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INDIAN (T)

Consumer ministry looks for data to write rules for e-tailers

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As the central government is preparing new rules for the ecommerce sector, the department of consumer affairs is taking inputs from consumers as well as from the industry.

ET had reported last week that the consumer affair

The department is also working on creating an online community between sellers and firms to initiate discussions on the regulations
The department is also working on creating an online community between sellers and firms to initiate discussions on the regulations

s department is looking to bring new e-commerce rules under the Consumer Protection Act 2018, which is likely to make e-commerce companies more liable for products sold on their platforms and on the use of customer data.

The department has already conducted a survey with companies, seeking to know the nature of consumer complaints, steps being taken on protecting consumer data and privacy, and policies needed to regulate the sector, according to a questionnaire issued by the Indian Institute of Public Administration, which ET has seen.

A letter sent by the industry members through industry associations such as FICCI in February said – “Insight on the National Consumer Helpline -IIPA (Indian Institute of Public Administration) survey on consumer grievance redressal and its findings for Government and Industry discussions and action road-map are still awaited by ecommerce companies. All key industry players have responded to NCH questionnaire and if not closed yet, industry would be glad to jointly work with NCH on developing the report and analysis, to draw fair outcomes and learnings.”

The consumer affairs is also running a survey through LocalCircles, which the social media platform is running within its ‘Connected Consumer’ community of over 58,000 members. Some of the queries revolve around the liability of the ecommerce marketplace on private information being used by sellers, liability around defective products and whether regulations are required for the ecommerce sector. “LocalCircles has been given the mandate by the department to find out consumer views on this issue. A report on the issue covering all aspects of the challenges faced by consumers will be released soon,” said Yatish Rajawat, chief strategy officer, LocalCircles.

The department is also working on creating an online community between sellers and firms to initiate discussions on the regulations, according to one person aware of the matter. However, seller associations such as All India Online Vendors Association said they have not received communication on this yet.



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