Dept of Consumer Affairs releases draft guidelines for e-commerce firms

06 Aug 2019 Evaluate

With an aim to protect the interest of consumers, the Department of Consumer Affairs has released draft guidelines for e-commerce firms. The ministry has sought views of stakeholders on the draft guidelines on e-commerce by September 16.

As per draft guidelines, e-commerce companies should not directly or indirectly influence the price of the goods or services and ‘maintain a level playing field.’ The companies should not adopt any unfair methods, falsely represent themselves as consumers, post reviews about goods and services in their name or exaggerate the quality of goods and services.

The proposed guidelines also entail a 14-day deadline to effect refund request, mandate e-tailers to display details of sellers supplying goods and services on their websites and moot the procedure to resolve consumer complaints.

© 2025 The Alchemists Ark Pvt. Ltd. All rights reserved. MoneyWorks4Me ® is a registered trademark of The Alchemists Ark Pvt. Ltd.

×