Can A Platform Charge Listing Fees Legally?

With the rise of online marketplaces, platforms often charge listing fees to sellers or service providers for displaying their products or services. While this practice is generally legal, it must comply with Indian laws and regulatory frameworks to avoid being classified as exploitative or anti-competitive. Clear fee disclosure and adherence to fair-trade principles are essential to ensure lawful enforcement of such charges.

Legal Standing of Charging Listing Fees in India

Permitted Under Indian Contract Law

Platforms and sellers are free to enter into commercial agreements under the Indian Contract Act, 1872. If listing fees are disclosed clearly in the terms and agreed upon by both parties, they are legally valid.

Mandatory Fee Disclosure

Under the Consumer Protection (E-commerce) Rules, 2020, and guidelines from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, platforms must ensure transparency in all charges. Sellers must be informed about listing fees and any other associated costs before onboarding.

Regulation Under Competition Law

If a dominant platform imposes unfair or discriminatory listing fees, it may fall under scrutiny by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) for abusing market position under the Competition Act, 2002.

Fair Trade Practices Required

Unjustified or hidden listing charges could be considered unfair trade practices under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. All charges should be documented and explained in seller agreements or onboarding contracts.

GST Implications

Listing fees are considered a service and attract Goods and Services Tax (GST). Platforms must issue proper tax invoices and comply with GST regulations.

Different from Commission Fees

Listing fees are typically charged upfront for display or visibility, unlike commission fees, which are based on actual sales. The legality of both depends on mutual agreement and compliance with disclosure norms.

Small Seller Protection Considerations

In some cases, government guidelines (such as those under DPIIT or MSME support schemes) encourage reduced or waived listing fees to support small businesses. While not mandatory, non-compliance with these advisories may affect a platform's public image or regulatory goodwill.

Common Legal Pitfalls to Avoid

Hidden Charges

Platforms should avoid bundling hidden listing fees under vague terms like service charges without explicit definition.

Discriminatory Pricing

Charging different fees to different sellers without clear criteria can lead to legal challenges under competition law.

Unilateral Fee Revisions

Platforms should avoid modifying listing fees without prior notice or consent from sellers, as this may violate principles of fair dealing.

Example

An online service marketplace charges ₹2,000 as a listing fee for tutors to display their profiles. One tutor later discovers that some others were listed for free under a promotional scheme that was not publicly disclosed.

Steps the tutor can take:

• Request a written clarification from the platform regarding their pricing policy.
• File a complaint under the Consumer Protection Act for unfair trade practice if the listing fee was not transparently disclosed.
• Report the matter to the Competition Commission of India if there is evidence of discriminatory pricing affecting fair competition.
• Approach a local consumer forum if the platform refuses to refund or provide a satisfactory resolution.
• Seek GST invoice and ensure tax compliance to avoid being overcharged.