Home > Consumer Protection Act

Consumer Protection Act, 1986

Amended Act, 1993

• Consumer Protection Act was promulgated to safeguard interest of consumers that they are not deceived in terms of quantity, quality, price or any other unfair trade practices by unscrupulous businessman
•  It is enforced by the Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumers Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Govt. of India
• Unlike other laws, which are preventive in nature, this law is compensatory in nature
• The Act provides speedy redressal to consumer’s grievance and relief through Consumers’ Dispute Redressal Forum, set up at District level 

Right to Consumers as per the Act

• Right to be informed about quality, quantity, purity and price or services
• Right to be assured, access to a variety of goods and services
• Right to be heard the consumers interest at appropriate forums
• Right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices and exploitation
• Right to consumer education

Plant Quarantine Order, 2003

• This Order made under The Destructive Insects and Pest (Amendment and Validation) Act 1992 with a view to prohibiting and regulating import of commodities of plant origin 
• This Order is enforced by the Directorate of Plant Quarantine, Department of Agriculture and Co-operation, Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India
• Agricultural commodities are subjected to analyse for evaluation of pests and biological risk and phytosanitary measures are taken in the Plant Quarantine Stations located at different places in the country
• The consignment on arrival at port, the Custom authority refers to the Authorized Officers at Plant Quarantine Stations for treatment by fumigation with permitted pesticides
• Authorization Certificate is issued to the importer after inspection and clearance of the consignment by the Plant Quarantine Officer
• For export of agricultural commodities if the importing country wants Plant Quarantine Certificate, the consignment for export is similarly tested

Livestock Importation Act, 1858

Amended Act, 2001

• The Act was promulgated to regulate import of live stocks and livestock products in to India by proper examination and testing to ensure that these are free from any exotic disease and pathogens
• There are many exotic diseases prevalent in other countries, but not prevalent in India, entry of which may cause serious health risk and hence needs to be checked thoroughly

Animal Quarantine Certification Service (AQCS)

• To check and prevent ingress of dangerous exotic disease and pathogens carrying with animals the Government of India during 4th Five Year Plan (1979-74) had set up four Quarantine Stations in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai.
• Subsequently, two more stations have been set up at Hyderabad and Bangalore.
• On arrival of any consignment at the port, the Custom Authority refers the matter to the AQCS where animals are held for observation, tested for any exotic disease or pathogens and if necessary, treatments are given before issue of certificate for import.
• Testing of animals are done and certificate issued as per protocol and provisions laid down under Office of International Epizooties (OIE), which has classified and listed prevalent exotic diseases.
• The importer needs to submit application to AQCS along with necessary documents including test report of the country of  origin.
• For export of live stocks or its products similar tests are  conducted conforming to health regulations of that country or regulations prescribed under International Zoo Sanitary code.

Sanitary Import Permit (SIP)

• For livestock products or products of animal origin, Sanitary Import Permit is issued by Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairy and Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India.
• The importer of such products is required to submit application along with relevant details including Certificate of Analysis to the Dept..
• Internal Risk Analysis Committee examines and evaluates risks involved before issue SIP for the consignment.

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