Nearly Half of E-commerce Products Tested in India Lack Mandatory Safety Certification

A significant portion of products sold through India's e-commerce channels are failing to meet mandatory safety standards, according to a government report. Market surveillance conducted in fiscal year 2024-25 revealed that nearly 42% of tested items on e-commerce and quick-commerce platforms lacked the required Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification.

The findings were presented in a written reply to the Lok Sabha by Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, B.L. Verma, on February 11, 2026. Out of 344 samples procured under various Quality Control Orders, 142 were found to be non-compliant. This data addresses concerns raised by MP Vijayakumar regarding the sale of non-certified goods and the potential misuse of 'marketplace immunity' by e-commerce platforms.

Enforcement actions have included search and seizure operations at 22 e-commerce warehouses since the start of FY 2024-25, with 14 targeting Amazon and seven involving Flipkart's logistics arm, Instakart. When non-compliant products are identified, platforms are typically asked to delist the item, followed by inspections and potential legal action against sellers, with platforms also named as parties.

Consumer complaints in the e-commerce sector have seen an increase, with the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) registering over 446,000 grievances in 2023 and exceeding 511,000 in 2025. The government has also taken action against other violations, including the sale of car seat belt alarm stopper clips and toys that do not meet quality standards. Several platforms have also faced penalties for the illicit sale of walkie-talkies.