The Environmental Ministry has issued show cause notices to e-commerce giants Amazon, Snapdeal, OLX, eBay, and a dozen other sites for selling refurbished phones from abroad in India, in violation of the Environmental Protection Act, which bars sales of imported refurbished phones in the country.
The show-cause notice said, “You are directed to show cause why action shall not be initiated against you for the above-stated violations within 15 days, failing which action shall be initiated. In case the e-commerce fails to comply with the above directions from the date of issue of this direction, the ministry will be constrained to initiate proceedings against the said company under provisions of Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act.”
According to the Associated Chambers of Commerce & Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), India produces nearly 1.8 million tons of electronic waste every year. India is concerned that importing used electronic goods will significantly increase this number.
