Only 40% consumers now able to find MRP information on ecommerce sites

20th February 2018, New Delhi: Based on consumer feedback on eCommerce about lack of product information like MRP, best before date, etc., the Department of Consumer Affairs had amendment the Packaged Commodity Rules in June last year, mandating the display of MRP and Best Before Date by sellers on ecommerce sites from Jan 1, 2018.

With the rules coming into effect from 1st January 2018, LocalCircles conducted a survey to understand what consumer’s experience has been with it in the first month while shopping on ecommerce sites. The survey consisted of 2 polls and received more than 15,000 votes.

The first poll asked consumers who visited eCommerce sites in the last month if they were able to find MRP information on websites/apps. 40% respondents replied in a positive while 60% said that they were still not able to find the MRP information on ecommerce sites. A total of 7,483 consumers voted on this poll.

The second poll asked consumers if the ecommerce sites were now disclosing the Best Before date information online on their websites and apps for grocery, cosmetics, medicines etc. in response, 69% consumers said that the Best Before date was still not being disclosed whereas 31% said that ecommerce sites have started displaying it. A total of 8,256 consumers voted on this poll.

Many consumers had earlier reported sellers on ecommerce sites inflating the product MRP and then offering big discounts to woo the consumers. The new Packaged Commodity Rules will bring this practice to an end. Although consumers are happy with these new regulations, they feel that the proof of success is in enforcement. Many feel it is important that the legal metrology officials across the country ensure strict enforcement and impose strict fines on defaulting sellers.

Ecommerce sector has seen major growth in India in the last few years. More and more people are now trusting these online businesses to help them with their daily chores as well as luxury needs. Since it is not possible for the consumers to physically see the products while shopping on ecommerce sites, it is important that right rules and regulations are put in place so that the sellers on these platforms do not get an unfair advantage over the consumers.

Some examples where the MRP rules are being followed:

Some examples where the ‘best before/expiry date’ rules are being followed:

Some examples where the MRP rules are not being followed:

Some examples where the ‘best before/expiry date’ rules are not being followed:

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