In a proactive move to ensure the safety of online shoppers, the Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA) has directed major e-commerce platforms to draft a ‘Safety Pledge,’ aiming to curb the sale of unsafe goods. Chaired by consumer affairs secretary Rohit Kumar, the meeting emphasized the need for stringent guidelines to guarantee the sale of only safe products on digital marketplaces. To spearhead this initiative, the DoCA has formed a committee representing major e-commerce firms, consumer associations, industry bodies, and National Law Universities. The committee is tasked with presenting its comprehensive report within the next two weeks.
Committee’s Role in Standardizing Safety Norms
The product safety pledge is poised to standardize safety norms across all online marketplaces operating in India. By signing this pledge, e-commerce platforms not only commit to ensuring safe purchases but also showcase their dedication to consumer safety.
Principles of the Safety Pledge
The proposed principles of the Safety Pledge encompass detecting and preventing the sale of unsafe products, cooperating with statutory authorities responsible for product safety, fostering consumer product safety awareness among third-party sellers, and empowering consumers on product safety issues.
Legal Framework and Global Best Practices
The sale of safe goods aligns with the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. The Act recognizes ‘consumer rights,’ including the right to be protected against the marketing of goods, products, or services hazardous to life and property. To frame effective policies, the government has advised platforms to refer to safety pledges implemented by countries such as the EU, Japan, and Australia. The DoCA is actively collaborating with the European Commission to adopt international best practices to prevent the sale of unsafe goods on e-commerce platforms.
Continued Regulatory Measures
This development follows a series of advisories issued by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) a couple of months ago. The advisories explicitly bar e-commerce platforms from manufacturing, selling, or listing products deemed dangerous to consumers’ lives.
In conclusion, the Safety Pledge initiative underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding consumer interests and promoting secure online shopping practices. E-commerce players are urged to actively participate in formulating and adopting these safety measures for the benefit of consumers nationwide.
