The government will take a \u201cbalanced\u201d approach while finalising the amendments proposed to the Consumer Protection (e-commerce) Rules as \u201cwide and varied\u201d comments have been received from stakeholders, a top official said on September 7.<\/p>\n
To protect the interest of consumers, the government has proposed key amendments to the Consumer Protection (e-commerce) Rules, 2020 which include ban on fraudulent flash sales and misselling.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have received a lot of suggestions. We will now have to come out with best formulations from the consumer perspective taking into account the wide and varied diverse views received on the draft rules,\u201d Consumer Affairs Secretary Leena Nandan said.<\/p>\n
It would be difficult to give a timeline as many suggestions have come and all of them require deliberations and discussions. But it is certainly work in progress, she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are going into great detail on each provision of the rules as there are many wide views from both sides. It has to be calibrated and a balanced perspective has to be arrived at. We are in that process,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
Asked about the implementation of e-commerce rules so far, the secretary said e-commerce was a relevant sector last year and continues to be even now. So, there have been concerted efforts by all the e-commerce entities.<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, there are always emerging areas where one could have done better like rules could be sharpened, strengthened and focused,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Further, the Secretary said her Ministry is examining public comments received on draft rules on misleading advertisements.<\/p>\n
In June, Chief Commissioner of the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) Nidhi Khare made it clear that the ministry \u201cwill not regulate\u201d the trade on e-commerce platforms and e-tailers need not be \u201canxious\u201d about the proposed changes in the rules.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, e-commerce players and legal experts have opined that the government needs to hold wider consultation before framing e-commerce rules as the present format encroaches into the domain of various other legal frameworks and establishments.<\/p>\n