Government moves to regulate online marketplaces and deliveries

The government would soon implement strict regulations on online businesses and courier services to safeguard consumers, Minister of Trade and Commerce Wasantha Samarasinghe said.

Speaking on the increasing trend of digital commerce, the Minister emphasized the need to ensure that the quality and standards of products sold online match those of physical retail.

He said a special consumer protection program would be launched on March 18 to coincide with the upcoming Sinhala and Tamil New Year festive season.   

Minister Samarasinghe said that during this period, consumers often rush to make purchases, which can lead to the sale of sub-standard, expired, or unsafe goods. To address this, the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has strengthened its complaint mechanism. 
Consumers are encouraged to report any grievances directly via the 1977 hotline, which is now staffed until 4:30 PM for immediate action, with after-hours complaints being recorded for follow-up the next morning.   

Addressing the rise of social media marketing and online platforms, the Minister revealed plans to introduce a mandatory registration system for online businesses.

Under a gazette notification related to regulations from May 2023, the government intends to register both the sellers on e-commerce platforms and the courier services that deliver the goods.   

He said this move is designed to hold sellers accountable for the quality of their products and to ensure that dangerous or low-quality items do not reach the public. Minister Samarasinghe further warned courier services not to facilitate the distribution of products that are uncertified or hazardous to public health.   

By registering these entities, the Consumer Affairs Authority aims to create a reliable and well-regulated trading environment in which manufacturers, traders, and consumers carry out their respective responsibilities responsibly, the minister said.   

The Minister reiterated that the ultimate goal is to ensure that every citizen has access to high-quality goods at fair prices during the most significant celebratory period of the year.