East Jaintia Hills Cracks Down on Illegal Courier Fees

Shillong: East Jaintia Hills officials issued a sharp warning to logistics companies and delivery drivers today. The district administration told firms to stop demanding extra cash from buyers after already-paid orders arrived. Customers reported being shaken down for hidden delivery fees, even on orders advertised as free shipping.

Drivers often demanded payments on the spot without handing over official receipts. The administration says this practice must end now. The Deputy Commissioner stated that delivery staff must not pressure, compel or intimidate consumers into paying charges that are not part of the order value or an officially notified fee.

Companies must ensure every extra fee is clearly disclosed during the checkout process. If a legitimate charge applies, the firm must provide a formal receipt through an authorized payment system. No courier can harass a customer or withhold a package just because a person refuses to pay an unlisted fee. Agencies are now required to conduct internal probes into these practices.

The government issued this advisory under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020. Residents should save all order records and delivery messages if they encounter these demands. Report any shakedowns directly to the e-commerce platforms or local consumer grievance authorities.