Archive · 4 Oct 2025
Govt. Investigates E-Commerce Platform Fees Amid Festive Sales
The Indian government, led by Prahlad Joshi, is looking into complaints about online stores like Flipkart and Amazon adding extra fees to orders, especially when paying with cash.
These fees, such as 'offer handling' or 'protect promise,' are making things more expensive.
The government is calling these practices "dark patterns" and is investigating to stop them, ensuring fair practices and protecting consumers from hidden charges during sales.
The Department of Consumer Affairs is investigating e-commerce platforms.
The investigation concerns additional fees on orders, particularly COD.
Minister Prahlad Joshi called the practices "dark patterns."
Flipkart and Amazon are among the platforms facing scrutiny.
The government will take action against those violating consumer rights.
- Who
- Prahlad Joshi and the Department of Consumer Affairs
- What
- Investigating extra fees on e-commerce platforms.
- When
- Current investigation, during festive sales
- Where
- India's e-commerce sector
- Why
- To address complaints and protect consumer rights.
- Minister
- Prahlad Joshi
- Department
- Consumer Affairs
- Action
- Investigation into extra fees on COD orders
- Platforms Mentioned
- Flipkart, Amazon
- Fees Mentioned
- Platform fee, payment handling fee, protect promise fee, offer handling fee
Sources
Extra Fee For Cash-On-Delivery? Minister Promises Crackdown On 'Dark Patterns'
What Are ‘Dark Pattern’ Fees? Centre Probes Extra Charges On COD Orders By E-Commerce Platforms
Extra Charges on Cash-On-Delivery Orders? Centre Vows Action Against ‘Dark Patterns’ in E-Commerce