Consumer Protection Body against Online Sales of Crackers, 3940 Sellers Delisted

Ø  After CCPA intervention 3,940 sellers delisted from these 7 online platforms

Ø  Any instance of sale of explosives on online platform may be reported at the National Consumer Helpline number 1915

·         The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has taken regulatory action against unauthorised online listing, advertising and sale of hazardous explosive substances under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and applicable explosives laws.

·         The action covers seven platforms: IndiaMART, TradeIndia, Dial4Trade, Justdial, Sigma-Aldrich India, ExportersIndia and Ibuychemikals.

·         Following CCPA intervention, 3,940 seller listings were delisted from the platforms involving substances such as Ammonium Nitrate, Gunpowder, Picric Acid and PETN.

·         The CCPA emphasised that the sale and purchase of regulated explosives require prescribed licences, proper disclosure of valid PESO licence details and verification of buyers' authorised status.

·         Dial4Trade Technologies Pvt. Ltd. was fined ₹10 lakh for facilitating the sale of Ammonium Nitrate. The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) dismissed its appeal on 9 October 2026.

·         ExportersIndia (Weblink.In Pvt. Ltd.) was fined ₹10 lakh for listings involving Ammonium Nitrate and PETN, and a separate ₹10 lakh penalty for Picric Acid. The company has challenged the orders before the NCDRC.

·         Investigations concerning IndiaMART and Justdial have progressed, with proceedings continuing. The next and final hearing in the Justdial matter was scheduled for 23 October 2026.

·         Investigations are also underway against TradeIndia, Sigma-Aldrich Chemicals and Ibuychemikals.

·         The CCPA stated that unauthorised listings may constitute misleading advertisements and unfair trade practices, reinforcing the responsibility of digital platforms to comply with consumer protection and explosives regulations.

·         Consumers can report instances of online sale of explosives through the National Consumer Helpline at 1915.

 

[ABS News Service/21.10.2026]

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), under the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020, read with the Explosives Act, 1884, the Ammonium Nitrate Rules, 2012 and other applicable rules, has initiated regulatory action against the un-authorized online listing, hosting, advertising and facilitating  the sale of regulated and hazardous explosive substances, such as Ammonium Nitrate, Gun Powder, Picric Acid and Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate (PETN), on digital platforms. The action is aimed at strengthening consumer safety, public security and responsible e-commerce practices.

These substances are classified as explosives and regulated under the Explosives Act, 1884 and the rules framed thereunder. Their lawful sale and purchase require the prescribed license, and online platforms are expected to ensure that sellers’ valid PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation) license details are disclosed and that the identity and licensed status of buyers are verified before a purchase.

The CCPA initiated action regarding the online listing and sale of such substances on online platforms including:

1.    IndiaMART

2.    TradeIndia

3.    Dial4Trade

4.    Justdial

5.    Sigma-Aldrich India

6.    ExportersIndia

7.    Ibuychemikals

The platforms furnished details of 3,940 sellers and listing entries in all, as set out below. The listings have been delisted from all the platforms.

 

S. No.

Platform (Entity)

Substance

No. of sellers

1.      

ExportersIndia.com (Weblink.In Pvt. Ltd.)

Ammonium Nitrate

386

PETN

5

Picric Acid

30

Total ExportersIndia.com

421

2.      

TradeIndia (Infocom Network Pvt. Ltd.)

Picric Acid and PETN

166 (210 listing entries)

3.      

Dial4Trade (Dial4Trade Technologies Pvt. Ltd.)

Ammonium Nitrate

11

4.      

Sigma-Aldrich Chemicals Pvt. Ltd. (Merck)

Ammonium Nitrate and PETN

Sell their own products on its platform and do not host third-party sellers.

5.      

Ibuychemikals

Picric Acid

Sell their own products on its platform and do not host third-party sellers.

6.      

IndiaMART InterMESH Ltd.

