CCPA Order on Online Listings of "Cyclosinone Herbicide": Marketplace Status and Due Diligence Duties

In re Flipkart Internet Pvt. Ltd. (Central Consumer Protection Authority), F.No. CCPA/2/36/2026-CCPA [E-39132], order dated 22/09/2026, concerns the sale of a product described as "Cyclosinone Herbicide" on an online marketplace. The text below reports what the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) recorded and decided in its order. All findings, figures and directions are those of the CCPA as stated in that order, and the responses of Flipkart Internet Pvt. Ltd. (the Opposite Party) are reported as submitted by it.

How the proceedings began

By a letter dated 18.02.2026, the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (Plant Protection Division) forwarded to the CCPA a complaint dated 22.01.2026 by the Crop Care Federation of India (CCFI). The complaint concerned the sale and advertisement, through e-commerce and digital platforms, of an unregistered herbicide called "Cyclosinone Herbicide". As recorded by the CCPA, the letter said:

  • the product was not included in the Schedule to the Insecticides Act, 1968;
  • only pesticides registered with the Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIB&RC) may be sold domestically, and only through authorised licence holders; and
  • sale of unregistered pesticides poses a risk to farmers, consumers and the environment.

The CCFI complaint further alleged that the product was available on platforms including that of the Opposite Party, that the retail package carried no information showing compliance with the Insecticides Act rules, that the "low toxicity" label was a self-certified claim, and that no herbicide under the name "Cyclosinone" was registered anywhere in the world.

Preliminary inquiry and notice

The CCPA took cognizance and began a preliminary inquiry. It recorded a prima facie finding that the Opposite Party was advertising, listing and selling the product. The label stated 5% formulation granules and low toxicity, and the listings carried claims such as "Farmer and Gardener Approved Weed Killer", "Eco-Safe Weeds Terminator Lawn", "Long Lasting Protection" and "Safe Weed Control for Lawns". According to the inquiry, the listings did not disclose the active ingredient, the precise chemical identity, a verifiable licence number, hazard-related disclosures or the basis of those claims.

A notice dated 30.03.2026 asked the Opposite Party to respond within 15 days on listing dates, number of listings, units sold and sale value since January 2024, seller details, and the verification and due diligence processes followed.

Submissions of the Opposite Party

In its reply of 15.04.2026 and later filings, Flipkart Internet Pvt. Ltd. submitted, as recorded in the order, that: