khare said, "We have also issued notices to Amazon, Flipkart and Snapdeal for selling toys without BIS quality mark."
"Flipkart is a marketplace committed to democratizing eCommerce for all in India and enabling lakhs of small businesses connect with customers through technology. As part of our 'customer first' philosophy, maintaining the quality of products that sellers offer on our marketplace has always been the top focus area. We remain committed to ensuring the highest quality of products sold on the platform. We have received notification from CCPA and will respond appropriately," said e-commerce platform in a statement.
In 2020, Ministry of Commerce and Industry had issued the Toys (Quality Control) Order, 2020, which came into force from 1 January, 2021.
As per Toys (Quality Control) Order, 2020, all toy manufacturers in India are required to take a BIS license. It was done to to prevent the sale of cheap-quality goods in the market.
Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!