The government has invited detailed proposals for setting up e-commerce export hubs (ECEHs) to support cross-border e-commerce from India, the Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Jitin Prasada, informed in a written reply in Parliament recently.
The initiative aims to facilitate small and medium enterprises (SMEs), artisans, and other small businesses by reducing logistics-related costs and timelines, streamlining regulatory processes, and simplifying procedures related to e-commerce returns.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has proposed five pilot projects under the initiative. These hubs are intended to offer integrated services at a single location, including customs clearance, quality certification, packaging, and off-port warehousing.
The minister informed that The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has raised the value limit for courier exports to ₹10 lakh. Export duty remissions, such as duty drawback and remission of duties and taxes on export products, have been extended to courier-mode exports from 12 September 2024.
The Department of Posts, in collaboration with CBIC, has established Dak Ghar Niryat Kendras (DNKs) to help exporters with documentation, packaging, and compliance. A total of 1,013 DNKs have been notified. The International Tracked Packet Service, which covers 41 countries, offers volume-based discounts to exporters.
In addition, the Reserve Bank of India has issued a draft circular proposing procedural relaxations for small-value exporters under the Export Data Processing and Monitoring System. The circular enables authorised dealer banks to close shipping bills up to ₹10 lakh based on quarterly declarations from exporters regarding realisation and value adjustments.
Logistics and industry partnerships
Some ECEHs are expected to be implemented by logistics service providers to ensure integrated delivery of warehousing, packaging, and regulatory services. The government has signed Memoranda of Understanding and Letters of Intent with e-commerce platforms and domestic logistics firms to promote cross-border trade and build awareness among MSMEs.
Regional DGFT authorities have also undertaken outreach and training activities to support small exporters and familiarise them with export procedures.