Central business rules
Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020
Rule-by-rule business guidance based on the notified 2020 Rules and final 2021 amendment. Guides for all eight Rules are included.
These explanations are not a reproduction of the complete Gazette text. Check the official instruments linked below before relying on a compliance conclusion.
A further 2026 amendment has been notified but comes into force on 1 January 2027. The guides describe the law operative on 9 October 2026. Read the future amendment.
Rule 1
Short title and commencement
Rule 1 gives the instrument its title and says the principal Rules commenced on publication in the Official Gazette on 23 July 2020.
Rule 2
Scope and applicability
Rule 2 sets the coverage of the E-Commerce Rules across digital products, online goods and services, marketplace and inventory models, with a limited personal-activity proviso.
Rule 3
Definitions
Rule 3 defines the people, platforms and business models used throughout the E-Commerce Rules. The operator's legal role determines which later duties apply.
Rule 4
Duties of e-commerce entities
Rule 4 sets platform-level duties for e-commerce entities. Its sub-rule (1) was replaced by the final 2021 amendment, so the original 2020 wording should not be used as the current requirement.
Rule 5
Liabilities of marketplace e-commerce entities
Rule 5 is directed at marketplace operators that connect buyers and sellers. It addresses seller undertakings, consumer-facing disclosures, complaint tracking, ranking information and certain repeat-seller records.
Rule 6
Duties of sellers on marketplace
Rule 6 sets duties for a seller offering goods or services through a marketplace e-commerce entity. It covers fair conduct, accurate listings, refunds, a written marketplace contract, grievances and pre-purchase information.
Rule 7
Duties and liabilities of inventory e-commerce entities
Rule 7 applies to an e-commerce entity that owns the inventory and sells directly to consumers. It sets consumer-information, advertising, return and authenticity-related duties.
Rule 8
Contravention of rules
Rule 8 says the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 applies to violations of the E-Commerce Rules. It does not create a standalone penalty schedule in its own text.
Official notified texts
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