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Key Points

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) conducted a major raid on a Flipkart warehouse in Bengaluru, uncovering significant violations of quality control standards. Approximately 17,500 units across 104 product categories were seized, with an estimated market value of Rs 2.5 crore. The operation revealed numerous products without valid licenses and misusing official marks, potentially exposing consumers to substandard goods. BIS has warned of legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment, and encouraged consumers to verify product authenticity through their mobile app.

Key Points: BIS Raids Flipkart Warehouse, Seizes Rs 2.5 Crore Fake Goods

  • Large-scale raid targets Instakart Services warehouse in Bengaluru
  • 104 product varieties seized violating quality standards
  • Potential legal action under BIS Act 2016
  • Consumers warned about counterfeit products
3 min read

BIS raids largest warehouse in south India, seizes articles valued at Rs 2.5 crore

BIS uncovers massive counterfeit operation at Flipkart warehouse, seizing 17,500 non-compliant units across 104 product categories

"Consumers are urged to always verify the BIS Standard Mark (ISI mark) before making purchases - BIS Official Statement"

Bengaluru, April 23

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Bangalore Branch Office, conducted a search and seizure operation at the largest warehouse in South India operated by M/s Instakart Services Private Limited, trading under the name Flipkart.

In its official statement released on Wednesday, the BIS said its team, led by Director Narender Reddy Beesu and including Director Vinodini Kishore (Director), Joint Director Premlata Sinha, and Assistant Director Piyush Kumar Gupta, conducted the raids.

Approximately 104 varieties, comprising around 17,500 units, including wireless earbuds, Bluetooth earphones, speakers, toys, footwear, cables, and more-were found in violation and subsequently seized.

The estimated market value of the seized items is around Rs 2.5 crore, according to the statement.

Legal action will be initiated against the firm under Section 17(3) read with Section 29 of the BIS Act, 2016.

The Act provides for imprisonment of up to two years or a fine of not less than Rs 2 lakh for the first offence. For subsequent offences, the fine shall not be less than Rs 5 lakh, and may extend up to ten times the value of the goods, or both, as determined by the court.

The firm was allegedly storing and selling products that violated the Quality Control Orders (QCOS) issued by the Union Government and the BIS Act, 2016.

During the operation, it was found that several product models seized from the premises were not licensed, misused the ISI mark and Registration mark, and violated the terms and conditions of the BIS license, the statement added.

Some of these products fall under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS), while others are subject to Mandatory Certification by BIS, in accordance with the QCOs. These orders mandate that no product shall be manufactured or sold without a valid BIS license and compliance with the relevant Indian Standards, it stated.

The BIS said consumers are urged to always verify the BIS Standard Mark (ISI mark) and license number of manufacturers before making any purchases. The authenticity of a license and the relevant Indian Standard can be verified through the BIS CARE mobile app.

During the operation, the team also educated the warehouse personnel on how to check product compliance before allowing sellers to store goods on the premises.

BIS continues to conduct regular search and seizure operations based on reports of misuse, aiming to protect the public from deceptive practices and the circulation of substandard or counterfeit products, the statement said.

It further appealed, "Anyone with information regarding the misuse of the ISI mark, BIS registration mark, or BIS hallmark is encouraged to report it confidentially via email, letter, or through the BIS CARE mobile app."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
About time! These big warehouses think they can get away with anything. Kudos to BIS for taking action 👏 Consumers deserve quality products, not cheap knockoffs.
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Priya M.
I bought wireless earbuds from Flipkart last month that stopped working in 2 weeks. Now I wonder if they were part of this seized batch... Should've checked the BIS mark 😔
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Arjun S.
While I support quality control, I hope BIS is equally strict with small local shops too. Sometimes these raids feel targeted only at big players who are easier to track.
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Sunita R.
Good to know about the BIS CARE app! Just downloaded it. As a mother, I'm especially concerned about the toys - substandard materials can be dangerous for kids.
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Vikram J.
Rs 2.5 crore seizure is massive! But will the fines actually be enforced properly? We've seen big companies get away with wrist-slap penalties before...
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Neha P.
The education part for warehouse staff is crucial! Many workers might not even know they're handling non-compliant products. Prevention is better than raids.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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