The Indian government has proposed a significant change that will reshape how e-commerce platforms display products. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs introduced the Draft Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) (Second Amendment) Rules, 2025, making it mandatory for e-commerce platforms to provide searchable and sortable filters based on country of origin. This isn’t just another regulatory checkbox—it’s a fundamental shift in how consumers discover and choose products online.
If you operate an e-commerce platform in India or sell products through online marketplaces, understanding these new requirements is critical. This guide breaks down exactly what’s changing, why it matters, and how to ensure your platform stays compliant.
Understanding the Proposed Amendment
The provision will be added under Rule 6(10) of the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, extending existing labeling requirements into the digital shopping experience. The draft amendment was published in November 2025, with stakeholder comments invited until November 22, 2025.
Following the consultation period, the ministry is expected to review stakeholder feedback before finalizing the rules. Once implemented, the requirement will apply to all e-commerce entities engaged in selling packaged commodities, particularly those offering imported products.
The underlying Legal Metrology framework has been evolving. In January 2018, the government amended the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules to mandate declaration of country of origin for manufacturers, importers, packers and e-commerce entities. This new filter requirement takes that mandate a step further by requiring active searchability and sortability.
What Does “Country of Origin Filter” Mean?
A country of origin filter isn’t simply displaying where a product was made in its description. E-commerce platforms will need to include a searchable and sortable filter displaying the country of origin for each packaged product. This means consumers can actively filter product listings to show only items from specific countries before making purchase decisions.
Think of it like the existing filters you see on e-commerce sites for price, brand, or size. Consumers will be able to click “Country of Origin” and select “India” to see only domestically manufactured products, or choose any other country to narrow their search.
This provision ensures buyers can distinguish between domestic and imported goods prior to purchase, making the information actionable rather than buried in product specifications.
Why Is This Being Implemented?
The proposal is aimed at promoting domestic manufacturing and supporting the country’s self-reliance drive. The government frames this as part of its broader Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) and Make in India initiatives.
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs stated that the move would create a level playing field for Indian manufacturers, providing local products with equal visibility alongside imported ones. Currently, even when country of origin is listed in product details, consumers often don’t notice it or find it inconvenient to filter products based on this information.
The move represents a forward-looking step in India’s evolving digital consumer protection regime, ensuring consumers remain active participants in market fairness and sustainability.
There’s also a geopolitical dimension. Thousands of Indian artisans and small businesses have been affected since the United States doubled tariffs on some goods to 50%, making domestic market support increasingly important for Indian manufacturers.
Existing Legal Framework
Before diving into the new filter requirement, it’s important to understand the legal landscape that already exists.
Legal Metrology Act, 2009
The Legal Metrology Act, 2009 establishes and enforces standards for weights, measures, and packaging of goods sold in India. This Act applies to all products sold by weight, measure, or number in trade and commerce, whether offline or online.
Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011
These Rules require declaration of mandatory information like name and address of the manufacturer/packer/importer, country of origin, common or generic name of the commodity, net quantity, month and year of manufacture, MRP, best before/use by date, and consumer care details on all pre-packaged commodities.
The country of origin or manufacture or assembly for imported products must be mentioned on the package. This requirement has been in place since 2017, though enforcement has varied.
Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020
Sellers must provide accurate information to be displayed on platforms, including details about the goods such as country of origin. These rules already mandate disclosure but don’t specifically require filterable search functionality.
The new amendment bridges this gap by making country of origin not just a disclosure requirement but an active search and filtering tool.
Who Must Comply?
Once implemented, the amendment will apply to all e-commerce entities engaged in the sale of packaged commodities, particularly those offering imported products.
This includes marketplace platforms like Amazon India, Flipkart, Meesho, and others that connect buyers with sellers, as well as inventory-based e-commerce businesses that sell directly from their own stock. Direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands operating their own websites also fall under this requirement.
Foreign e-commerce companies selling to Indian consumers are covered too. The rules apply to foreign e-commerce businesses that sell goods or services to consumers in India, even if they are not based in India.
Small sellers and individual vendors listing products on these platforms share responsibility for providing accurate country of origin information, though the platform itself bears the compliance burden for implementing the filter functionality.
Technical Requirements for Implementation
Implementing a country of origin filter involves several technical and operational layers.
Data Collection and Verification
Every product listed must have verified country of origin data. Platforms need systems to collect this information from sellers during product listing creation. This data must be accurate and verifiable, as incorrect information can lead to penalties.
For products manufactured in multiple countries or assembled from components of different origins, clear rules must be established about how to determine and display the country of origin. Generally, the country where the final product is manufactured or substantially transformed should be listed.
Filter Functionality
The filter must be searchable and sortable, meaning users should be able to both search for specific countries and sort product listings based on country of origin. The filter should be prominently placed alongside other common filters like price, brand, and rating.
User interface design matters—the filter shouldn’t be hidden in advanced options or difficult to locate. It should be accessible at the same level as primary filtering options to genuinely empower consumer choice.
Database Management
Backend systems need robust databases linking each product listing to its verified country of origin. This requires integration across product catalogs, seller management systems, and search infrastructure.
Updates must be handled efficiently when product origins change, and version control should track historical data for compliance documentation.
Compliance Steps for E-commerce Platforms
If you operate an e-commerce platform, here’s what you need to do to prepare for this requirement.
Review Your Current System
Audit your existing product listings to determine how many have country of origin information already populated. Identify gaps where data is missing or incomplete. Assess your current technical infrastructure to understand what changes are needed to implement searchable and sortable filters.
