Participants said counterfeit products and illegal distribution channels not only affected genuine businesses and government revenue but also posed risks to consumers and the livelihoods of lakhs of small traders.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The Tamil Nadu chapter of the Federation of Retailers Association of India (FRAI) has raised concerns over the growing circulation of counterfeit and non-compliant products and unfair market practices in India’s rapidly expanding online retail ecosystem.The concerns were raised at a seminar on ‘Confronting Illicit Trade in Modern Markets’ organised by FRAI Tamil Nadu in Chennai on Tuesday. Retailers, trader associations, and other stakeholders discussed the impact of illicit trade, predatory pricing, deep discounting, and the rapid expansion of quick commerce and e-commerce platforms on traditional businesses.Participants said counterfeit products and illegal distribution channels not only affected genuine businesses and government revenue but also posed risks to consumers and the livelihoods of lakhs of small traders.C. Chelladurai, president of the FRAI Tamil Nadu chapter, said illicit trade had emerged as a serious threat to consumer safety, fair competition, and the livelihoods of legitimate retailers.“Counterfeit and illegally sourced products not only expose consumers to substandard and unsafe goods but also undermine the credibility of legitimate businesses,” he said.Retailers said the rapid growth of quick commerce and e-commerce had increased concerns over counterfeit products, with flash sales, deep discounts, and aggressive pricing making it difficult for consumers to distinguish genuine products from counterfeit goods.The FRAI Tamil Nadu chapter called for stronger enforcement, greater consumer awareness and fair market practices to ensure a level playing field for small and traditional retailers. Published - August 05, 2026 12:51 am IST
