CCPA Imposes ₹5 Lakh Penalty on Snapdeal for Selling Non-BIS Certified Toys

Action Taken Under Toys Quality Control Norms​

The Central Consumer Protection Authority has imposed a penalty of ₹5 lakh on Snapdeal for selling toys that did not comply with mandatory certification requirements under the Toys Quality Control Order, 2020.

The final order was issued against Snapdeal, operated by Ace Vector Limited, after the authority took suo motu cognizance of the matter, according to CCPA Chief Commissioner Nidhi Khare.

Investigation Reveals Continued Sale of Non-Compliant Toys​

The Toys Quality Control Order, 2020 became mandatory from January 1, 2021, making Bureau of Indian Standards certification compulsory for all toys sold in India.

However, the investigation found that non-compliant toys continued to be sold on Snapdeal’s platform despite claims of delisting. Listings were reportedly available as recently as December 2025.

The platform earned ₹41,032 in fees from sales made by two identified sellers, Stallion Trading Company and Thriftkart.

Notices Issued to Amazon, Flipkart and Other Sellers​

The CCPA has also issued notices to Amazon and Flipkart, along with sellers such as Stallion Trading Company and Electronics Bazar Store.

The authority stated that several product listings lacked essential information, including the manufacturer’s name, address, and mandatory BIS certification numbers. The platform’s due diligence process was described as inadequate, as it relied solely on seller self-declarations without conducting independent verification.

CCPA Rejects Marketplace Defense​

Snapdeal defended its position by stating that it operates as a marketplace e-commerce entity, comparable to a physical shopping mall.

The CCPA rejected this analogy, observing that the platform exercises substantial control over transactions. The authority cited Snapdeal’s management of promotional campaigns such as Toofan Sale and Deal of the Day, use of quality assurance tags like great quality at best price, and control over logistics, refunds, and replacement mechanisms.

According to the authority, this level of operational involvement establishes responsibility beyond that of a passive intermediary.

Platform Held Liable Under Consumer Protection Act​

The CCPA emphasized the transition from caveat emptor to caveat venditor, placing the responsibility for product safety on both the seller and the facilitating platform.

It stated that the onus lies on platforms to ensure that every listed product meets safety and quality standards, including BIS certification for toys. Platforms remain vicariously liable for any deficiency in service or defect in goods delivered to consumers.

When asked to guarantee that only BIS-compliant toys would be sold in the future, Snapdeal reportedly failed to provide a categorical undertaking that non-compliant products would not reappear.

Under Section 2(10) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, toys that do not conform to compulsory standards may be classified as defective. Non-compliance may also amount to misleading advertisement and unfair trade practice.

The Consumer Protection E-commerce Rules, 2020 further mandate that e-commerce entities must not adopt unfair trade practices in the course of business.

CCPA Calls for Strict Compliance Across E-Commerce Platforms​

Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding consumer rights and ensuring transparency in the digital marketplace, the CCPA urged all e-commerce platforms to exercise strict regulatory verification and ensure accurate disclosures.

The authority underscored that compliance with mandatory standards such as BIS certification is non-negotiable and forms the foundation of consumer safety in India’s expanding e-commerce ecosystem.