No more fake discounts: E-commerce companies start displaying MRP, expiry dates

Fake discounting pushed by online companies often confuse consumers about the real price of a commodity. However, this practice is now a thing of the past as e-commerce companies have to mandatory display MRP and expiry date of packaged products from Monday day onwards.

Companies need to mention the exact Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of their products such as mobile phones, electronic goods and other consumer durables and non-durable on the online platform and on the products as well.

These norms have been made mandatory after receiving complaints that some of the e-commerce companies don’t show the exact MRP while offering huge discounts to attract consumers.

All e-commerce companies are likely to add details as part of the product display slide on their websites.

The consumer affairs department has brought in amendments to the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, which also bans the practice of dual MRP for the same product for all packaged items in December last year. The bill seeks to replace the 31-year old law ‘Consumer Protection Act, 1986′.

The companies can put barcode or QR code and e-code for net quantity assurance. They are also free to use government initiatives such as Swachh Bharat on the labels of their products.

Currently, e-commerce companies are working with sellers to comply with the new rules. Online marketplaces including Flipkart and Amazon have reportedly taken multiple steps to educate sellers about changes in the legal metrology regulations.

Gurugram-based Snapdeal informed its sellers last week that they may be barred from using its warehouse and logistics capabilities if they don’t follow new guidelines.

This move is being welcomed by consumers and experts as well. Display of MRP and expiry details will prevent e-commerce companies from exaggerating actual price and trap consumers by offering fake discounts.