Consumer Watchdog Imposes Penalty On Amazon For Selling Sub-Standard Pressure Cookers

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has slapped a penalty of INR 1 Lakh on ecommerce major Amazon for allowing sale of sub-standard pressure cookers on its platform.

The fine was imposed for violation of QCO (Domestic Pressure Cooker (Quality Control) Order 2020) and rights of consumers.

“The company (Amazon) was also directed to pay a penalty of INR 1,00,000 for allowing sale of pressure cookers in violation to the QCO on its platform and violating rights of consumers,” the CCPA said in an order.

The CCPA said that after reviewing the response submitted by Amazon, it observed that the ecommerce platform sold 2,265 sub-standard pressure cookers for INR 6.14 Lakh. 

In its order, the watchdog also directed the US-based company to recall all the sub-standard pressure cookers and reimburse all 2,265 consumers.

Besides, the CCPA also ordered Amazon to submit a compliance report on the matter in the next 45 days. 

The CCPA noted that since the ecommerce major earned ‘commercially’ from the sale of each of the products listed on the platform, Amazon could not ‘disassociate’ itself from issues arising from the sale of products. 

The order was passed by the watchdog under the directions of chief commissioner Nidhi Khare.

This is part of a major crackdown by the consumer watchdog on ecommerce players for flouting norms. In March, the CCPA imposed a fine of INR 1 Lakh each on Paytm Mall and Snapdeal for selling non-standard pressure cookers. 

Earlier this year, the government informed the Parliament that 15 notices had been issued against ecommerce entities and sellers for selling non-standard pressure cookers online. In total, 305 cases were registered against ecommerce companies for flouting various norms and a penalty of INR 49.95 Lakh was realised from 90 companies.

Last month, the consumer watchdog also warned ecommerce platforms of strict action for selling certain Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani drugs without a valid prescription.

In June, the watchdog also issued guidelines regarding levy of service charges in hotels and restaurants. Afterwards, a restaurants’ association moved the Delhi High Court (HC) against the government order, which was later stayed by the court.