BIS Raids e-Commerce Sites Over Non-Certified Products

Introduction

The Indian government has intensified its crackdown on e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart for listing products without the required BIS certification. In a series of surprise inspections, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) raided multiple warehouses and confiscated thousands of non-compliant items that did not meet mandatory safety and quality standards.

What Happened?

During its routine surveillance, BIS discovered that numerous non-certified products were being sold on major e-commerce platforms including Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, Myntra, and BigBasket, despite mandatory BIS certification requirements. Consequently, on March 7, 2025, BIS officials raided an Amazon warehouse in Lucknow, confiscating toys and kitchen appliances lacking the required BIS certification.

Earlier, in February, a raid at an Amazon warehouse in Gurugram resulted in the seizure of:

58 aluminium foils
34 metallic water bottles
25 toys
20 hand blenders
7 PVC cables
2 food mixers
1 speaker

At Flipkart’s Gurugram warehouse, BIS seized:

534 stainless steel bottles
134 toys
41 speakers

Further investigation linked many of these uncertified products to Techvision International Pvt Ltd, a supplier distributing non-compliant goods. BIS raids on Techvision’s Delhi warehouses uncovered:

7,000 electric water heaters
4,000 electric food mixers
95 electric room heaters
40 gas stoves

These products, from well-known brands like Digismart, Activa, Inalsa, Cello Swift, and Butterfly, were all without BIS certification.

BIS Expands Raids to Delhi and Tamil Nadu

Following earlier actions, BIS intensified raids in Delhi and Tamil Nadu.

Delhi Raids:
In a major 15-hour operation, BIS officials raided Amazon Sellers Pvt Ltd’s warehouse in Delhi’s Mohan Cooperative Industrial Area, seizing over 3,500 items—including geysers, food mixers, and electrical appliances—worth about Rs 70 lakh. Many items were either missing the mandatory ISI mark or bore counterfeit labels.

Simultaneously, BIS raided Instakart Services Pvt Ltd (a Flipkart subsidiary) in Trinagar, Delhi, confiscating 590 pairs of substandard sports shoes valued at Rs 6 lakh for failing BIS standards.

Tamil Nadu Raids:
In Tiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu, BIS raided Amazon’s Puduvoyal warehouse, seizing 3,376 non-certified items such as insulated flasks, food containers, metallic water bottles, ceiling fans, and toys worth Rs 36 lakh.

Another raid at Flipkart’s Koduvalli warehouse resulted in the confiscation of uncertified baby diapers, casseroles, stainless steel water bottles, and insulated steel bottles.

Legal Action & Penalties

Under the BIS Act, 2016, specific consumer products are required to have BIS certification to guarantee safety and quality. Non-compliance can result in penalties beginning at ₹2 lakh and may include imprisonment for up to 2 years. BIS has already initiated legal proceedings against Techvision International, with additional cases anticipated in the near future.

Key Takeaways for E-Commerce Sellers & Buyers

For Sellers:
If you sell products online, ensure they have BIS certification to avoid legal issues. Non-certified items risk seizure, fines, and penalties that could harm your business.

For Buyers:
Before making a purchase, look for the ISI mark or verify product certification using the BIS Care App to confirm safety and authenticity

What is BIS Certification & Why Is It Important?

BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) Certification is an official endorsement from the Indian government that verifies a product meets stringent safety, quality, and performance standards. Products requiring BIS certification undergo thorough testing to ensure they are safe for consumers and comply with regulatory norms.

Certified products bear the ISI mark (Indian Standards Institute), which assures quality and reliability. Here’s why BIS certification matters:

Ensures Safety: Minimizes risks such as electric shocks, fire hazards, and product failures.
Guarantees Quality: Certified products offer better durability and performance.
Mandatory Compliance: Selling non-certified products is illegal in India.
Protects Consumers: Helps buyers choose safe, trustworthy products.
Enhances Business Credibility: Builds consumer trust and strengthens brand reputation.
Facilitates Global Trade: BIS-certified products are internationally recognized, easing exports.

Which Products Require BIS Certification?

BIS certification is compulsory for these product categories:

Electronics & IT Goods
Household Appliances
Construction Materials & Chemicals
Cables & Electrical Components
Toys & Children’s Products
Food & Related Products
Solar & Renewable Energy Products

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About the Author

Manisha
Manisha is a skilled writer who excels at simplifying complex legal concepts into clear, practical guidance. Her articles equip entrepreneurs with the essential knowledge to confidently navigate business laws, helping them successfully launch and run their ventures

June 25, 2025