Govt Invites Public Comments On Draft Digital Trade Facilitation Bill, 2026

New Delhi, Feb 18 (KNN) The Government of India has invited public comments on the draft Digital Trade Facilitation Bill, 2026, aimed at strengthening the legal framework for electronic trade documentation and cross-border digital trade systems.

In a Trade Notice issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, stakeholders have been invited to submit feedback on the proposed legislation within 30 days.

The move follows the announcement in the Union Budget 2025–26 regarding the implementation of Bharat Trade Net as a digital public infrastructure for trade.

Addressing Legal Gaps in Digital Trade

According to the DGFT, the existing legal framework does not adequately recognise electronic trade documents nor does it provide a comprehensive foundation for cross-border digital trust services. This limitation constrains interoperability with global digital trade systems.

To address these gaps, the draft Digital Trade Facilitation Bill, 2026 has been prepared. The proposed legislation seeks to provide statutory recognition to electronic trade documents, enable trusted digital verification mechanisms, and facilitate secure cross-border exchange of trade records.

Consultation Process

A copy of the draft Bill has been placed in the annexure to the Trade Notice for consultation. Exporters, trade bodies, export promotion councils, industry associations, academia and legal experts have been invited to submit their comments, suggestions and feedback through the designated DGFT email address within the stipulated 30-day period.

The initiative is expected to support India’s efforts to modernise its trade ecosystem and align domestic regulations with evolving global digital trade standards.

(KNN Bureau)