Food License Fees in India: A Complete List, Steps, and More
06 Dec, 2025
By Online Legal India
Published On 12 Jan 2023
Updated On 24 Oct 2025
Category ODR
India and China have developed significant trade relations over the years. Many Chinese companies are actively operating in the Indian market, offering a diverse range of products and services. However, Indian consumers and businesses sometimes face challenges. These include receiving defective goods, falling victim to service fraud, or experiencing delayed payments. Such issues can lead to financial losses and frustration. Therefore, it is important to understand your legal rights and know how to file a complaint to seek a proper resolution. In this blog, you will learn how to file a complaint against a Chinese company in India.
Indian consumers and businesses may face several issues when dealing with Chinese companies. Here are the common reasons to file a complaint against a Chinese Company:
Defective or Low-Quality Products
Many Chinese companies fail to deliver products that match the promised standards. Buyers often receive goods that are broken, poorly assembled, or entirely different from the sample shown.
Non-Delivery or Delayed Delivery
Some companies accept full or partial payment but do not ship the product. In other cases, they take much longer than agreed to deliver, which leads to business losses or missed deadlines.
Fake or Counterfeit Goods
Buyers often receive fake items instead of original products. This is common in sectors like electronics, fashion, and accessories. Such goods violate intellectual property rights and damage brand reputation.
Breach of Contract
Chinese companies sometimes ignore key terms in signed agreements. This includes failure to meet quantity, quality, or delivery terms, which creates trust issues and affects business operations.
Non-Payment Issues
Indian exporters face non-payment problems after sending goods or services. The Chinese company either delays the payment or refuses to pay without valid reasons, causing financial stress.
Misleading Advertisements
Some sellers promote false features of their products to attract buyers. Once delivered, the product does not match the claims made in the advertisement, which misleads customers.
Cyber Fraud or Online Scams
Scammers often create fake websites or use false identities to pose as sellers. They collect advance payments from Indian buyers and disappear without sending any goods.
Intellectual Property Theft
Chinese companies sometimes copy original Indian designs, logos, or products and sell them without permission. This causes legal issues and reduces the value of Indian innovation.
Here is a step-by-step process to file a complaint about its internal grievance or support mechanism:
Step 1: Visit the Company’s Official Website
Go to the official website of the Chinese company. Reputed companies usually list verified contact details, customer service options, and helpdesk links. This is the first place to find the right complaint channels.
Step 2: Find the Customer Service or Support Section
Look for a section marked as "Customer Service," "Help Center," or "Complaint." This area provides specific instructions or contact forms to raise product or service-related concerns.
Step 3: Use the Complaint Form or Official Email
Fill out the complaint form if available. If not, send an email to the official support or complaint address listed on the site. Always use the contact given on the official site to avoid fraud or miscommunication.
Step 4: Write a Clear and Formal Complaint
Mention your full name, contact details, product or order number, and a summary of the issue. Describe the problem with facts, without emotion. Attach all related documents like payment proofs, photographs, or delivery slips. Mention your expected solution, such as a refund or replacement.
Step 5: Keep a Copy of All Communications
Save every email or message sent to the company. Keep a record of dates and replies received. These documents serve as proof in case you need to escalate the matter.
Step 6: Follow Up with the Company
If the company does not respond within 7 to 10 days, send a reminder. Use the same communication channel to show continuity.
Step 7: Reach Out to Higher Authorities within the Company
If the support team fails to respond or resolve the complaint, look for the contact details of senior officials. Email the company’s legal or grievance redressal team for escalation.
However, not all Chinese companies have a transparent complaint resolution process. In such cases, escalate the issue through official Indian channels like Consumer Forums and Online Dispute Resolution (ODR).
Below is the step-by-step process to file a complaint against a Chinese company through the Consumer Forum:
Step 1: Collect All Necessary Evidence
Start by gathering all relevant documents. Note down the order number, invoice, payment reference, product description, and date of purchase. Take screenshots of the Chinese company’s website or app where the issue appears, such as product mismatch, fake goods, or failed delivery. Save chat records, emails, and complaint numbers issued by the company. Keep bank statements that show payments made. These documents support your claim and help prove the company’s fault.
Step 2: Issue a Legal Notice to the Chinese Company
Before filing a consumer complaint, send a legal notice to the company. Mention your name, issue details, order reference, and the relief you seek, such as a refund, replacement, or compensation. The response deadline is within 15-30 days. Send the notice to the company’s registered address (if available) through Registered Post with Acknowledgement Due (RPAD). Keep the postal receipt as proof of communication.
Step 3: Choose the Right Consumer Forum Based on Claim Amount
Select the appropriate consumer forum based on the total value of your claim:
District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (DCDRC): If your total claim is Rs. 1 crore or less, you can file your complaint with the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission.
State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (SCDRC): If your claim falls between Rs. 1 crore to Rs. 10 crore, you can take your complaint to the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission for appropriate resolution.
National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC): If your claim is more than Rs. 10 crore, you can approach the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission for help.
File the case where you reside or where the transaction occurred.
Step 4: Draft and File the Complaint
Write a complaint stating the problem, the company’s failure, and the loss suffered. Attach copies of the documents given below:
Legal notice and postal proof
All evidence from Step 1
Past communication with the company
You can file the complaint in person or online through the official consumer complaint portal.
Step 5: Attend the Hearing and Present Your Case
After acceptance, the forum sends a notice to the company. Appear on the hearing date and present your case with supporting documents. Answer questions clearly and respectfully.
However, you can approach a better and more convenient option is Online Dispute Resolution (ODR). It offers a quicker and cheaper way to handle disputes. The entire process takes place online. Thus, ODR is better than a consumer forum as there is no need for court visits, long waiting periods, or complex legal steps.
What is Online Dispute Resolution?
Online Dispute Resolution is an entirely digital system for resolving disputes, utilising technology-driven platforms to facilitate every stage from the initial filing and evidence submission to virtual hearings, negotiations, and final decisions. It incorporates traditional dispute resolution methods such as negotiation, mediation, and arbitration, all conducted online via tools like video conferencing, chat, and secure document sharing. This comprehensive online workflow enables parties to engage in dispute resolution without needing to meet in person, making the process more convenient and accessible while maintaining the structured framework of Alternative Dispute Resolution methods.
Why Choose Online Dispute Resolution?
Consumers prefer ODR for several reasons:
Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) significantly cuts down on expenses related to travel, legal representation, and court fees. Since the entire process takes place digitally, parties can save both time and money that would otherwise be spent attending physical hearings or waiting through lengthy legal procedures. Most disputes are resolved in a matter of days or weeks instead of the months—or even years—it often takes in traditional courts.
ODR platforms are designed to be user-friendly and available around the clock, allowing participants to engage in the process from anywhere in the world. This makes it especially beneficial for cross-border or interstate disputes where physical presence can be challenging. Whether you’re a consumer or a business, you can submit evidence, communicate with the other party, and attend virtual hearings—all from the comfort of your home or office.
Unlike traditional court proceedings that are often public, ODR ensures a higher degree of confidentiality. Sensitive documents, communications, and decisions are securely handled through encrypted digital platforms. This protects the privacy of both parties and provides a safe, confidential environment for resolving disputes without public exposure.
How to File a Complaint through ODR?
Filing a complaint through Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) is simple and follows a structured process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Collect All Relevant Evidence
Before initiating your complaint, gather all documents and proofs that support your claim. These may include:
Having organized and clear evidence strengthens your case and speeds up the resolution process.
Step 2: Submit Your Dispute Through an ODR Platform
You can file your complaint either through an official Government ODR Portal or a private ODR platform, such as Online Legal India. Provide all necessary details, attach supporting documents, and describe your issue clearly. The platform will appoint a neutral mediator. The mediator will send the mediation notice to the other party.
Step 3: Participate in Mediation Proceedings
During the mediation, the mediator facilitates discussions between you and the other party via email, chat, or video call. Both parties present their viewpoints and approach for a resolution.
After the mediation process, the mediator will provide a mediation report summarizing the discussions and recommendations. Based on this report, a settlement is determined. Possible outcomes may include:
Step 4: Settlement
If mediation is successful, the agreement is documented, and both parties are expected to comply with the terms. If you need assistance in filling your dispute, get in touch with Online Legal India.
A complaint against a Chinese company in India can be filed through proper legal and government-approved channels, such as ODR or consumer forums. It is important to collect all necessary documents and proof to support the claim. Understanding the correct process and choosing the right platform improves the chances of a fair resolution. If you need any assistance for filling your complaint, get in touch with Online Legal India.
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