E-Commerce Rules 2026: Govt Tightens Consumer Protection, Mandates NCH Integration From Jan 2027
The amendments seek to address emerging consumer concerns while maintaining a balance between consumer protection and Ease of Doing Business for e-commerce entities.
The Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) (Amendment) Rules, 2026 will come into force from January 1, 2027.
Mandatory NCH Integration
Under the amended Rules, every e-commerce entity will be required to become a partner in the convergence process of the National Consumer Helpline (NCH), strengthening the integration of online platforms with the national consumer grievance redressal system.
The NCH received 17,71,622 grievances in 2025, of which 5,11,196, or around 29 per cent, were related to the e-commerce sector.
New Transparency Requirements
The amended Rules require e-commerce entities to provide consumers with a copy of complaints recorded by their grievance officers.
Platforms will also be prohibited from manipulating search results in ways that mislead users or reduce the relevance of results to their queries. Sponsored listings will have to carry clear and prominent disclosures.
For announced price reductions, platforms must display both the reduced price and the prior price. The prior price will mean the lowest price at which the goods or services were offered during the 30 days preceding the price reduction announcement.
Tighter Rules on Dark Patterns
E-commerce entities will be required to comply with the Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023. They will also have to conduct an annual self-audit and prominently display a certificate of compliance.
Marketplace platforms will be required to provide key information on products and services, including best before or use before dates, return and refund policies, warranty, delivery and payment details.
They will also be prohibited from using consumer information for specified purposes without express and affirmative consent.
Rules on Fees and Imported Goods
Marketplace e-commerce entities will not be permitted to collect bundled fees for services unrelated to the e-commerce platform, subject to the specified exception for loyalty or membership programmes.
For imported goods, platforms will have to disclose importer details and the country of origin.
(KNN Bureau)
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