Centre amends E-Commerce Rules: prior price must be shown, sponsored listings labelled
Key facts
- The Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) (Amendment) Rules, 2026 amend the 2020 Rules.
- A discount must show both the reduced price and the prior price, the lowest price in the past 30 days.
- Sponsored listings must carry a clear label, and search results must not be manipulated.
- Platforms must self-audit every year under the 2023 Dark Patterns Guidelines and join the National Consumer Helpline convergence process.
- The new rules come into force on 1 January 2027.
Why it matters
[Economy] The 2020 Rules were made under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. In 2025, about 29% of National Consumer Helpline complaints were about e-commerce.
Test yourself
Question 1 of 1