The Department of Consumer Affairs has amended the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020 to provide a more transparent and balanced regulatory framework. The changes aim to address consumer concerns and ensure fair business practices in the e-commerce sector.
On September 10, 2026, the Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, announced an amendment to the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020. These amendments are aimed at enhancing consumer protection and facilitating a transparent regulatory framework for the e-commerce sector. The objective is to address emerging concerns in the digital marketplace while ensuring Ease of Doing Business. One key provision requires every e-commerce entity to partner with the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) for grievance redressal integration.
The amended Rules also provide measures for consumer complaints, seller and product information disclosure, and importer details and country of origin disclosure. They further strengthen the e-commerce framework notified under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. Every e-commerce entity shall now comply with the Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023, undertake a yearly self-audit, and prominently display a certificate of compliance.
Marketplace e-commerce entities are required to provide key information, including best before/use before dates, return/refund, warranty, delivery, and payment details, to enable informed consumer decisions. Marketplace e-commerce entities shall not use consumer information for specified purposes without express and affirmative consent.
The amendments also prohibit marketplace e-commerce entities from collecting bundled fees for services unrelated to the e-commerce platform, subject to the specified exception for loyalty or membership programmes. Sponsored listings shall be identified through clear and prominent disclosures, and where a price reduction is announced, both the reduced price and prior price shall be displayed.
The amendments seek to establish a more transparent, accountable, and consumer-centric e-commerce ecosystem. They will come into force from January 1, 2027.
Source:
Press Information Bureau
