Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Nov 10: The government on Monday proposed making it mandatory for e-commerce platforms to provide searchable and sortable filters based on the ‘Country of Origin’ for packaged commodities sold online.

Announcing the move, the Consumer Affairs Ministry said the proposal aims to empower consumers, increase transparency, and help shoppers make informed choices in the growing digital marketplace. The draft amendment is part of broader efforts to create a more consumer-friendly and competitive e-commerce ecosystem aligned with national priorities.

Under the Draft Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) (Second) Amendment Rules, 2025, e-commerce entities selling imported products would be required to provide a filter to allow customers to sort and search listings by the product’s country of origin. The draft has been published on the Department of Consumer Affairs’ website for public consultation, with comments invited until November 22.

“The amendment will make it easier for consumers to identify the origin of products while shopping online, thereby enhancing transparency and saving time,” the ministry said.

The ministry highlighted that the measure also supports the government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Vocal for Local’ initiatives. By making ‘Made in India’ products more easily discoverable, the amendment is expected to provide domestic manufacturers a level playing field alongside imported goods and encourage consumers to choose locally made alternatives.

Additionally, the ministry noted that mandatory country-of-origin filters will help authorities efficiently monitor compliance, verify product information, and detect violations without the need for manual inspection of every product listing.