Union Shopper Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi on Friday despatched out a powerful message to e-commerce corporations to cease deceptive prospects with hidden prices or face strict motion.
Taking to his official deal with on X, Joshi mentioned including unfair prices like additional charges for Money-on-Supply (COD) is nothing however a “darkish sample” that takes benefit of patrons and goes towards honest commerce practices. His remarks got here after a social media publish went viral, exposing how prospects usually find yourself paying extra beneath labels comparable to “supply dealing with charge”, “cost dealing with charge” and “shield promise charge.”
Viral publish sparks debate
The publish, which drew widespread consideration, in contrast these prices to the “rain charge” as soon as launched by meals supply apps. “Neglect rain charge by Zomato/Swiggy/Zepto. See the masterstroke by Flipkart: supply dealing with charge (for giving me the low cost you marketed??). Fee dealing with charge (for letting me pay you??). Defend promise charge (defending me from what… satisfaction?),” the X person wrote.
Add Zee Enterprise as a Most popular Supply
‘Subsequent up: “Scrolling App Payment”, the person famous.
The Division of Shopper Affairs has obtained complaints towards e-commerce platforms charging additional for Money-on-Supply, a follow categorised as a darkish sample that misleads and exploits shoppers.
An in depth investigation has been initiated and steps are being taken to… https://t.co/gEf5WClXJX
— Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) October 3, 2025
Taking word, Joshi confirmed that the Division of Shopper Affairs has already obtained complaints about COD-related prices and is finishing up an in depth investigation. “Platforms are being scrutinised carefully, and any violation of shopper rights will invite strict motion to make sure transparency and uphold honest practices in India’s rising e-commerce sector,” he mentioned.
Additionally Learn: Authorities asks e-commerce corporations why costs went up regardless of GST cuts
Authorities preserving a detailed watch
The Centre isn’t simply involved about unfair prices. It’s also monitoring whether or not on-line retailers are literally passing on Items and Providers Tax (GST) advantages to patrons. As per officers mentioned that by way of the Nationwide Shopper Helpline, as many as 3,981 GST-related complaints have been resolved thus far.
Checks are additionally being carried out to see if fast-moving shopper items like shampoos, pulses and different daily-use merchandise are reflecting GST fee cuts of their listed costs.
“The CCPA is carefully monitoring grievances — making certain transparency, defending shoppers from misinformation and guaranteeing that the advantages of GST reforms actually attain each Indian,” Joshi famous earlier.
Additionally Learn: E-commerce agency FirstCry slapped with Rs 2 lakh penalty for deceptive commercial
Stronger monitoring as financial system grows
In September, India’s GST collections hit Rs 1.89 lakh crore — up 9.1 per cent from a 12 months in the past, the quickest progress in 4 months. Authorities imagine that ensuring corporations go on these tax advantages will enhance shopper demand and additional strengthen the financial system.
By tightening checks and cracking down on unfair commerce practices, the federal government desires to make sure that India’s booming e-commerce business grows responsibly whereas defending shoppers from hidden prices.
