AICPDF Flags Illegal Cigarette Sales on Zepto, Blinkit, and Swiggy Instamart: Urges Manufacturers to Suspend Supply

The All India Consumer Products Distributors Federation (AICPDF), a national body representing over 4.5 lakh kirana retailers across India, has raised serious concerns about the sale of cigarettes and tobacco products on leading quick commerce platforms such as Zepto, Blinkit, and Swiggy Instamart. In an open letter dated July 17, the federation alleged widespread violations of India’s tobacco control laws and demanded immediate corrective action from tobacco manufacturers.

The AICPDF has accused these platforms of breaching several provisions under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), a key legislation aimed at regulating the marketing, sale, and distribution of tobacco products in India. The federation claims that the unchecked rise in cigarette deliveries via quick commerce platforms is undermining public health policy and enabling access to tobacco for minors.

Five Key Violations Highlighted by AICPDF

1. Lack of Age Verification:
   Online platforms are allegedly not verifying the age of customers, making it easy for minors to purchase tobacco products.

2. Non-Compliant Packaging:
   Cigarettes and other tobacco products are being listed and delivered without the legally mandated graphic health warnings and statutory messages on the packaging.

3. Misleading Marketing:
   The normalization of tobacco sales on fast-delivery apps could mislead consumers, especially the youth, by making tobacco use appear socially acceptable and convenient.

4. Risk to Manufacturers:
   AICPDF cautioned that continuing sales via non-compliant channels could expose tobacco companies to serious legal and ethical consequences.

5. Threat of Protest and Legal Escalation:
   The federation warned it may approach the Ministries of Health, Commerce, and Consumer Affairs or even launch a nationwide trade protest if the issue is not addressed urgently.

Demands to Tobacco Companies

In its letter, AICPDF called on all tobacco and cigarette manufacturers to take the following immediate steps:

• Suspend supplies to all quick commerce platforms until proper legal and regulatory safeguards are implemented.

• Instruct all distributors, stockists, and retail partners to avoid redirecting inventory to these platforms.

• Conduct internal audits to ensure all sales channels strictly comply with COTPA norms and enforce age-gated access.

The federation stressed that these steps are essential not only for legal compliance but also to protect the health and well-being of India’s youth.

“This is not just about law enforcement,” said AICPDF in its letter. “It is a matter of public responsibility. These violations not only undermine national health policies but also risk damaging the credibility and reputation of your brands.”

The federation concluded by reaffirming its commitment to ethical distribution and consumer safety, stating, “We firmly believe that compliance with the law and protection of youth must take precedence over short-term commercial gains.”

As of now, there has been no public response from Zepto, Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart, or any of the major tobacco companies.