Cigarette sales on Zepto, Blinkit violating tobacco control law? 5 alarming points highlighted by distributors

Representing over 4.5 lakh Kirana retailers, the All India Consumer Products Distributors Federation (AICPDF) has raised deep concern regarding the rising sales of cigarettes and tobacco products through quick commerce platforms such as Zepto, Blinkit, and Swiggy Instamart.

In its open letter dated July 17 to all tobacco and cigarette manufacturing companies, and on behalf of members all over India, AICPDF said it is alarmed at "ongoing violations of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA)" on these platforms.

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The federation raised serious concerns about multiple compliance violations, including:

• Quick commerce platforms are not verifying customer age, allowing minors to buy tobacco.
• Product listings and packaging often lack required health warnings.
• Marketing tactics make tobacco use appear normal or appealing.
• Tobacco companies risk legal and ethical action if violations continue.
• AICPDF warned it may involve the government or launch a nationwide protest if supplies aren’t stopped.

​“These violations not only undermine public health policy but expose your brands to severe legal and ethical scrutiny,” the letter warned.

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AICPDF demanded that all cigarette and tobacco manufacturers:

1. “Immediately suspend supply of all tobacco products to quick commerce platforms until a robust compliance framework is enforced;”
2. “Ensure that all distributors, stockists, and retail partners are instructed to refrain from routing inventory to these platforms;”
3. “Take proactive steps to review and audit your sales channels for COTPA compliance and age-gated access.”

The federation warned that failure to act could result in escalated action. “Failure to act may compel us to escalate this matter to the Ministries of Health, Commerce, and Consumer Affairs, and call for a nationwide trade action against errant manufacturers and platforms,” it said.

AICPDF concluded by asserting its commitment to lawful and ethical product distribution. “We firmly believe that compliance with the law and protection of youth must take precedence over short-term commercial gains.”