More than 18,000 toys from major stores across the country, including those of Hamleys and Archies, have been seized by the government through 44 raids conducted in the past two weeks, official sources informed.
The raids or enforcement drives were conducted by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) against toy sellers for selling toys without conforming to the quality norms specified by BIS.
CCPA issues notices to Amazon, Flipkart and Snapdeal
In addition to this, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued notices to three major e-commerce players namely Amazon, Flipkart and Snapdeal, for alleged violation of toys quality control order, sources informed.
Since January 1, 2021, the government has made it mandatory for toys to conform to the Quality Control Order norms specified by BIS.
Raids conducted after multiple complaints of violation
BIS director general Pramod Kumar Tiwari told media persons on Thursday that the raids were conducted as they had been receiving complaints against violations from several quarters against toy sellers and makers.
Apart from Hamleys and Archies, raids were conducted between December 28, 2022 and January 12, 2023 on retail stores of WH Smith, Kids Zone and Cococart, which are located at malls and airports across the country.
Tiwari further informed that legal action would be intitiated against retailers.
Ambani acquired Hamleys in 2019
In a bid to become a dominant player in the global toy retail industry, Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) announced it has acquired iconic British toy retailer Hamleys from Chinese fashion wear firm C Banner International.
The company acquired “Hamleys Global Holdings Limited (HGHL) for a cash consideration of GBP 67.96 million” (nearly Rs 620 crore), RIL said in a BSE filing. Of late, the toy company has struggled financially due to uncertainties owing to Brexit and economic slowdown in the UK. Reliance Brands, a subsidiary of Reliance Industries, has signed a definitive agreement with Hong Kong-listed firm C Banner International, to acquire 100 per cent shares of Hamleys, the company said in a statement.
(with agency inputs)
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Govt raids Mukesh Ambanis Hamleys and Archies, seizes 18,000 toys - Free Press Journal
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