New Delhi: In a move to curb the unrestricted sale of acid online, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued a directive requiring all e-commerce platforms to implement a mandatory photo ID verification process for buyers.
The initiative aims to prevent individuals under the age of 18 from purchasing acid, according to an official order from the government.
The CCPA, led by Chief Commissioner Nidhi Khare, issued notices on Wednesday to major e-commerce players, emphasising the need for enhanced consumer safety measures in response to concerns about the unregulated sale of corrosive acids online.
The directive mandates that online platforms obtain a photo ID issued by the government from buyers, confirming their age and address before completing a sale.
Additionally, e-commerce platforms are instructed to secure a separate undertaking from acid sellers before onboarding them onto their platforms. The order specifies that buyers must disclose the specific reason for procuring acid as part of the purchase process, adding an extra layer of scrutiny to these transactions.
The CCPA highlighted the potential dangers of freewheeling and easily accessible sale of hazardous acids online, emphasising its role as a watchdog for consumer interests in India. The authority cited the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and its commitment to safeguarding consumers against goods or services that pose risks to life and property.
The notices were issued in response to the absence of a photo ID requirement and a lack of a mechanism to record the purpose of acid purchases on e-commerce platforms. The CCPA pointed out that the current process violates the directives of the Supreme Court of India and the advisory from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
E-commerce platforms are now urged to promptly incorporate the necessary mechanisms to comply with the rules notified by state governments, ensuring that acid is not purchased without meeting the mandated requirements.
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