The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has exposed non-compliance with quality control regulations by e-commerce companies Amazon and Flipkart.
This came to light during targeted raids on warehouses in the Tiruvallur district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, where authorities discovered products lacking the mandatory BIS certification mark.
The government-led inspection revealed that both Amazon and Flipkart had been harbouring, offering for sale and showcasing goods devoid of the BIS hallmark, which it states is a clear infringement of the established norms.
As reported by Reuters referencing a government communique, 3,376 uncertified items including thermoses, food storage containers, toys and ceiling fans were found in Amazon's facility.
Flipkart's storage site yielded non-compliant items such as diapers, thermal casseroles and stainless steel water flasks.
The BIS stated on X: "By seizing these substandard items, BIS ensures that only products meeting safety standards are sold to consumers, thereby protecting them from substandard goods."
Amazon India's spokesperson has responded, stating that the company maintains active engagement with stakeholders, including regulatory bodies.
Flipkart has emphasised its commitment to seller education regarding legal adherence.
Reuters quoted a Flipkart spokesperson: "The platform has several processes to review the listings sellers make on the marketplace, and also conducts regular audits to ensure compliance."
The revelations follow antitrust findings in September 2024 in which both companies were implicated in anti-competitive practices by favouring particular sellers on their platforms.
In November, India's Enforcement Directorate signalled its intent to summon executives from both corporations amid intensifying probes into potential infringements of foreign investment regulations.
In February 2025, Amazon's Indian division was received a $39m penalty from the Delhi High Court over a trademark dispute involving Beverly Hills Polo Club (BHPC), further spotlighting the regulatory pressures in this rapidly expanding market.
