'Revised norms for e-commerce aim to promote fair and non-discriminatory trade'

The revised guidelines pertaining to FDI in e-commerce are aimed at promoting fair and non-discriminatory trade and prevent online retailers having foreign investment from influencing prices of products in any way, an official said.

Tightening norms for e-commerce firms having foreign investment, the government Wednesday barred online marketplaces like Flipkart and Amazon from selling products of companies where they hold stakes and banned exclusive marketing arrangements that could influence product prices.

The revised policy also stated that these firms have to offer equal services or facilities to all its vendors without discrimination.

"Whatever we have done is to ensure that e-marketplace should not directly or indirectly influence prices of goods. The trade practice should be fair and non-discriminatory," the official said.

Asked about the motive behind implementing the changes from February 1 next year, the official said, "We wanted to give time to companies to adjust their businesses as per the modified norms."