Centre Proposes Mandatory ‘Country of Origin’ Filters for E-Commerce Platforms

The Consumer Affairs Ministry has proposed amendments to make it mandatory for e-commerce platforms to provide searchable and sortable filters based on the country of origin for packaged commodities. The move is aimed at improving transparency and enabling consumers to make informed purchasing decisions in the digital marketplace.

About the Proposed Amendment

The ministry has introduced the Draft Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) (Second) Amendment Rules, 2025, which will modify the existing 2011 regulations. The proposed changes require that “every e-commerce entity selling imported products shall provide a searchable and sortable filter for the country of origin, with their product listings.”

This will allow online shoppers to easily locate and compare the origin of products without having to browse through individual listings. According to the ministry, the initiative will also help reduce the time consumers spend searching for product details across large e-commerce catalogues.

Public Consultation and Implementation Timeline

The draft amendment rules have been published on the Department of Consumer Affairs website for public consultation. Stakeholders, including e-commerce platforms, industry associations, and consumer groups, have been invited to submit their comments by November 22, 2025.

Following the consultation period, the ministry is expected to review stakeholder feedback before finalising the rules. Once implemented, the amendment will apply to all e-commerce entities engaged in the sale of packaged commodities, particularly those offering imported products.

Supporting ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Vocal for Local’

The proposed amendment supports the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and Vocal for Local initiatives by making Made in India products more visible to consumers. By introducing country-of-origin filters, domestic manufacturers will have an equal opportunity to showcase their products alongside imported items.

The ministry stated that the change will create a level playing field for Indian producers and empower consumers to make choices aligned with national interests and local industry growth.

Monitoring and Compliance Benefits

The introduction of a country-of-origin filter will not only benefit consumers but also strengthen regulatory oversight. The feature will help authorities efficiently monitor compliance with labelling and disclosure norms by enabling quicker verification of product information.

According to the ministry, this system will assist in identifying violations without the need for manual inspection of each product listing, thereby improving enforcement efficiency across digital marketplaces.

Read More: DPIIT Partners with 50 Firms to Support Manufacturing.

Conclusion

The Consumer Affairs Ministry’s proposal to mandate country-of-origin filters for e-commerce platforms marks a major step toward improving transparency and promoting local products. The rule, once implemented, is expected to empower consumers, support Indian manufacturers, and ensure a fairer online retail environment.

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