New Delhi, Oct 3 (NationPress) Union Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi declared on Thursday that stringent measures will be enforced against e-commerce platforms that mislead customers and impose unfair charges, such as additional fees for Cash-on-Delivery (COD).

He emphasized that such practices are referred to as “dark patterns,” which take advantage of consumers and contravene the principles of fair trade.

The minister's remarks followed a post on the social media platform X, in which a user pointed out how e-commerce companies frequently incorporate numerous hidden fees under the guise of “offer handling fee,” “payment handling fee,” and “protect promise fee,” likening it to the debated “rain fee” that some food delivery services impose.

“Forget the rain fee by Zomato/Swiggy/Zepto. Witness the masterstroke by Flipkart: offer handling fee (for the discount you advertised??). Payment handling fee (for allowing me to pay you??). Protect promise fee (protecting me from what… satisfaction?),” the user remarked.

Joshi indicated that the Department of Consumer Affairs has already received numerous complaints regarding COD charges and has initiated a thorough investigation.

“Platforms are under rigorous scrutiny, and any infringement of consumer rights will lead to decisive action to ensure transparency and maintain fair practices within India’s expanding e-commerce sector,” he asserted.

The government has been closely monitoring e-commerce platforms in recent months.

It is not only observing unfair charges but is also examining how these companies pass on Goods and Services Tax (GST) benefits to consumers.

The Consumer Affairs Department, via the National Consumer Helpline, has already addressed 3,981 GST-related complaints.

Officials are also verifying whether online platforms selling FMCG items like shampoo, pulses, and daily necessities comply with GST rate reductions.

“The CCPA is vigilantly overseeing grievances to ensure transparency, protect consumers from misinformation, and guarantee that the benefits of GST reforms genuinely reach every Indian,” Joshi remarked earlier.

India’s GST collections reached Rs 1.89 lakh crore in September, marking a 9.1 percent increase year-on-year (YoY) — the fastest growth in four months.

Officials asserted that ensuring tax advantages are correctly passed on to consumers will stimulate demand and bolster domestic growth.

With intensified monitoring and a crackdown on unfair trade practices, the government aims to shield consumers from hidden fees while ensuring that India’s flourishing e-commerce sector operates equitably.