New rules for e-commerce; displaying ‘country of origin’ mandatory

The government has notified the new rules for e-commerce companies, including 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 were notified on Thursday.

The new rules will be applicable to all electronic retailers (e-tailers) registered in India or abroad but offering goods and services to Indian consumers.

The violation of the rules will attract penal action under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. According to the new rules, the e-commerce players will have to display the total price of goods and services offered for sale along with a break-up of other charges.