DGFT Expands Trade Connect Eligibility To DPIIT-Recognised Startups

New Delhi, Aug 8 (KNN) The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has expanded the eligibility criteria for the 'Source from India' service on the Trade Connect ePlatform to include eligible DPIIT-recognised startups, with the aim of boosting innovation-led
exports and enhancing the global visibility of Indian startups.

Trade Connect Opens Buyer Discovery Platform To Startups
The revised framework, notified through Trade Notice No. 16 dated August 6, 2026, allows eligible startups recognised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to create dedicated microsites on the government's digital buyer discovery platform.

Trade Connect, developed by the Department of Commerce, serves as a one-stop digital platform connecting Indian exporters with trade-related services and international buyers. Its 'Source from India' feature enables exporters to showcase their products and capabilities through dedicated digital profiles.

Special Onboarding Provision Introduced For Early-Stage Exporters
Under the new framework, DPIIT-recognised startups meeting the existing eligibility criteria can create microsites on the platform and will be identified with a Start-up Badge, making them easier for overseas buyers to discover.

The DGFT has also introduced a special onboarding provision for early-stage exporters.

DPIIT-recognised startups holding a valid Import Export Code (IEC) that is not listed in the Denied Entity List (DEL) will be eligible to join the platform even if they do not meet the standard export performance criteria. Their onboarding will be subject to verification
through the DGFT's IEC database.

Move Aims To Strengthen Innovation-Led Exports
The government said the initiative is expected to strengthen the participation of innovation-driven enterprises in global trade by improving their visibility on an official government platform while supporting export diversification and technology-led products and services.

Startups already registered on Trade Connect and linked to eligible IECs will automatically receive the option to create their 'Source from India' microsites through their dashboard. The DGFT has also issued a user guide to facilitate registration and profile creation.

Expanded Eligibility Seeks To Boost Export Competitiveness
The expanded eligibility builds on an earlier framework that allowed all valid IEC holders meeting prescribed export realisation criteria to access the platform.

By extending the facility to startups, the government aims to create new export opportunities for innovative enterprises and strengthen India's global export competitiveness.

(KNN Bureau)