The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution on 20th July 2021 has sought views/ comments/ suggestions on the proposed Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020 by placing it on the website of the Department of Consumer Affairs.
The Proposed amendment extends the definition of e-commerce entities to include entities utilized by platforms for fulfilment, etc., of goods and services delivered on their platforms and it intends to prevent instant, unannounced sales that maybe manipulated to give advantage or preferential treatment to a particular seller or a group of sellers; It also intends to prevent cheating and unfair trade practices on e-commerce platforms and bring transparency for the benefit of the consumers.
Further, every e-commerce entity which intends to operate in India shall register itself with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) within such period as prescribed by DPIIT for allotment of a registration number.
Provided that the DPIIT may extend the period for registration of such e- commerce entity for sufficient reason, to be recorded in writing.
The Proposed amendment aims to protect consumers from all forms of misleading advertisements. It requires e-commerce entities to take measures to prevent misleading advertisements on their respective platforms.
