Manzoor Sheeri
Kupwara, Feb. 20 (KNS): On the directions of Deputy Commissioner Kupwara a joint market inspection was conducted in Kupwara by FCS&CA Department and Legal Metrology Department Kupwara.
An official told news agency KNS that Petrol pumps, grocery stores and electronic goods shops were inspected. During the inspection, counterfeit LEDs including counterfeits of SONY LED, SAMSUNG LED and LG LED were seized and fine worth 50000 also recovered by Legal Metrology Department for violation of Section 11, 18 and Section 36 of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 read with the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011.
He said that desides, other LEDs that did not adhere to the labelling norms were also seized by Legal Metrology Unit Kupwara and seizure memo was issued against the sellers.
Earlier, Legal Metrology Unit Baramulla also seized counterfeit Sensodyne and Colgate toothpastes from Sopore area of Baramulla District.
He said that further legal proceedings are underway in these cases. Sellers of counterfeit goods are unable to provide valid purchase bills for the goods they are offering for sale.
Pertinently, an industry body Authentication Solution Providers' Association (ASPA) has claimed that the counterfeit products across various sectors in India are causing losses to the tune of over Rs 1 lakh crore every year.
Besides, some counterfeit products are directly linked to the health of consumers. Selling counterfeits invokes multiple laws including the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 wherein consumer can seek compensation from the seller for the unfair trade practice or can take product liability action against the seller in case any harm is caused by the product.
Meanwhile, Legal Metrology Unit Kupwara recovered a fine of Rs. 50000 from an edible oil manufacturer for smudging maximum retail price on the edible oil packages. Besides, month and year of manufacturing was also smudged and changed by way of stamping on the edible oil packages.
The official said that consumers are advised to remain careful while buying packaged goods as there are counterfeits of well known brands in markets aimed at deceiving gullible consumers.
He said consumer should always insist on valid bill while buying. Efforts are on to protect consumers from being deceived in market places. Further, sellers are also cautioned not to purchase goods without a valid purchase bill. (KNS)