India's Central Consumer Protection Authority has opened regulatory proceedings over unauthorised listings and sales of dangerous explosive chemicals through online marketplaces. The action relies on the Consumer Protection Act 2019, the e-commerce rules of 2020, the Explosives Act 1884 and Ammonium Nitrate Rules 2012. It concerns ammonium nitrate, gunpowder, picric acid and PETN, and focuses on protecting buyers and public safety.
Explosive materials are controlled by the Explosives Act 1884 and associated regulations. Legitimate transactions require appropriate licences. online marketplaces should provide valid Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation licence information for sellers and check buyers' identities and authorisations before purchases.
The regulator examined online offers involving hazardous substances across a number of online trading platforms.
Together, the operators supplied information about 3,940 sellers and listings. The authority says the identified offers have since been removed.
ExportersIndia, operated by Weblink.In Private Limited
Dial4Trade, operated by Dial4Trade Technologies Private Limited
Sigma-Aldrich Chemicals Private Limited, part of Merck
The company sells its own products rather than not offering listings from outside vendors.
Final final decisions have been issued in the cases described below.
Dial4Trade was fined ₹10 lakh in a case involving offers of ammonium nitrate.
ExportersIndia, operated by Weblink.In, received a ₹10 lakh penalty related to ammonium nitrate and PETN.
A further ₹10 lakh penalty against ExportersIndia related to online listings for picric acid.
The authority imposed a ₹10 lakh penalty and instructed the business to stop promoting or enabling transactions in ammonium nitrate and other explosive substances through its marketplace.
The company contested the decision at the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission under section 24 of the Act. Following proceedings held on 9 October 2026, the commission rejected that appeal.
The decision found the offers constituted misleading advertising and unfair trading under sections 2(28) and 2(47). The operator was instructed to end listings and sales facilitation for the materials concerned.
ExportersIndia, a Weblink.In Private Limited platform
CCPA fined ExportersIndia ₹10 lakh for providing listings, promotions and purchase channels for ammonium nitrate and PETN, which are controlled by the Explosives Act 1884.
In separate proceedings, the same company was ordered to pay ₹10 lakh for online promotions or sale facilitation relating to picric acid under the Explosives Act 1884.
ExportersIndia challenged the orders under section 24 before the NCDRC, where hearings are expected to take place later.
IndiaMART InterMESH received notices over online marketplace offers involving ammonium nitrate, PETN, gunpowder and picric acid.
The Director General of Investigation completed an inquiry and provided the resulting report to IndiaMART. The company has submitted its response.
IndiaMART has been given several hearing opportunities under the Consumer Protection Act 2019 and has presented its position to the authority.
The business has also filed a writ petition before the Delhi High Court challenging CCPA's show-cause notices.
Just Dial received CCPA notices concerning online offers and alleged facilitation of ammonium nitrate transactions.
Investigators provided their completed report to Just Dial, which subsequently filed a response to the findings.
The Consumer Protection Act 2019 requires the company to receive a hearing before a final order can be issued. Four opportunities have already been provided, and the company requested postponements each time. The next, final hearing is listed for 23rd October 2026.
Further cases being examined by investigators
Sigma-Aldrich Chemicals Private Limited is being investigated over online offers for ammonium nitrate, PETN and picric acid.
TradeIndia, run by Infocom Network Private Limited, faces examination of online listings for picric acid and PETN.
Ibuychemikals is under investigation concerning online listings for picric acid.
The regulator says the proceedings are intended to ensure online platforms do not make restricted hazardous materials available to unauthorised buyers contrary to safety laws.
CCPA states that its enforcement activity is aimed at protecting consumers, reducing unfair trading practices and improving confidence in digital commerce.