DoCA proposes to mandate searchable filter for country of origin on online platforms
The Department of Consumer Affairs has proposed to make it mandatory for e-commerce platforms to provide searchable filter that can sort products based on “Country of Origin.” It said this move will enable consumers to easily find locally made products on online platforms. The department has also released Draft Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) (Second) Amendment Rules 2025.
The Center has been batting for a stronger focus on “Atmanirbhar Bharat” and “Vocal for Local” initiatives in the past few years. Infact, last month Prime Minister Narendra Modi had urged the citizens to buy Swadeshi or made-in-India products especially during the festival season.
The Ministry said that the amendment seeks to empower consumers to make informed purchasing decisions by allowing them to easily identify the origin of products while shopping online. “The proposed feature will enable consumers to search and sort products by their country of origin, thereby enhancing transparency and reducing the time required to locate such information across vast product listings,” it said in an official statement.
“In the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 in rule 6, in sub-rule (10) the following shall be inserted, namely, – “Provided that every e-commerce entity selling imported products shall provide a searchable and sortable filter for the country of origin, with their product listings,” the draft amendment stated. It has released the draft for public consultation and comments from stakeholders up to November 22.
The Ministry stated that the amendment directly supports the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Vocal for Local’ initiatives by making ‘Made in India’ products easily discoverable. “It ensures a level playing field for Indian manufacturers, helping domestic products gain equal visibility alongside imported goods and encouraging consumers to choose locally made alternatives. The introduction of country-of-origin filters will also assist in efficiently monitoring compliance, verifying product information and identifying violations without requiring manual review of each listing,” the Ministry stated.
This proposed amendment marks another important step towards building a transparent, consumer-friendly and competitive e-commerce ecosystem that aligns with national priorities and enhances consumer trust in digital marketplaces.
In 2020, the government made it mandatory for e-commerce platforms to display country of origin of products listed on their platforms. In a post on X in August, Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi had said that all goods, including e-commerce items, must display key details like Country of Origin, MRP and dates.
Published on November 10, 2025
