Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules amended to strengthen disclosure, pricing, data usage and seller transparency requirements

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has notified the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) (Amendment) Rules, 2026 (“Amendment”), amending the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020 (“Rules”).

Key Amendments:

1. As per the Amendment, the E-commerce entities must ensure the following:

• Sponsored listing of products and services are distinctly identified with clear and prominent disclosures.

• Indicate the prior price of any goods or services when a price reduction is announced in the platform for those products.

• Disclose the name of the seller in appropriate font in the invoice.

• Comply with the Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023 and also conduct yearly self-audit to ensure that its platform is free from dark patterns and a certificate to this effect shall be displayed prominently.

2. The marketplace e-commerce entities must not use the data collected by it in the cases mentioned below:

• To directly or indirectly sell goods under a brand or name that is common with the marketplace e-commerce entity.

• To promote or advertise any seller as being associated with the marketplace e-commerce entity, unless the express and affirmative consent of the consumer has been obtained.

3. The marketplace e-commerce must not collect any bundled fees from users for services provided on the e-commerce platform for any other services that are unrelated to the e-commerce platform.

4. Every seller offering goods or services through a marketplace e-commerce entity must provide its identification number, including the Goods and Services Tax Identification Number (GSTIN) or Micro and Small Medium Enterprises (MSME) registration number, to the e-commerce entity for display on its platform or website.

Source: Official Gazette