New E-commerce Rules Start January 1

From January 1, 2027, e-commerce companies in India will have to follow stricter rules to protect online shoppers. The new rules will make it harder for sellers to mislead customers with fake discounts, hidden charges, and deceptive sales practices.

One of the key changes is that companies will have to display both the new and previous prices of a product when offering discounts. The previous price will be based on the product's lowest price during the preceding 30 days. This will prevent sellers from raising prices before offering large discounts.

Sponsored products will also have to be clearly marked as advertisements or 'Sponsored Listings'. This will help shoppers know whether an item appeared naturally in search results or was placed prominently through paid promotion.

E-commerce platforms will have to clearly disclose essential product information, including expiry or best-before dates, return and refund policies, warranties, delivery conditions, and payment details. For imported products, shoppers will also have to be informed about the country of origin and the importer's identity.

The new rules will also restrict hidden charges, and companies will not be able to impose separate fees for services unrelated to their principal offering. However, charges linked to loyalty and membership programs will remain exempt from this restriction.

Customer data cannot be used for specified purposes without clear and explicit consent. The government has also introduced guidelines to prevent 'dark patterns', which are online tricks that confuse, pressure, or manipulate customers into buying products or services.

E-commerce companies will have to conduct annual self-audits and display a compliance certificate, confirming that their practices meet the required standards. Customers filing complaints will also receive a copy, ensuring they have a formal record.

The new rules follow rising consumer grievances, with the National Consumer Helpline receiving 17,71,622 complaints in 2025, including 5,11,196 related to online shopping. The government says rapid changes in digital commerce and technology have made an updated regulatory framework necessary to protect online shoppers better.

The introduction of these new rules is a significant step towards protecting the rights of online shoppers in India. With the e-commerce industry growing rapidly, it is essential to have a regulatory framework that prevents unfair trade practices and ensures transparency.

The new rules will come into effect from January 1, 2027, and e-commerce companies will have to comply with them to avoid any penalties. The government has also announced that it will monitor the compliance of these rules and take action against companies that fail to comply.

In conclusion, the new e-commerce rules are a welcome move towards protecting online shoppers in India. With the introduction of these rules, shoppers can expect more transparency and fairness in online transactions.

The government's decision to introduce these rules is a significant step towards regulating the e-commerce industry and protecting the rights of consumers. It is expected that these rules will have a positive impact on the industry and will help to build trust among online shoppers.