When you search Mobile Phone under 10,000 Rupees on Amazon or Flipkart, you will be shown models of all companies without any bias. It is not that only 2-4 models of some companies should be shown.
(E-Commerce/Online Shopping: Preparation for Changes in Consumer Protection Act): The government has intensified the exercise regarding the new rules related to e-commerce and online shopping. The central government is going to make the rules more strict so that online shopping sites do not create a monopoly situation on the retail market by e-commerce companies. The government is going to take such a step after complaints about ‘monopoly in the name of discount’ came to the fore from consumers and retailers.
Especially in the name of Flash Sales, a laxity can be set by limiting the choice of consumers, providing only a few types of goods and increasing the prices. However, this does not include restrictions on traditional e-commerce sales. In such a situation, a question may also arise in the mind of the common people whether Flash Sales with huge discounts will not be available on online shopping sites in future!
In fact, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs has proposed to amend the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020 in this regard. The consumer ministry has clarified that flash sales and discount sales are allowed as far as they know. Only certain types of flash sales will be considered in the draft.
Appointment of Compliance Officer for Customers
According to a Live Mint report, the new guidelines that the central government is planning to implement for e-commerce companies also include appointing a Chief Compliance Officer for redressal of customer complaints. Along with this, provisions like giving priority to the sale of local products, mandatory registration of e-retailers with the Department of Industry and Internal Trade are included. The purpose of this move of the central government is to make companies accountable to customers and make the regulatory system strict.
Flash sale banned in the name of huge discount?
According to a Business Standard report, if the rules proposed by the ministry are implemented, e-commerce companies will not be allowed to do flash sales (selling at huge discounts). Along with this, e-commerce companies involved in cross selling of products and services will have to disclose the names of their users and also share the data used in cross selling. Explain that under cross selling, products are sold to the customers for the purpose of marketing.
Will not be able to sell goods by deceiving customers
According to the rules proposed by the ministry, sale of products will also not be allowed by deliberately giving misleading information to the customers. E-retailers will not be able to mislead customers by manipulating the search results on their platform. They must ensure that the Marketplaces do not use the information collected from their Platform to provide undue advantage to their vendors or subsidiaries.
Like you want an Android mobile phone in the budget of 10 thousand.. So when you search on Amazon or Flipkart or other mobile apps/websites Mobile Phone under 10,000 Rupees, you will be shown the models of all companies without any bias. It is not that only 2-4 models of some companies should be shown. More and more models should be in front of you with complete information. So that you can choose the best according to your mind.
So that there is no favoritism with anyone
The proposed rules by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs have been issued at a time when the Department of Industry and Internal Trade is trying to bring out a comprehensive e-commerce policy. The guidelines state that e-retailers will also have to suggest the substitutes for the product before the customers buy it. This is so that the products made in India can also get a fair opportunity. There will also be a provision in this that domestic products and sellers should not be discriminated against.
Can give suggestions till 6th July
E-commerce companies and other sections affected by it have time till July 6 to give their comments and suggestions on the proposals of the ministry. The Consumer Affairs Ministry has sought their opinion from the general public and stakeholders regarding this, so that necessary changes can be made in the law.
Let us tell you that many new proposals have been included in the Consumer Protection Act for e-commerce. If you also want to give any opinion or suggestion regarding the proposed rules, then you have time till 6th July.
