ENA MSME 2025-09-12 17:42:59 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>New Delhi, Sep 12 (KNN)</strong> The government is preparing to hold consultations with industry stakeholders to frame a policy allowing inventory-based e-commerce exports, in a move aimed at opening global markets for small and medium sellers. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) will convene a meeting on September 15, expected to be attended by Amazon, Walmart-owned Flipkart, logistics firms, and other government departments, according to agenda documents reviewed by TOI.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">At present, foreign e-commerce marketplaces are prohibited from holding inventory under Indias foreign direct investment (FDI) policy. Introducing an inventory-led framework exclusively for exports would mark a significant departure from current norms. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Officials said the proposal has been under discussion for more than a year but has gained urgency amid signs of a possible resumption of India-US trade talks and the recent decision by the US to withdraw duty-free import provisions for packages worth up to USD 800, a move that has impacted small Indian exporters.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Less than 10 percent of Indian MSMEs selling online currently participate in e-commerce exports, constrained by compliance requirements, documentation hurdles, and high logistics costs. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Studies show nearly 87 percent of enterprises onboarded between 2020 and 2024 exited the segment by 2025.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">According to an agenda note shared by DGFT and reviewed by TOI, The proposal envisages a third-party export facilitation model, wherein a dedicated export entity linked to e-commerce platforms would handle compliance, logistics, and customs processes. This would allow MSMEs to focus on product development, quality, and branding. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The note further said that implementing the move may require updates to DPIITs FDI guidelines, including a review of the prohibition on inventory-based e-commerce for export-only models.</span></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-size:14px">(KNN Bureau)</span></strong></em></p> 43486 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/msme/govt-to-hold-talks-on-policy-for-inventory-led-e-commerce-exports-to-support-msmes 2025-09-12 17:42:59 knnindia.co.in