{"id":114278,"date":"2021-06-23T11:59:56","date_gmt":"2021-06-23T06:29:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.forumias.com\/?p=114278"},"modified":"2021-06-23T11:59:56","modified_gmt":"2021-06-23T06:29:56","slug":"share-info-with-govt-ban-on-specific-flash-sales-move-to-tighten-e-commerce-norms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/share-info-with-govt-ban-on-specific-flash-sales-move-to-tighten-e-commerce-norms\/","title":{"rendered":"Share info with Govt, ban on \u2018specific\u2019 flash sales: Move to tighten e-commerce norms"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Context:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Tightening of norms for e-commerce companies\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">News<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">:\u00a0The Ministry of\u00a0Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution\u00a0is\u00a0planning\u00a0major\u00a0changes to the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020.\u00a0A range of amendments has been proposed.\u00a0Comments\u00a0sought\u00a0from relevant stakeholders by July 6.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h5><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Background<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"41\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"137\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">In December 2018, the Industry Department had published changes to its <a href=\"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/what-is-fdi-or-foreign-direct-investment\/\">foreign direct investment<\/a> (FDI) policy for e-commerce.\u00a0These changes were introduced to tighten loopholes exploited by online marketplaces in\u00a0previous\u00a0policies announced by the Centre.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"o\" data-font=\"Courier New\" data-listid=\"41\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"7\" data-aria-level=\"2\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Changes included\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">curbing marketplaces from exercising control over inventory<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">restricting the relationship between the marketplace and sellers\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">on its platform.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"41\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"138\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">In the proposed amendments to e-commerce norms, the\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Government is looking at strengthening these aspects.\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"41\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"139\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">The proposed rules have been released at a time when DPIIT is also trying to roll out a\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">comprehensive\u00a0e-commerce policy\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">aimed at addressing the regulatory challenges sector<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">What\u00a0are\u00a0the\u00a0Consumer Protection (E-commerce) Rules?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The Government had notified the Consumer Protection (E-commerce) Rules in July 2020, f<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">or online retailers registered in India<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">or abroad<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0but\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">offering goods and services to Indian consumers<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">While the original rules focused on aspects such as transparency about product information to help consumers make informed decisions, the amendments aim to curb the circumventing of other laws.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Any violation of these rules\u00a0attracts\u00a0penal action under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">What is the rationale behind\u00a0notifying such\u00a0rules\u00a0and\u00a0subsequent\u00a0amendments?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Government received several representations from\u00a0aggrieved\u00a0consumers,\u00a0traders\u00a0and associations complaining against\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">widespread cheating\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">and<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0unfair trade practices<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0being\u00a0observed\u00a0in the e-commerce ecosystem.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"42\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"140\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">The rapid growth of e-commerce platforms has also brought into the purview the\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">unfair trade practices of the marketplace e-commerce entities.\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">They\u00a0frequently\u00a0engage\u00a0in manipulating search results\u00a0to promote certain sellers, preferential treatment to some sellers, indirectly\u00a0operating\u00a0the sellers on their platform,\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">affecting the free choice of consumers,<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0selling goods close to\u00a0expiration\u00a0etc.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"42\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"141\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">For\u00a0e.g.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">:\u00a0Flipkart and Amazon India are being investigated by the <a href=\"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/competition-commission-of-indiacci\/\">Competition Commission of India<\/a> (CCI) for alleged abuse of market dominance and giving preferential treatment to sellers in which they hold indirect stakes.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The CCI probe also focuses on deep-discounting practices undertaken by e-commerce marketplaces, which has led to complaints from offline retailers.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">What are the\u00a0key\u00a0changes that have been proposed?