Ammonium Nitrate

2,700

Gunpowder/PETN

22

Picric Acid

370

Total IndiaMART InterMESH Limited

3,092

7.     

Just Dial Limited

Ammonium Nitrate

206

Total

3,940

The CCPA has so far passed final orders in the following matters:

·         Dial4Trade: penalty of ₹10 lakh for the sale of Ammonium Nitrate.

·         ExportersIndia (Weblink.In Pvt. Ltd.): penalty of ₹10 lakh for the sale of Ammonium Nitrate and Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate (PETN).

·         ExportersIndia (Weblink.In Pvt. Ltd.): penalty of ₹10 lakh for the sale of Picric Acid.

1.    Dial4Trade Technologies Private Limited

·         A penalty of ₹10 lakh was imposed by CCPA on the Company and the company was directed to discontinue the listing and facilitation of sale of Ammonium Nitrate and any other explosive substance on its platform.

·         The company has challenged the order before the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) under Section 24 of the Act. After hearing the parties on 9 October 2026, the NCDRC dismissed the appeal.

·         In the Order, the listings were held to be misleading advertisements and unfair trade practices under Sections 2(28) and 2(47) of the Act and the company was directed to discontinue the listing and facilitation of sale of the said substances on its platform.

2.    ExportersIndia (Weblink.In Private Limited)

·         A penalty of Rs 10 lakh was imposed on the company by the CCPA for on line listing, hosting, advertising and facilitating the sale of Ammonium Nitrate and PETN, explosives whose sale is regulated under the Explosives Act, 1884 and the rules framed thereunder.

·         In another case a penalty of Rs 10 Lakh was imposed on the company for online listing, hosting, advertising and facilitating the sale of Picric Acid explosive whose sale is regulated under Explosives Act, 1884 and the rules framed thereunder.

·         ExportersIndia has filed appeals under Section 24 of the Act before the NCDRC, which are likely to be listed for hearing in the coming period.

3.    IndiaMART InterMESH Limited.

·         CCPA had issued notices to IndiaMART InterMESH Limited, concerning the online listing, hosting, advertising sale/ facilitating sale the Ammonium Nitrate, PETN/Gunpowder, Picric Acid hazardous substances on its platform.

·         The Director General – Investigation has completed his investigation in the matter. The report of the DG – Investigation has been shared with the company. IndiaMART has submitted its reply to the Investigation Report.

·         In compliance with the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, the company has been afforded multiple opportunities for a hearing, during which it has presented its comprehensive submissions.

·         The company has approached the Hon’ble Delhi High Court by way of a writ petition challenging the show cause notices issued by the CCPA.

4.    Justdial

·         CCPA had issued notices to Just Dial Limited concerning the online listing, hosting, advertising sale/ facilitating sale   of Ammonium Nitrate.

·         The Director General – Investigation has completed his investigation in the matter. The report of the DG – Investigation has been shared with the company. Justdial has submitted its reply to the Investigation Report.

·         Under provisions of the Consumer Protection Act 2019 opportunity of hearing has to be given to the company before passing a final order. So far, four opportunities of hearing were given to the company. Each time the company has sought adjournments. The next and final hearing in the matter is scheduled to be held on 23rd October 2026.

Matters under Investigation by Director General - Investigation

·         Sigma-Aldrich Chemicals Private Limited for online listing, hosting, advertising sale/ facilitating sale of Ammonium Nitrate, PETN and Picric Acid

·         TradeIndia (Infocom Network Private Limited) for online listing, hosting, advertising sale/ facilitating sale of Picric Acid and PETN

·         Ibuychemikals for online listing, hosting, advertising sale/ facilitating sale of Picric Acid

The action reinforces the Government’s commitment to ensuring that digital marketplaces do not facilitate unauthorized access to regulated or dangerous substances in violation of applicable laws and consumer safety standards.

The CCPA remains committed to protecting consumer rights, ensuring safe digital marketplaces, preventing unfair trade practices, and strengthening consumer trust in the rapidly evolving e-commerce ecosystem.