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Last Updated:<\/span>October 03, 2025, 22:05 IST<\/time><\/p>\nConsumer Affairs Ministry e-commerce platforms for extra CoD fees, calling them dark patterns and promising strict action.<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\nIn November 2023, the Consumer Affairs Department officially classified 13 such tactics as dark patterns. (Representational)<\/p>\n<\/figure>\nThe Ministry of Consumer Affairs has initiated a probe into complaints against e-commerce platforms charging additional fees for cash-on-delivery (CoD), a practice classified as a \u201cdark pattern” that misleads and exploits consumers.<\/p>\nUnion Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said that steps are being taken to scrutinise these platforms closely. He further assured strict action against those violating consumer rights to ensure transparency and uphold fair practices.<\/p>\n\u201cThe Department of Consumer Affairs has received complaints against e-commerce platforms charging extra for Cash-on-Delivery, a practice classified as a dark pattern that misleads and exploits consumers,” he said in a post on X.<\/p>\n\n\nThe Department of Consumer Affairs has received complaints against e-commerce platforms charging extra for Cash-on-Delivery, a practice classified as a dark pattern that misleads and exploits consumers.A detailed investigation has been initiated and steps are being taken to\u2026 https:\/\/t.co\/gEf5WClXJX<\/a><\/p>\n\u2014 Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) October 3, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\u201cA detailed investigation has been initiated and steps are being taken to scrutinize these platforms closely. Strict action will be taken against those violating consumer rights to ensure transparency and uphold fair practices in India\u2019s growing e-commerce sector,” he added.<\/p>\nThe Union Minister was replying to an X user that purportedly highlighted Flipkart\u2019s opaque COD charges.<\/p>\n\u201cForget Rain Fee by Zomato\/Swiggy\/Zepto. See the masterstroke by Flipkart,” the user wrote. The charges included \u2018Offer Handling Fee,\u2019 \u2018Payment Handling Fee\u2019 and \u2018Protect Promise Fee.\u2019<\/p>\nThe charges levied were Rs 99 for the offer Handling Fee, Rs 48 for the payment handling fee, and Rs 79 for the protect promise Fee, totalling Rs 226 on a Rs 24,999 discounted item.<\/p>\nThe investigation follows consumer complaints received earlier this year, after some platforms started levying \u2018cash handling fees\u2019 on COD orders. One such instance gained attention in July, when Zepto users flagged the practice on social media and accused the platform of adding non-transparent charges at checkout.<\/p>\nSuch fees may qualify as drip pricing, one of the 13 dark patterns recognised under Indian law, and hence warrant closer scrutiny.<\/p>\nWhat Are Dark Patterns?<\/strong><\/h3>\nDark patterns involve deceptive practices that can lead to higher prices, hidden fees, subscription traps, and a generally frustrating experience, according to community platform Local Circle.<\/p>\nThe government in 2023 formally defined 13 categories of dark patterns, including \u201cbasket sneaking,” \u201cdrip pricing” and \u201csubscription traps,” to crack down on deceptive digital practices.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<\/span><\/p>\nShobhit Gupta<\/a><\/p>\nShobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben…Read More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nShobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben… Read More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nFirst Published:<\/span><\/p>\n\nOctober 03, 2025, 22:05 IST<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNews<\/a> india<\/a> Extra Cash-On-Delivery Charges? Govt Orders Probe Into E-Commerce Platforms<\/span><\/div>\n\n\nDisclaimer: Comments reflect users\u2019 views, not News18\u2019s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use<\/a> and Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nRead More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
In November 2023, the Consumer Affairs Department officially classified 13 such tactics as dark patterns. (Representational)<\/p>\n<\/figure>\n
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs has initiated a probe into complaints against e-commerce platforms charging additional fees for cash-on-delivery (CoD), a practice classified as a \u201cdark pattern” that misleads and exploits consumers.<\/p>\n
Union Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said that steps are being taken to scrutinise these platforms closely. He further assured strict action against those violating consumer rights to ensure transparency and uphold fair practices.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Department of Consumer Affairs has received complaints against e-commerce platforms charging extra for Cash-on-Delivery, a practice classified as a dark pattern that misleads and exploits consumers,” he said in a post on X.<\/p>\n
