Directed to learn trends on emerging distribution methods, CCI tends to develop better functioning of e-commerce

New Delhi, June 19: Viewing ahead of the rapid growth of electronic commerce and the rising importance of online trade in a large number of goods and services in India, the Competition Commission of India is set to conduct a Market Study that will probably aid in developing a better understanding of the functioning of e-commerce and its implications for markets and competition.

 

 

The e-commerce study is 20th in the series of market studies that have been conducted by the CCI till date, which contribute significantly to the capacity of competition authorities in appreciating competitive dynamics in markets.

 

The study seemingly, intends to cover such products where the growth of online commerce has been the most significant, including both goods and services. The focus areas of the study include the emerging trends in business models and distribution mechanisms, market structure and business practices including contractual provisions and vertical restraints.

 

This examination however does not form part of any investigation or inquiry in any of the proceedings pending before the CCI. It is necessary given the novel issues and challenges that digital markets bring forth for competition regulation.

 

The objectives meanwhile stick to study market trends with a particular focus on emerging distribution methods and strategies in response to ecommerce and to understand business practices and contractual provisions in ecommerce, their underlying rationale and implications for competition.

 

The study, being a combination of desk research, market survey and stakeholder consultation; it is designed by a market study team at the CCI. The team is holding consultation meetings with enterprises and industry associations followed by a questionnaire survey amongst a range of stakeholders throughout the country.