CAIT suggests a regulatory authority for e-commerce sector

New Delhi, Mar 30 (KNN) The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has suggested that the e-commerce sector should have a regulatory authority to facilitate its growth in India.

"CAIT wishes to stress upon the dire need for a judicial or quasi-judicial authority having enforcement as well as adjudicatory powers to give effect to the prevailing e-commerce policy in India. CAIT, at the very outset, lauds that the draft e commerce policy identifies all issues that are faced with this sector like immense capital dumping, loss selling etc, which needs to be curbed,” CAIT said in a statement.

The apex body was said this in its suggestion on the draft e-commerce policy.

However, not having a regulator/ judicial/ quasi judicial authority like we have in other jurisdiction, would render this policy framework as a paper / toothless tiger," CAIT added.

As per the draft, e-commerce companies will also be mandated to disclose the seller details such as their names, addresses and contact numbers. Sellers will also be required to provide an undertaking to the platform about genuineness of products.

“While the Policy recognizes the need for regulatory response and the need for equipping the current enforcement structures to tackle issues emanating from the e-commerce sector, the Policy essentially sets up a tooth-less tiger in making positive regulatory changes without having an enforcement mechanism for the same,” CAIT said.

The trade mark (TM) owners will also be given the option to register themselves with e-commerce platforms. Whenever a trade-marked product is uploaded for sale on the platform, the platform shall notify the respective TM owner.

The deadline to submit the comments for the industry stakeholders was March 9 which was later extended to March 29. (KNN/JM)