The U.S. government announced it was suing eBay, accusing the platform of violating the Clean Air Act and other environmental laws by selling harmful products.
The U.S. Justice Department is accusing the online marketplace for allegedly selling restricted pesticide products and devices that defeat motor vehicle emission controls.
“The complaint filed today demonstrates that EPA will hold online retailers responsible for the unlawful sale of products on their websites that can harm consumers and the environment,” Assistant EPA Administrator David Uhlmann said in a statement.
Justice Department Files Complaint Alleging Environmental Violations by eBay
Lawsuit Alleges that eBay Sold Unlawful Pesticides, Prohibited Products Containing a Restricted Chemical and Illegal Devices that Defeat Pollution Controls on Motor Vehicleshttps://t.co/h1oZUYNPzv
— DOJ Environment and Natural Resources Division (@DOJEnvironment) September 27, 2023
More than 343,000 devices which defeat motor vehicle pollution emission controls and at least 23,000 unregistered, mis-branded or restricted-use pesticide products have been sold, according to the complaint. eBay responded in a statement: “The Government’s actions are entirely unprecedented and eBay intends to vigorously defend itself.”
“Maintaining a safe and trusted marketplace for our global community of sellers and buyers is a fundamental principle of our business at eBay,” the company said. “Indeed, eBay is blocking and removing more than 99.9 percent of the listings for the products cited by the DOJ, including millions of listings each year.”
eBay continued: “We dedicate significant resources, implement state-of-the-art technology and ensure our teams are properly trained to prevent prohibited items from being listed on the marketplace.”
U.S. News reported eBay shares went down 1.6 percent at $42.79 in late morning trading.
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