Regulatory Action Against Online Sale of Hazardous Chemicals in India

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has taken significant steps to regulate the unauthorized online sale of hazardous chemicals and explosives. Following alarming reports of dangerous substances being listed on various e-commerce platforms, the CCPA issued notices to several companies, demanding compliance with safety regulations. This action comes in the wake of a recent investigation into a terrorist incident linked to the misuse of online platforms for procuring explosive materials. The CCPA's efforts aim to enhance public safety and prevent illegal supply channels for hazardous substances.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 27, 2026, 17:57 IST

Central Authority Takes Action on Hazardous Chemical Listings

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New Delhi, May 27: The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has launched a regulatory initiative targeting the unauthorized online advertisement and sale of dangerous chemicals and explosive materials across digital platforms, issuing eight notices to various e-commerce companies.

This action was prompted by reports concerning the online sale of regulated substances on platforms such as IndiaMART, Justdial, Sigma-Aldrich India, Dial4Trade, and ExportersIndia, as stated by the regulator on Wednesday.

The notices request information regarding seller identities, compliance with licensing requirements, buyer verification processes, quantities sold, import details, and necessary regulatory approvals.

Among the substances highlighted are ammonium nitrate, gunpowder, picric acid, and pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), all of which are subject to regulation, restriction, or prohibition under various public safety laws.

The authority emphasized that unauthorized access to these hazardous materials could pose significant safety risks to consumers and facilitate illegal supply chains.

In its initial review, the CCPA found that many of these substances were being advertised or listed without the necessary safety measures or verification processes, raising concerns for public safety and national security.

To address these issues, the CCPA held a meeting with officials from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) to review the current regulatory framework and shared the list of sellers identified by e-commerce platforms for further action under relevant laws.

As a result of this intervention, numerous online platforms have started to remove, block, or delist items related to hazardous chemicals and explosives.

This regulatory move follows closely after the National Investigation Agency (NIA) disclosed findings related to a car explosion in the Red Fort area of Delhi on November 10, 2025. The investigation revealed that an individual associated with a faction of the global terrorist organization Al-Qaida had allegedly exploited artificial intelligence and online platforms for what was termed "terror engineering."

The chargesheet claims that the accused, Wani, acquired components for improvised explosive device (IED) trigger mechanisms through his Flipkart account between December 2023 and January 2024, including inductive proximity switches, relay transmitters, soldering kits, heat guns, and other electronic parts.

Investigators noted a detailed, "almost laboratory-grade" approach by the accused in designing, testing, and assembling explosive devices, including rocket IEDs made from commercially available materials.

The explosion resulted in the deaths of 11 individuals and injuries to many others, as detailed in the chargesheet.