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">According to the new provisions,\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"38\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"142\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Registration\u00a0mandatory<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">: E-commerce companies would need to register with the Department of Promotion for Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"38\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"143\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Sharing of\u00a0information<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">:\u00a0\u00a0E-commerce companies\u00a0would also have to share information with the\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cGovernment agency, which is lawfully authorized for investigative or protective or cyber security activities, for the purposes of verification of identity, or for the prevention, detection, investigation, or prosecution, of offences under any law for the time being in force, or for cyber security incidents\u201d.<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0The information sought by the Government agency will have to be produced by the e-commerce company \u201c<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">within 72 hours of the receipt of an order from the said authority\u201d.<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"38\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"144\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Appointment of officers for coordination with law\u00a0enforcement\u00a0agencies<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">: On the lines of IT intermediary rules, e-commerce companies will need to appoint a grievance officer, a chief compliance officer, and a nodal contact person \u201cfor 24\u00d77 coordination with law enforcement agencies\u201d.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"o\" data-font=\"Courier New\" data-listid=\"38\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"8\" data-aria-level=\"2\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Resident grievance officer<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0must\u00a0be a company employee and a citizen of India and serve as the nodal point of contact for law enforcement agencies.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"38\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"145\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Disallowing specific flash sales<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">:\u00a0The Government has called for disallowing \u201cspecific flash sales\u201d on e-commerce\u00a0platforms.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"o\" data-font=\"Courier New\" data-listid=\"38\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"9\" data-aria-level=\"2\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">What is a flash sale?<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0&#8211; A \u201cflash sale\u201d is defined as a sale organized by an e-commerce entity at significantly reduced prices, high discounts or any other such promotions or attractive offers for a predetermined\u00a0period of time<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"o\" data-font=\"Courier New\" data-listid=\"38\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"10\" data-aria-level=\"2\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Why this norm?\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">&#8211; This has been proposed to make the existing e-commerce norms more stringent, by ensuring that these firms do not use data collected through their business for \u201cunfair advantage\u201d and prevent any\u00a0possible links\u00a0they may have with traders selling goods and services on their platforms.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"o\" data-font=\"Courier New\" data-listid=\"38\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"11\" data-aria-level=\"2\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Note<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">: Conventional e-commerce flash sales are not banned<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">. Only specific flash sales or back-to-back sales which limit customer choice, increase\u00a0prices,\u00a0and prevents a level playing field are not allowed.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"38\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"146\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Push for domestic goods<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">: E-commerce firms should mention the name and details of any importer from whom it has\u00a0purchased\u00a0such goods or services.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"o\" data-font=\"Courier New\" data-listid=\"38\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"12\" data-aria-level=\"2\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">These firms will also have to\u00a0provide\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">alternative suggestions to customers\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">before they make a purchase \u201cto ensure fair opportunity for domestic goods\u201d.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"o\" data-font=\"Courier New\" data-listid=\"38\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"13\" data-aria-level=\"2\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">They will not only have to rank goods, but also\u00a0have to\u00a0come up with\u00a0a framework such that the ranking does not discriminate against domestic goods and sellers.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"38\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"147\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Data not to be misused<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">: E-tailers cannot mislead consumers by manipulating search results on their platforms.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"o\" data-font=\"Courier New\" data-listid=\"38\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"14\" data-aria-level=\"2\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">They will have to ensure that marketplaces do not use any information collected through its platform for unfair advantage of its associated enterprises.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"38\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"148\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Selling goods &amp; services to sellers not allowed<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">: No marketplace e-commerce entity shall sell goods or services to any person who is registered as a seller on its platform.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"38\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"149\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Cross-selling details to be revealed<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">: E-tailers engaged in cross-selling of goods or services will have to\u00a0disclose\u00a0to its users, by\u00a0providing\u00a0the name of the entity\u00a0providing\u00a0data for cross-selling, as well as the data used for cross-selling on the platform.