Central Consumer Protection Authority directs e-commerce platforms to permanently delist car seat belt alarm stopper clips and associated motor vehicle components which compromise passenger and public safety
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (“CCPA”) has issued an advisory under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 (“Act”) on the risk to life and safety of consumers, owing to manufacture and sale of car seat belt alarm stoppers in violation of the Act.
Key Takeaways:
1. E-commerce platforms are required to delist all seat belt alarm stopper clips and related vehicle components that compromise passenger and public safety;
2. The Advisory clarifies that the sale of car seat belt stopper clips, falsely or wrongfully presented as items such as cigarette lighters or bottle openers, constitutes unfair trade practices under the Act;
3. If consumers come across manufacturers/ e-commerce entities manufacturing/ selling products including car seat belt alarm stopper clips that compromise consumer safety, they may do as follows:
• Lodge a complaint on the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) (which works as an alternate dispute redressal mechanism at the pre-litigation level), by calling 1915 or through the NCH mobile app, or
• File a complaint, against the violation of consumer rights and unfair trade practice with the Consumer Commission. The complaint can also be filed electronically through e-Daakhil portal for its speedy and effective redressal, or
• Send the complaint to the CPCA by e-mail at com-ccpa@nic.in for initiating class action.
Background:
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways noted that seat belt alarm stopper clips are being sold to consumers on e-commerce platforms and highlighted that these clips pose a risk to passenger safety as they disable the alarm beep when the seat belt is not worn.
Note: Rule 138(3) of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules 1989 mandates that all drivers, front-seat passengers, and occupants of front-facing rear seats to wear seat belts while the vehicle is in motion, as seat belts play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of passengers during hard braking and collisions, thereby protecting valuable lives.
Against this backdrop, the CCPA issued instructions for e-commerce platforms to permanently delist all motor vehicle components that compromise passenger and public safety.
Further, the CCPA has communicated with the Chief Secretaries and District Collectors, urging them to take appropriate action against the manufacturers and sellers of these seat belt alarm stopper clips.
A copy of the advisory is linked below for reference.
