On Monday (05/06/2021), the Government once again delayed the implementation of new e-commerce rules after it accepted the request from some industry associations as well as e-commerce giants for an extension of the deadline for sending in their comments on the draft rules by July 21.
Earlier the last date for public comments on proposed amendments to the Consumer Protection(E-Commerce)Rules,2020 was July 6.
A government notice said that "It has now been decided to extend the timeline for receipt of comments/suggestions on the draft E-Commerce Rules. Views/ comments/ suggestions on the proposed amendments may be sent by August 5, 2021."
On June 21, 2021 (Monday), the ministry had released draft e-commerce rules under which it banned the fraudulent flash sale and mis-selling of goods and services on e-commerce platforms.
At a meeting organized by the consumer affairs ministry on July 3, many e-commerce players had requested the government to extend the July 6 deadline for submitting comments.
Key amendments
Appointment of chief compliance officer/grievance redressal office under the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020.
Registration of every e-commerce entity which intends to operate in India with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
E-commerce entities requiring to provide information not later than 72 hours of the receipt of an order from a government agency for prevention, detection, investigation, and prosecution of offenses under any law.
Comments from the consumer organizations
According to research firm CUTS International, many consumer organizations have felt that draft e-commerce rules should stick to only consumer-facing issues.
The Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020 were first notified in July last year. Their violation attracts penal action under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
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