New Delhi, Aug 04, 2022, By Special Correspondent

New Delhi, Aug 4: In a significant order, the Central Consumer Protection Authority recently pulled up Amazon for allowing sale of domestic pressure cookers in violation of mandatory standards on its e-commerce platform.

 

Amazon was directed by CCPA Chief Commissioner Nidhi Khare to notify consumers of all 2,265 pressure cookers, recall and reimburse their prices and submit compliance report within 45 days.

 

Amazon will also to pay penalty of Rs 1,00,000 for allowing sale of pressure cookers in violation to QCO and violating the rights of consumers, an official release said Thursday.

 

It may be mentioned that CCPA had initiated suo motu action against e-commerce platforms for sale of domestic pressure cookers in violation of compulsory standards on its e-commerce platforms. 

 

CCPA had issued notices to major e-commerce platforms including Amazon, Flipkart, Paytm Mall, Shopclues and Snapdeal as well as to the sellers registered on these platforms.

 

After examination of the response submitted by the company, it was observed that total 2,265 pressure cookers not conforming to mandatory standards were sold through Amazon after notification of the QCO. The total fee earned by the Amazon on sale of such pressure cookers through its platform was Rs.6,14,825.41.

 

Amazon admitted that it earned ‘sales commission’ fee for the pressure cookers sold on its platform.

 

It was observed by CCPA that when Amazon earns commercially from each sale of the product listed on its e-commerce platform, it can not disassociate itself in case of issues arising from sale of products through its platform. 

 

In the order, CCPA directed Amazon to notify all consumers of the 2,265 pressure cookers sold on its platform, recall the pressure cookers and reimburse their prices to the consumers and submit a compliance report of the same within 45 days. The company was also directed to pay a penalty of Rs. 1,00,000 for allowing sale of pressure cookers in violation to the QCO on its platform and violating rights of consumers.

 

It may be mentioned that CCPA had passed similar order of penalty and recall of defective pressure cookers against Paytm Mall, which has complied with direction passed by CCPA and deposited the penalty of Rs.1,00,000.