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"o\" data-font=\"Courier New\" data-listid=\"38\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"15\" data-aria-level=\"2\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Cross-selling is a marketing practice of selling complementary products to customers, thereby getting them to\u00a0purchase\u00a0more.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"o\" data-font=\"Courier New\" data-listid=\"38\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"16\" data-aria-level=\"2\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Selling products to a consumer by \u201cdeliberate\u00a0misrepresentation\u201d of information about the goods is also not allowed.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"38\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"150\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">No differentiated treatment by\u00a0logistics\u00a0providers<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">: No\u00a0logistics\u00a0service provider of a marketplace e-commerce entity shall\u00a0provide\u00a0differentiated treatment between sellers of the same category.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"o\" data-font=\"Courier New\" data-listid=\"38\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"17\" data-aria-level=\"2\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Amazon\u00a0India, for example, has its own\u00a0logistics\u00a0arm, and the provision seems to be aimed at ensuring such\u00a0logistics\u00a0providers are not given preference over others.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"38\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"151\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Final liability on the marketplace<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">: In the event a seller\u00a0fails to\u00a0deliver a good or service, the final liability will fall on the e-commerce marketplace.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-114253 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Captureddd.png?resize=361%2C363&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Captureddd\" width=\"361\" height=\"363\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Captureddd.png?w=361&amp;ssl=1 361w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Captureddd.png?resize=298%2C300&amp;ssl=1 298w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Captureddd.png?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 361px) 100vw, 361px\" \/><\/p>\n<h5><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">What is the\u00a0applicability\u00a0of the rules?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"38\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"152\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">The rules will be applicable for all goods and services bought or sold over digital or electronic networks, including digital products.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"38\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"153\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">They are valid for all models of e-commerce, including marketplace and inventory models, including multi-channel single brand retailers and single brand retailers.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">What are some concerns\u00a0being\u00a0expressed?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The fact that online marketplaces will now have to offer alternatives to imported goods goes against the basic rules of \u2018free market\u2019 and \u2018non-discrimination\u2019 of sellers, which are expected to be followed by e-commerce firms. Product suggestions depend on the consumer\u2019s preference and the goods they have\u00a0frequently\u00a0bought in the\u00a0past.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Source\u00a01<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">:\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/business\/companies\/share-info-with-govt-ban-on-specific-flash-sales-move-to-tighten-e-commerce-norms-7369666\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Indian Express<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Source 2<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">:\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.business-standard.com\/article\/companies\/govt-proposes-stiff-compliance-measures-for-e-commerce-companies-121062101580_1.html#:~:text=%C2%ABBack-,Stiff%20compliance%2C%20flash%20sale%20ban%20in,norms%20for%20e%2Dcommerce%20firms&amp;text=According%20to%20the%20proposed%20rules,reduced%20prices%20and%20high%20discounts.\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Business Standard<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Source 3<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">:\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.livemint.com\/news\/india\/govt-to-tighten-rules-on-e-commerce-to-impose-ban-on-flash-sale-of-products-11624288529035.html\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Livemint<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Context:\u00a0Tightening of norms for e-commerce companies\u00a0\u00a0 News:\u00a0The Ministry of\u00a0Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution\u00a0is\u00a0planning\u00a0major\u00a0changes to the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020.\u00a0A range of amendments has been proposed.\u00a0Comments\u00a0sought\u00a0from relevant stakeholders by July 6.\u00a0 Background\u00a0 In December 2018, the Industry Department had published changes to its foreign direct investment (FDI) policy for e-commerce.\u00a0These changes were introduced to&hellip; <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/share-info-with-govt-ban-on-specific-flash-sales-move-to-tighten-e-commerce-norms\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Share info with Govt, ban on \u2018specific\u2019 flash sales: Move to tighten e-commerce norms<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":61,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1230,8043,9],"tags":[8142,8143,8141,221,216],"class_list":["post-114278","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-9-pm-daily-articles","category-current-affairs-cat","category-public","tag-consumer-protection-rules","tag-e-commerce-rules","tag-e-commerce-rules-2020","tag-economy","tag-gs-paper-3","entry"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","views":{"total":0,"cached_at":"","cached_date":1704710572},"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/114278","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/61"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=114278"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/114278\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=114278"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=114278"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=114278"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}