Flipkart stops sale of sexual wellness products

It has not even been a year since Indian ecommerce giant Flipkart started selling sexual wellness products on its portal. It ventured into the segment following the success of niche players in the category, as people have become more open to experimenting.

However, from what we hear now, Flipkart has informed sellers that it will no longer sell sexual wellness products on its platform. This move is apparently to adhere to government norms and regulations. Apart from condoms, all other products will be discontinued.

“Current listings under this category will not be visible to customers with immediate effect,” Flipkart said in a message to sellers.

Sexual wellness category in ecommerce

Needless to say, sexual wellness products clicked in the online space due to the discreetness it offered to shoppers. Sex is still a taboo subject in India and people find it difficult to walk up to a shop to buy even condoms.

So ecommerce gave that avenue wherein anything for sexual pleasure could be bought without embarrassment. Understanding the requirement, online retailers took extra measures to give a seamless shopping experience to customers so they could order their preferences and also receive them in discreet packages.

Government intervention?

In January this year, following an email complaint received by the Delhi Police about Flipkart and other websites selling such products, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting was asked to check on the sale of these products online. Section 292 of Indian Penal Code 1860 dictates that it is illegal to sell or distribute ‘obscene objects’. And that’s why online portals sell sexual wellness products under different tabs like ‘Personal Products’.