Centre Cracks Down on Top E-commerce Platforms for Illegally Selling Seat Belt Alarm Stopper Clips

Delhi, May 12, 2023 – The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has taken strict action against the leading e-commerce platforms for selling seat belt alarm stopper clips that violate the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and compromise the safety of car passengers. In response to the violation of consumer rights and unfair trade practices, orders have been issued against Amazon, Flipkart, Snapdeal, Shopclues, and Meesho by CCPA, led by Chief Commissioner Mrs. Nidhi Khare.

The issue came to light when the Department of Consumer Affairs, through a letter from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), brought attention to the rampant sale of car seat belt alarm stopper clips. The letter urged action against the errant vendors and online platforms, highlighting the mandatory nature of wearing seat belts under Rule 138 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules 1989. Online sales of these clips, which disable the alarm beep when seat belts are not worn, pose significant risks to consumer safety.

Using such car seat belt alarm stopper clips not only endangers the lives of passengers but can also hinder consumers seeking claim amounts from motor insurance policies. Insurance companies may deny claims, citing the claimant’s negligence for using these clips. Conversely, wearing seat belts ensures proper cushioning of airbags and acts as a protective shield in the event of collisions.

CCPA, entrusted with protecting consumer rights, acknowledged the issue and discovered the blatant sale of these clips on various e-commerce platforms, posing a direct violation of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. Some sellers even disguised the clips as innocuous items like bottle openers or cigarette lighters.

Considering the gravity of the situation and the potential threat to consumers’ lives, CCPA referred the matter to DG Investigation (CCPA). Based on the investigation report and submissions from the e-commerce entities, CCPA issued directives to permanently delist all car seat belt alarm stopper clips and associated motor vehicle components compromising passenger and public safety. The e-commerce platforms were also instructed to report the actions taken against the errant sellers and submit compliance reports.

In response to CCPA’s directives, all five e-commerce entities—Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, Snapdeal, and Shopclues—submitted compliance reports. As a result, approximately 13,118 listings of car seat belt alarm stopper clips have been delisted from these platforms. The breakdown of the delistings is as follows:

• Amazon: 8,095
• Flipkart: 4,000-5,000
• Meesho: 21
• Snapdeal: 1
• Shopclues: 1

This action holds immense significance, considering that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ latest report reveals that over 16,000 individuals lost their lives in road accidents in 2021 due to non-compliance with seat belt usage. Of these, 8,438 were drivers, while the remaining 7,959 were passengers. Additionally, around 39,231 individuals were injured, with 16,416 being drivers and 22,818 passengers. Young adults aged 18-45 accounted for more than one-third of the victims.

CCPA is tirelessly working to protect and uphold consumer rights across the country. It has reached out to Chief Secretaries and District Collectors, urging them to take appropriate legal action against the manufacture or sale of car seat belt alarm stopper clips to prevent loss of life or severe injuries