The Government has instructed new rules for e-commerce companies, comprising the mandatory display of ‘country of origin’ on their products, and said any non-compliance will attract penal action.
The ‘Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020‘, notified on July 23, is an aspect of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. It was to be enforced in the country from July 20, but will now be enforced from July 27.
Consumer and Food Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan will address a press conference on July 27 on the same.
The watchdog led by a chief commissioner will enforce the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, regulating issues associated with consumer rights, including unfair trade practices and dishonest advertisements.
An E-Commerce Entity shall,
i. display terms of a contract between e-Commerce entity and the seller relating,
ii. ensure that the advertisements for the marketing of goods or services are consistent with
the actual, characteristics, access and usage conditions of such goods or services;
iii) mention safety and health care information of the goods and service advertised for sale;
iv) provide information on available payment methods;
vi) Ensure that personally identifiable information of customers is protected.
On July 20, Consumer Affairs Secretary Leena Nandan had said rules have been finalised after taking inputs from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, under the aegis of the commerce ministry, so that they do not contravene with the overall e-commerce policy.
