India, Sept. 10 -- The Government of India has issued a release:

The Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, has amended the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020 through the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) (Amendment) Rules, 2026, with the objective of strengthening consumer protection while facilitating a transparent and balanced regulatory framework for the e-commerce sector.

The amended Rules seek to address emerging consumer concerns in the digital marketplace while taking into account the need for Ease of Doing Business and a balanced approach that protects consumer interests without imposing unnecessary regulatory burdens on e-commerce entities.

A key provision of the amended Rules requires every e-commerce entity to become a partner in the convergence process of the National Consumer Helpline (NCH), strengthening the integration of e-commerce platforms with the national consumer grievance redressal mechanism.

During 2025, the NCH received 17,71,622 grievances, of which 5,11,196, or around 29 per cent, related to the e-commerce sector.

Key Amendments

The amended Rules provide for:

Strengthening the e-commerce framework

The Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020, notified under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, provide the framework for safeguarding consumers against unfair trade practices in the e-commerce sector. The amended Rules further strengthen this framework in view of evolving business models, digital practices and consumer expectations.

The amendments seek to establish a more transparent, accountable and consumer-centric e-commerce ecosystem, while providing clarity to e-commerce entities on their responsibilities and enabling a level-playing field for businesses operating in the digital marketplace.

The Department of Consumer Affairs remains committed to ensuring that the growth and innovation of India's e-commerce sector is accompanied by effective consumer protection, transparency, fair business practices and Ease of Doing Business, while maintaining an appropriate balance between the interests of consumers and e-commerce entities.

The Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) (Amendment) Rules, 2026 shall come into force from January 1, 2027.

Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.