\nThe Department of Consumer Affairs has received complaints against e-commerce platforms charging extra for Cash-on-Delivery, a practice classified as a dark pattern that misleads and exploits consumers.A detailed investigation has been initiated and steps are being taken to\u2026 https:\/\/t.co\/gEf5WClXJX<\/a><\/p>\n\u2014 Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) October 3, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\u201cA detailed investigation has been initiated and steps are being taken to scrutinize these platforms closely. Strict action will be taken against those violating consumer rights to ensure transparency and uphold fair practices in India\u2019s growing e-commerce sector,” he added.<\/p>\nThe Union Minister was replying to an X user that purportedly highlighted Flipkart\u2019s opaque COD charges.<\/p>\n\u201cForget Rain Fee by Zomato\/Swiggy\/Zepto. See the masterstroke by Flipkart,” the user wrote. The charges included \u2018Offer Handling Fee,\u2019 \u2018Payment Handling Fee\u2019 and \u2018Protect Promise Fee.\u2019<\/p>\nThe charges levied were Rs 99 for the offer Handling Fee, Rs 48 for the payment handling fee, and Rs 79 for the protect promise Fee, totalling Rs 226 on a Rs 24,999 discounted item.<\/p>\nThe investigation follows consumer complaints received earlier this year, after some platforms started levying \u2018cash handling fees\u2019 on COD orders. One such instance gained attention in July, when Zepto users flagged the practice on social media and accused the platform of adding non-transparent charges at checkout.<\/p>\nSuch fees may qualify as drip pricing, one of the 13 dark patterns recognised under Indian law, and hence warrant closer scrutiny.<\/p>\nWhat Are Dark Patterns?<\/strong><\/h3>\nDark patterns involve deceptive practices that can lead to higher prices, hidden fees, subscription traps, and a generally frustrating experience, according to community platform Local Circle.<\/p>\nThe government in 2023 formally defined 13 categories of dark patterns, including \u201cbasket sneaking,” \u201cdrip pricing” and \u201csubscription traps,” to crack down on deceptive digital practices.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<\/span><\/p>\nShobhit Gupta<\/a><\/p>\nShobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben…Read More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nShobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben… Read More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nFirst Published:<\/span><\/p>\n\nOctober 03, 2025, 22:05 IST<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNews<\/a> india<\/a> Extra Cash-On-Delivery Charges? Govt Orders Probe Into E-Commerce Platforms<\/span><\/div>\n\n\nDisclaimer: Comments reflect users\u2019 views, not News18\u2019s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use<\/a> and Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nRead More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The Department of Consumer Affairs has received complaints against e-commerce platforms charging extra for Cash-on-Delivery, a practice classified as a dark pattern that misleads and exploits consumers.A detailed investigation has been initiated and steps are being taken to\u2026 https:\/\/t.co\/gEf5WClXJX<\/a><\/p>\n\u2014 Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) October 3, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\u201cA detailed investigation has been initiated and steps are being taken to scrutinize these platforms closely. Strict action will be taken against those violating consumer rights to ensure transparency and uphold fair practices in India\u2019s growing e-commerce sector,” he added.<\/p>\nThe Union Minister was replying to an X user that purportedly highlighted Flipkart\u2019s opaque COD charges.<\/p>\n\u201cForget Rain Fee by Zomato\/Swiggy\/Zepto. See the masterstroke by Flipkart,” the user wrote. The charges included \u2018Offer Handling Fee,\u2019 \u2018Payment Handling Fee\u2019 and \u2018Protect Promise Fee.\u2019<\/p>\nThe charges levied were Rs 99 for the offer Handling Fee, Rs 48 for the payment handling fee, and Rs 79 for the protect promise Fee, totalling Rs 226 on a Rs 24,999 discounted item.<\/p>\nThe investigation follows consumer complaints received earlier this year, after some platforms started levying \u2018cash handling fees\u2019 on COD orders. One such instance gained attention in July, when Zepto users flagged the practice on social media and accused the platform of adding non-transparent charges at checkout.<\/p>\nSuch fees may qualify as drip pricing, one of the 13 dark patterns recognised under Indian law, and hence warrant closer scrutiny.<\/p>\nWhat Are Dark Patterns?<\/strong><\/h3>\nDark patterns involve deceptive practices that can lead to higher prices, hidden fees, subscription traps, and a generally frustrating experience, according to community platform Local Circle.<\/p>\nThe government in 2023 formally defined 13 categories of dark patterns, including \u201cbasket sneaking,” \u201cdrip pricing” and \u201csubscription traps,” to crack down on deceptive digital practices.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<\/span><\/p>\nShobhit Gupta<\/a><\/p>\nShobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben…Read More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nShobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben… Read More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nFirst Published:<\/span><\/p>\n\nOctober 03, 2025, 22:05 IST<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNews<\/a> india<\/a> Extra Cash-On-Delivery Charges? Govt Orders Probe Into E-Commerce Platforms<\/span><\/div>\n\n\nDisclaimer: Comments reflect users\u2019 views, not News18\u2019s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use<\/a> and Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nRead More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\u2014 Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) October 3, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\u201cA detailed investigation has been initiated and steps are being taken to scrutinize these platforms closely. Strict action will be taken against those violating consumer rights to ensure transparency and uphold fair practices in India\u2019s growing e-commerce sector,” he added.