‘Country-of-Origin’ Disclosure for E-Commerce Products | 12 Nov 2025

Source: PIB 

The Department of Consumer Affairs has issued the Draft Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) (Second) Amendment Rules, 2025, proposing to make it mandatory for e-commerce platforms to provide searchable and sortable filters based on the 'Country of Origin' for packaged commodities sold online. 

• This aims to enhance consumer empowerment, transparency, and promote Made in India products under Atmanirbhar Bharat and Vocal for Local. 

Rules of Origin 

• About: Rules of Origin (RoO) are criteria used to determine a product’s national source and guide duties, tariffs, trade restrictions, and preferential treatments.  
• Types of Rules of Origin: The World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Rules of Origin defines two types: 
  • Preferential origin: Determines eligibility for reduced tariffs under trade agreements, requiring products to be fully or partly produced in beneficiary countries. 
  • Non-preferential origin: Applies outside trade agreements to enforce non-tariff measures like trade remedies and quotas. 
• Determination of Criteria:  
  • Wholly Obtained: Entirely produced or obtained in a single country (e.g., minerals, agricultural products, or animals). 
  • Substantial Transformation: For manufactured goods with imported materials, a product originates where it last underwent substantial transformation, determined by change of tariff classification, value-added, or a specific process. 
• Uses of RoO: It supports implementation of commercial policy measures like anti-dumping duties and safeguards, determining MFN or preferential treatment, and aids in trade statistics, labelling, and government procurement. They ensure accurate application of trade regulations and benefits.