Engage with Sellers
Communicate the new requirements to all sellers on your platform. Provide clear guidelines about what country of origin information they must provide and how to submit it. Set deadlines for sellers to update existing listings with this information.
Consider implementing validation checks during the listing process to ensure country of origin is a mandatory field that cannot be skipped.
Develop Technical Infrastructure
Work with your technology team to design and implement the filter functionality. This includes frontend user interface elements, backend database structures, and search algorithm modifications.
Test the filter thoroughly across different devices, browsers, and user scenarios to ensure it works reliably and intuitively.
Create Verification Mechanisms
Establish processes to verify the accuracy of country of origin information provided by sellers. This might include requiring documentation like bills of lading, manufacturing certificates, or import documents for certain categories.
Consider implementing spot-checks and complaint mechanisms for reporting incorrect information.
Train Your Team
Ensure your customer service, seller support, and compliance teams understand the new requirements and can answer questions from both sellers and consumers.
Monitor and Report
Set up systems to track compliance rates, identify patterns of non-compliance, and generate reports for internal monitoring and regulatory requirements.
Compliance Steps for Sellers
If you sell products on e-commerce platforms, you have responsibilities too.
Determine Country of Origin
For each product you sell, accurately determine its country of origin. For manufactured goods, this is typically where the product was substantially made or assembled. For imported products, maintain documentation proving the origin.
Update Product Listings
Log into your seller accounts and update all existing product listings with accurate country of origin information. Make this part of your standard process for creating new listings.
Maintain Documentation
Keep records that support your country of origin claims—manufacturing certificates, import documentation, supplier declarations, and bills of lading. These may be requested during audits or disputes.
Stay Informed
Monitor communications from the platforms you sell on regarding implementation timelines and any platform-specific requirements beyond the baseline regulatory mandate.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Understanding the consequences of non-compliance is crucial for taking these requirements seriously.
If an e-commerce entity does not follow the requirements, a fine up to Rs. 50,000 can be imposed. Penalty for quoting or publishing of non-standard units shall be punishable with a fine of Rs. 10,000, and subsequent offences may result in imprisonment which may extend to 1 year, along with fine.
Section 36(1) of the Legal Metrology Act enumerates that whoever manufactures, packs, imports, sells, distributes, delivers or otherwise transfers products which do not conform to declarations shall be punished with fine which may extend to Rs. 25,000 for first offence, Rs. 50,000 for second offence, and Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1,00,000 for subsequent offences or with imprisonment up to one year or both.
Beyond monetary penalties, there are reputational risks. Consumer trust erodes when platforms are found non-compliant with consumer protection regulations. Media coverage of violations can significantly damage brand reputation, particularly as consumers become more conscious about supporting local manufacturing.
Regulatory authorities have inspection powers. The Legal Metrology Department is empowered under Section 48 to compound offences, and both Director and Controller can inspect premises and effect seizure for enforcement.
Implementation Timeline
As of November 2025, the rules are in draft stage. Stakeholders have been invited to submit their comments by November 22, 2025. Following the consultation period, the ministry will review feedback and finalize the rules.
While no specific implementation date has been announced, past amendments to Legal Metrology Rules have typically provided a transition period of three to six months after notification. Platforms should not wait for final notification to begin preparations—starting implementation planning now will position you better for compliance when the rules take effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the country of origin filter requirement become mandatory?
The rules are currently in draft stage, with stakeholder consultation ending November 22, 2025. Final rules and implementation timeline will be announced after the ministry reviews feedback. Expect a transition period of three to six months after final notification.
Does this apply to services or only physical products?
The requirement applies to packaged commodities sold online. Services typically don’t fall under Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, though they may have country of origin disclosure requirements under other regulations.
What if a product is manufactured in multiple countries?
Generally, the country where substantial transformation or final manufacturing occurs should be listed. Regulatory guidance on complex scenarios may be provided in the final rules or subsequent clarifications.
Who is responsible for accuracy—the platform or the seller?
Both share responsibility. Sellers must provide accurate information, and platforms must implement systems to collect, verify, and display this information. Platforms can be held liable if they know or should know about incorrect information and fail to act.
Can platforms charge sellers for implementing this requirement?
This is a business decision for each platform. However, compliance with legal requirements is typically considered part of the cost of doing business rather than an additional fee-based service.
What documentation proves country of origin?
Acceptable documentation includes manufacturing certificates, bills of lading for imported goods, supplier declarations, customs documents, and quality control certificates showing place of manufacture. Requirements may vary by product category.
Ready to Navigate E-commerce Compliance?
The e-commerce regulatory landscape in India is evolving rapidly, and staying compliant requires proactive planning and expert guidance. Whether you’re operating a large marketplace platform, running a D2C brand, or selling through multiple channels, understanding and implementing country of origin requirements is just one piece of a complex compliance puzzle.
At My Legal Pal, we specialize in helping e-commerce businesses navigate India’s regulatory requirements. Our experienced contract lawyer team understands both the technical and legal aspects of e-commerce compliance, from Legal Metrology Rules to Consumer Protection regulations and beyond.
We can help you assess your current compliance status, develop implementation strategies for country of origin filters, create seller communication and training programs, establish verification and documentation systems, and prepare for regulatory inspections and audits.
Don’t wait until the rules are finalized to start preparing. The platforms that begin implementation planning now will have competitive advantages when requirements take effect. Contact My Legal Pal today for a consultation. We’ll review your specific situation, identify compliance gaps, and develop a practical roadmap for meeting country of origin filter requirements while positioning your platform for future regulatory changes.
Contact My Legal Pal now – Your e-commerce compliance partner for India’s evolving regulatory landscape.