<\/p>\nThe Union Minister was replying to an X user that purportedly highlighted Flipkart\u2019s opaque COD charges.<\/p>\n\u201cForget Rain Fee by Zomato\/Swiggy\/Zepto. See the masterstroke by Flipkart,” the user wrote. The charges included \u2018Offer Handling Fee,\u2019 \u2018Payment Handling Fee\u2019 and \u2018Protect Promise Fee.\u2019<\/p>\nThe charges levied were Rs 99 for the offer Handling Fee, Rs 48 for the payment handling fee, and Rs 79 for the protect promise Fee, totalling Rs 226 on a Rs 24,999 discounted item.<\/p>\nThe investigation follows consumer complaints received earlier this year, after some platforms started levying \u2018cash handling fees\u2019 on COD orders. One such instance gained attention in July, when Zepto users flagged the practice on social media and accused the platform of adding non-transparent charges at checkout.<\/p>\nSuch fees may qualify as drip pricing, one of the 13 dark patterns recognised under Indian law, and hence warrant closer scrutiny.<\/p>\nWhat Are Dark Patterns?<\/strong><\/h3>\nDark patterns involve deceptive practices that can lead to higher prices, hidden fees, subscription traps, and a generally frustrating experience, according to community platform Local Circle.<\/p>\nThe government in 2023 formally defined 13 categories of dark patterns, including \u201cbasket sneaking,” \u201cdrip pricing” and \u201csubscription traps,” to crack down on deceptive digital practices.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<\/span><\/p>\nShobhit Gupta<\/a><\/p>\nShobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben…Read More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nShobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben… Read More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nFirst Published:<\/span><\/p>\n\nOctober 03, 2025, 22:05 IST<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNews<\/a> india<\/a> Extra Cash-On-Delivery Charges? Govt Orders Probe Into E-Commerce Platforms<\/span><\/div>\n\n\nDisclaimer: Comments reflect users\u2019 views, not News18\u2019s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use<\/a> and Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nRead More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\u201cA detailed investigation has been initiated and steps are being taken to scrutinize these platforms closely. Strict action will be taken against those violating consumer rights to ensure transparency and uphold fair practices in India\u2019s growing e-commerce sector,” he added.<\/p>\n
The Union Minister was replying to an X user that purportedly highlighted Flipkart\u2019s opaque COD charges.<\/p>\n
\u201cForget Rain Fee by Zomato\/Swiggy\/Zepto. See the masterstroke by Flipkart,” the user wrote. The charges included \u2018Offer Handling Fee,\u2019 \u2018Payment Handling Fee\u2019 and \u2018Protect Promise Fee.\u2019<\/p>\n
The charges levied were Rs 99 for the offer Handling Fee, Rs 48 for the payment handling fee, and Rs 79 for the protect promise Fee, totalling Rs 226 on a Rs 24,999 discounted item.<\/p>\n
The investigation follows consumer complaints received earlier this year, after some platforms started levying \u2018cash handling fees\u2019 on COD orders. One such instance gained attention in July, when Zepto users flagged the practice on social media and accused the platform of adding non-transparent charges at checkout.<\/p>\n
Such fees may qualify as drip pricing, one of the 13 dark patterns recognised under Indian law, and hence warrant closer scrutiny.<\/p>\n
Dark patterns involve deceptive practices that can lead to higher prices, hidden fees, subscription traps, and a generally frustrating experience, according to community platform Local Circle.<\/p>\n
The government in 2023 formally defined 13 categories of dark patterns, including \u201cbasket sneaking,” \u201cdrip pricing” and \u201csubscription traps,” to crack down on deceptive digital practices.<\/p>\n
<\/span><\/p>\n
Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben…Read More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nShobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben… Read More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nFirst Published:<\/span><\/p>\n\nOctober 03, 2025, 22:05 IST<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNews<\/a> india<\/a> Extra Cash-On-Delivery Charges? Govt Orders Probe Into E-Commerce Platforms<\/span><\/div>\n\n\nDisclaimer: Comments reflect users\u2019 views, not News18\u2019s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use<\/a> and Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nRead More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben… Read More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nFirst Published:<\/span><\/p>\n\nOctober 03, 2025, 22:05 IST<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNews<\/a> india<\/a> Extra Cash-On-Delivery Charges? Govt Orders Probe Into E-Commerce Platforms<\/span><\/div>\n\n\nDisclaimer: Comments reflect users\u2019 views, not News18\u2019s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use<\/a> and Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nRead More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
October 03, 2025, 22:05 IST<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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