India Proposes E-Commerce Filters for ‘Country of Origin’ to Promote Local Products

• The Government of India has proposed a new rule requiring all e-commerce platforms to introduce filters that allow users to search for products based on their “country of origin.” The measure aims to promote domestically manufactured goods and support India’s broader vision of economic self-reliance under the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

Objective and Policy Framework

• The proposal, introduced under the draft amendment to the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 , seeks to ensure greater transparency in online marketplaces and equal visibility for Indian-made products.
• The Ministry of Consumer Affairs stated that the move will empower consumers to make informed purchasing decisions while helping Indian manufacturers compete fairly with imported products. By highlighting locally made alternatives, the filters are expected to boost demand for domestic goods and encourage the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) .

Context: Global Trade Tensions and Tariff Impact

• The policy proposal comes amid escalating global trade tensions and the U.S. government’s decision to double tariffs on several Indian exports—from 25% to 50%—effective August 27, 2025 .
• The tariff hike has hit sectors such as handicrafts, textiles, leather goods , and handloom products , where Indian artisans and small-scale producers rely heavily on exports to the United States. This has increased pressure on India’s export-driven industries and accelerated the need to strengthen domestic consumption and diversify trade partnerships.

India’s Strategy to Diversify Export Markets

• To counter the effects of the tariff hike, India has intensified efforts to expand into non-Western markets . A delegation of Indian exporters is scheduled to visit Moscow for a four-day trade mission aimed at deepening economic ties with Russia and exploring new markets across Eurasia, Africa, and Southeast Asia .
• This diversification strategy aligns with India’s long-term goal of building resilient trade networks and reducing overdependence on any single market.

Exam-Oriented Facts

• Proposal: Mandatory “Country of Origin” filter on e-commerce sites

• Legal Basis: Amendment to Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011

• U.S. Tariff Hike: Increased to 50% on select Indian exports (effective August 27, 2025 )

• Objective: Promote domestic products, support Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat

• Delegation: Indian exporters to visit Moscow for trade diversification talks

Future Outlook

• The introduction of country-of-origin filters could reshape consumer preferences, encouraging greater support for Indian brands in the e-commerce ecosystem. As global trade realignments continue, India’s dual strategy of strengthening domestic markets and expanding export destinations reflects its commitment to building a self-reliant and globally competitive