Govt tightens e-commerce rules on price cuts, search results, dark patterns

New Delhi: The government has tightened norms for online shopping platforms by amending the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020, focusing on greater price transparency, clearer disclosures and curbs on manipulative practices.

The Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) (Amendment) Rules, 2026, notified by the Department of Consumer Affairs, will take effect from January 1, 2027. Officials said the changes aim to create a more transparent and accountable e-commerce ecosystem, while supporting ease of doing business.

Under the revised rules, platforms must display both the discounted price and the “prior price” whenever a price cut is announced. The prior price is defined as the lowest price at which the product was offered in the 30 days preceding the discount.