New rule makes ecommerce sites show import origin
From 1 July 2026, ecommerce platforms in India must let shoppers filter imported packaged goods by country of origin under amended legal metrology rules.
- The Department of Consumer Affairs notified the change via Gazette notification G.S.R. 128(E) on 13 February 2026.
- A new sub rule 10A in Rule 6 requires a searchable and sortable country of origin filter for imported products.
- The requirement took effect on 1 July 2026 and covers all platforms listing imported packaged commodities.
- Non compliance may attract penalties under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009.
The new requirement
A searchable and sortable country of origin filter for imported packaged products became mandatory for ecommerce platforms in India from 1 July 2026, under an amendment to the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, according to Chambers and Partners. The Department of Consumer Affairs notified the change through Gazette notification G.S.R. 128(E) on 13 February 2026, inserting sub rule 10A into Rule 6 and giving platforms about four and a half months to comply. It applies to all ecommerce entities that list or sell imported packaged commodities on their platforms in India.
Non compliance may attract penalties under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009. The stated aim is to give shoppers clearer information on where imported goods are made before they buy.
Why it matters
For Indian D2C brands and marketplace sellers, the rule adds a catalogue and filtering obligation on imported listings, and it hands domestic makers a visibility edge as buyers can now sort by origin. Platforms will need to capture accurate origin data at the point of listing, which raises onboarding friction for imported inventory but can favour made in India ranges. Brands that source components abroad should check how their listings are tagged, since inaccurate origin data now carries regulatory risk.
Zane’s analysis draws on original reporting by Chambers and Partners. Read the original report.