New Delhi: The Centre has proposed to make it compulsory for e-commerce platforms to offer searchable and sortable filters indicating the ‘Country of Origin’ for all packaged commodities sold online.

According to the Consumer Affairs Ministry, the move aims to promote greater consumer awareness and transparency in digital marketplaces. The proposed rule is expected to empower buyers to make informed choices while fostering a fair and competitive e-commerce ecosystem aligned with national priorities.

The Department of Consumer Affairs has issued the Draft Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) (Second) Amendment Rules, 2025, to implement the new requirement. The draft has been made available on the Department’s website for public consultation, and feedback from stakeholders has been invited until November 22.

"The amendment seeks to empower consumers to make informed purchasing decisions by allowing them to easily identify the origin of products while shopping online," said the ministry.

In the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, in rule 6, in sub-rule (10), the following shall be inserted, namely, "Provided that every e-commerce entity selling imported products shall provide a searchable and sortable filter for the country of origin, with their product listings".

According to the ministry, the amendment supports the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Vocal for Local’ initiatives by making ‘Made in India’ products easily discoverable, ensuring a level-playing field for domestic manufacturers, helping domestic products gain equal visibility alongside imported goods, and encouraging consumers to choose locally made alternatives.

The ministry further stated that the introduction of country-of-origin filters will also assist in efficiently monitoring compliance, verifying product information, and identifying violations without requiring manual review of each listing. IANS