Notice to Amazon, Flipkart on sale of ‘fake’ cosmetics

New Delhi, October 23 

E-commerce giants — Amazon and Flipkart — have been issued notices by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) for allegedly selling “spurious and adulterated” cosmetics, including imported brands. They have been warned of penal actions in case of failing to respond within 10 days.

The DCGI notice follows pan-India raids by drug inspectors on October 5-6 during which they found that some indigenously manufactured cosmetics without valid manufacturing licence and having ingredients imported without registration certificates were being sold on the e-commerce platforms. The law provides for penal actions ranging from monetary fine to imprisonment for sale of such “unapproved” products.

An Amazon India spokesperson said, “Amazon.in,  a third-party marketplace, has a high bar of customer experience and does take strict action against those who are selling illegal or fake products...in accordance with the due process of law, as and when such incidents are reported to us.”

A similar notice was also issued to the Indiamart. Reactions from Flipkart and Indiamart were not immediately available.  — PTI/ TNS