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E-commerce guidelines to be mandatory under consumer protection law
Why is it in the news?
- The guidelines drafted for e-commerce firms will be made mandatory under the new Consumer Protection Act.
- The stringent action against violators will be taken by a regulatory authority.
More in the news
- The consumer affairs ministry has decided to frame the rules to implement the Consumer Protection Act by December.
- It has asked stakeholders to submit their views by 15 September.
- Meanwhile, the ministry has also sought views on the draft guidelines on e-commerce by the same date.
- The draft guidelines on e-commerce will be made part of the rules under the new consumer protection law.
- Once included under rules, the guidelines become mandatory.
- Draft e-commerce guidelines:
(1) The e-commerce companies are required to submit a self-declaration to the ministry stating that it is conforming with the guideline.
(2) The e-commerce companies will be required to ensure that personally identifiable information of customers are protected.
(3) The customer information should not directly or indirectly influence the price of the goods or services.
- The Consumer Protection Bill 2019:(1) The Bill passed recently in Parliament, seeks to establish CCPA and also envisages simplified dispute resolution process.(2) It deals with 'product liability' and provides for stiff punishment to check misleading ads and adulteration.
Source
The Hindu.