COUNTRY OF ORIGIN FOR E-COMMERCE ENTITIES

Subject: Economics

Context: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday asked the Centre if e-commerce entities such as Flipkart, Amazon and Snapdeal, are complying with the requirement of displaying ‘country of origin’ on products offered for sale on their websites.

Concept:

• It has been stated that the laws relating to the issue were enacted under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 and the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011.
• Enforcement of the provisions of the Act and Rules is the responsibility of the States and UTs governments. Whenever violations are observed, the action could be taken by the legal metrology officials of the States/ UTs governments in accordance with the law.

Significance:

• The declaration of the country of origin of products will enable consumers to make an informed decision and action will be taken on firms for violating the rules according to the provisions of the Act.
• Enforcement of the mandate was important in the current scenario when citizens intend to comply with the central government’s appeal to promote and purchase Indian goods and not from some neighbouring countries.