CCI introduces Leniency “Plus” regime in India- Will it suffice?
CCI publishes Report on Market Study on e-commerce in India
The CCI today released much-awaited “Market Study on E-Commerce in India – Key Findings and Observations”, which was launched in May,2019.
The preliminary findings of the study were presented in a “CCI Workshop on E -Commerce : Changing Competition Landscape in India ” on August 30, 2019 in New Delhi . I attended the said workshop.
In view of the rapid growth and the rising importance of online trade in a large number of product categories, the purpose of the study was to better understand the functioning of e-commerce in India and its implications for markets and competition. The objective was to engage with industry and ascertain the Commission’s enforcement and advocacy priorities in relation to e-commerce, with greater clarity on the market developments and emerging impediments to competition, if any.
The study, a combination of secondary research, questionnaire survey, focused group discussions (‘FGDs’), one-on-one meetings, a multi-stakeholder workshop and written submissions of stakeholders, covered the three broad categories of e-commerce in consumer goods (mobiles, lifestyle, electrical & electronic appliances, and grocery), accommodation services and food services. 16 online platforms, 164 business entities [including sellers (manufacturers and retailers) and service providers (hotels and restaurants)] and 7 payment system providers from across India participated in the study. In addition, 11 industry associations, representing different stakeholder groups, also participated.
Incidentally, the Chairman CCI had spoken about this study recently during the OECD Annual Conference held in Paris on December 04,2019 . In his speech Mr Gupta , had hinted on CCI issuing a “soft advisory” to e-commerce . The text of the Chairman ,CCI speech can be read here.
The Report captures the key market trends and outlines the main features of e-commerce. It also discusses the key competition issues that have emerged from the study. The observations of the Commission based on the findings are also presented.
The study can be accessed here.
P.S. I will come back with my comments on the Study in due course !
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