E-Commerce Establishment & Regulatory Framework
Assess marketplace, inventory, seller and service-provider models.
PROFESSIONAL & SECTOR-SPECIFIC ADVISORY · ENVIRONMENTAL, TECHNOLOGY & SECTOR SPECIFIC
E-Commerce
Navigating Digital Commerce Regulation. Protecting Consumer Rights and Business Interests. Enabling Sustainable Online Growth.
E-COMMERCE ADVISORY
Understanding E-Commerce in India
Astronis Global provides integrated corporate, regulatory, legal and business advisory for online marketplaces, inventory-led sellers, direct-to-consumer brands, digital platforms and e-commerce service providers. Support includes marketplace terms, consumer obligations, payments, data, logistics, tax and investment matters.
An e-commerce model is shaped by who sells, who operates the platform, how payments and fulfilment work, and how consumers are engaged. Mapping the operating model helps identify the relevant obligations and allocate responsibilities clearly.
OUR SERVICES FOR E-COMMERCE ADVISORY
Our e-commerce advisory services
Coordinated e-commerce advisory support shaped around your business context and applicable requirements.
Consumer Protection & Marketplace Compliance
Review disclosures, grievance handling, returns, pricing and seller processes.
E-Commerce Contracts, Sellers & Platform Agreements
Draft marketplace, seller, payment, logistics and technology agreements.
Data, Privacy, Payments & Digital Compliance
Coordinate privacy, payment and digital-service considerations.
E-Commerce Investment, Tax & Business Advisory
Support structuring, investment, tax coordination and commercial planning.
Consumer Regulatory Notices & Disputes
Assist with notices, consumer complaints, product and marketplace disputes.
KEY BENEFITS
Why e-commerce advisory matters
An e-commerce model is shaped by who sells, who operates the platform, how payments and fulfilment work, and how consumers are engaged. Mapping the operating model helps identify the relevant obligations and allocate responsibilities clearly.
Considered for your next chapter.
Clarify obligations for…
Clarify obligations for platform and seller roles.
Improve consumer-facing…
Improve consumer-facing disclosures and processes.
Strengthen seller, logistics…
Strengthen seller, logistics and payment contracts.
Reduce regulatory and consumer…
Reduce regulatory and consumer dispute exposure.
Support secure, scalable…
Support secure, scalable digital operations.
Coordinate tax, data and…
Coordinate tax, data and investment workstreams.
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
Legal framework for e-commerce advisory
An e-commerce model is shaped by who sells, who operates the platform, how payments and fulfilment work, and how consumers are engaged. Mapping the operating model helps identify the relevant obligations and allocate responsibilities clearly.
- Consumer Protection Act, 2019
Consumer rights, unfair practices and redressal considerations.
- Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020
Marketplace and inventory model obligations, as applicable.
- Information Technology Act and Rules
Digital platform and intermediary obligations depend on the service.
- Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023
Personal-data processing obligations subject to commencement and applicability.
- GST, payment and foreign investment rules
Tax, payment-system and investment requirements depend on the model and parties.
Clarity for what comes next.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
E-commerce business models
A practical overview of e-commerce advisory considerations. The appropriate route depends on the facts, applicable law and current requirements.
| Features | Parameter | Marketplace | Inventory-Led | Direct-to-Consumer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seller of record | Independent sellers generally list products | Platform entity sells its inventory | Brand sells directly to customer | |
| Platform role | Facilitates third-party transactions | Owns or controls sale inventory | Operates its own sales channel | |
| Key compliance focus | Seller disclosures and grievance process | Product, pricing and consumer obligations | Consumer, privacy and sales processes | |
| Core contracts | Seller, marketplace and logistics terms | Supplier, fulfilment and customer terms | Customer, payment and fulfilment terms | |
| Revenue model | Commission or platform fees | Sale of goods and services | Direct sales and related services |
Use this overview as a starting point for advice on the proposed structure and circumstances.
E-COMMERCE ADVISORY PROCESS
E-commerce advisory process
A clear sequence of decisions and filings, coordinated around complete information and authority processing.
Operating model assessment
Map platform, seller, inventory, payments and fulfilment roles.
Regulatory and consumer review
Identify applicable disclosures, policies and grievance requirements.
Data and payment mapping
Review customer data, payment flows and service providers.
Contract and policy design
Align seller terms, customer policies and vendor agreements.
Launch or expansion readiness
Check product categories, locations and cross-border activity.
Issue and complaint response
Coordinate records, investigation and appropriate responses.
Ongoing compliance review
Monitor changes in products, operations and applicable requirements.
DOCUMENTS & REQUIREMENTS
Documents for e-commerce advisory
The exact checklist depends on the matter, available records and applicable procedure.
- Platform, seller and inventory operating model
- Terms of use, seller agreements and customer policies
- Product catalogue, pricing and disclosure materials
- Payment, logistics and fulfilment contracts
- Privacy notices, data flows and grievance records
- Tax, investment and cross-border business information
PROFESSIONAL FEES & ADVISORY PACKAGES
E-Commerce Advisory professional fees
Fees depend on the matter, complexity, urgency, jurisdictions and agreed scope.
E-Commerce Advisory assessment
On request- Initial matter and document review
- Applicable requirement assessment
- Recommended next steps
E-Commerce Advisory support
On request- Matter-specific planning
- Filing or representation coordination
- Ongoing status and deadline support
Complex or connected requirements
Request a tailored scope for complex matters or connected workstreams related to e-commerce advisory.
Get a QuoteGovernment fees, court charges and third-party costs are confirmed separately against current requirements.
KEY FEATURES
E-Commerce Advisory at a glance
Clarify obligations for platform and seller roles.
Improve consumer-facing disclosures and processes.
Strengthen seller, logistics and payment contracts.
Reduce regulatory and consumer dispute exposure.
Support secure, scalable digital operations.
Coordinate tax, data and investment workstreams.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Browse all FAQs A few useful answers
Common questions about e-commerce advisory and the relevant process.
Do e-commerce rules apply to every online seller?
What is the difference between marketplace and inventory models?
What should marketplace seller terms cover?
Does an online business need a privacy notice?
Can a foreign entity operate an e-commerce business in India?
TESTIMONIALS
Clear advice. Practical direction.
Perspectives shared with permission by clients of our advisory teams.
Astronis Global brought clarity and commercial focus to a complex restructuring exercise. Their advice was practical, timely and easy for our leadership team to act on.
The team understood our regulatory requirements quickly and helped us move forward with confidence. We valued their responsiveness and disciplined follow-through.
Astronis Global provided dependable support across multiple registrations and approvals. Their communication was clear, structured and consistently professional.
KNOWLEDGE CENTRE
Guides, checklists and templates
Practical resources to help plan e-commerce advisory matters.
YOUR NEXT CHAPTER STARTS HERE
Build e-commerce operations on a clear compliance foundation
Align platform responsibilities, customer processes, contracts, data and payments with the way your digital business operates.
Request E-Commerce Advisory