India: Open consultation on amendments to the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020 including new operating conditions for e-commerce operators

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution opens consultation on proposed amendments to the Consumer Protection (E-commerce) Rules, 2020 after complaints of unfair trade practices in the Indian E-commerce ecosystem. The proposal introduces the obligation to appoint a Chief Compliance Officer and Resident Grievance Officer and puts in place a framework for registration of every e-commerce entity with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade. It prohibits mis-selling (deliberate misrepresentation of information) and requires information on "best before" or "use before" dates. Furthermore, fall-back liability for every marketplace e-commerce entity is introduced in cases where sellers fail to deliver due to their negligent conduct, which would otherwise adversely affect consumers.