Introduction
On September 9, 2026, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (Department of Consumer Affairs) notified the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) (Amendment) Rules, 2026 (“Amendment Rules”), amending the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020 (“E-Commerce Rules”). The Amendment Rules will come into force on January 1, 2027.
In India, e-commerce entities are primarily of two types: (a) marketplace e-commerce entity; and (b) inventory e-commerce entity.
Marketplace e-commerce entities provide a technology platform and facilitate transactions between buyers and sellers.
Inventory e-commerce entities own the inventory of goods or services and sell such goods or services directly to consumers.