New Delhi: In a significant move to strengthen India’s digital trade ecosystem and promote global competitiveness among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the Government of India has announced the establishment of E-Commerce Export Hubs (ECEHs).
This strategic initiative aims to streamline cross-border e-commerce by offering integrated services under one roof, including customs clearance, quality certification, packaging, warehousing, and support for returns and re-imports.
These E-Commerce export hubs are poised to be game-changers for India’s MSMEs, artisans, and small sellers, offering a cost-effective logistics infrastructure and simplified regulatory processes to facilitate faster, more efficient international trade.
Also Read: Bharat Supply: Connect India and Faarms Merge to Launch Rural Logistics Platform
E-Commerce Export Hubs: Five Pilot Projects in the Pipeline
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), via Trade Notice No. 14/2025 dated August 22, 2024, has invited detailed proposals to operationalize five e-commerce export hubs pilot projects.
These pilot e-commerce export hubs will be implemented with support from logistics service providers to ensure end-to-end facilitation for exporters, including digitally enabled compliance and warehousing solutions.
Key Reforms to Facilitate E-Commerce Exports
The initiative is underpinned by several regulatory and infrastructure reforms across ministries:
- Chapter 9 of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023 promotes digital trade and aims to reduce compliance complexity for cross-border e-commerce.
- Trade Connect ePlatform (https://trade.gov.in) offers exporters real-time access to international trade insights, curated in collaboration with Indian Missions and Export Promotion Councils.
- Courier export value limit increased to ₹10 lakh via CBIC Notification No. 23/2023-Customs, making small-value exports more viable.
- RoDTEP and Duty Drawback benefits extended to courier-mode exports from September 12, 2024, easing cost pressures for small businesses.
- Over 1,013 Dak Ghar Niryat Kendras (DNKs) have been set up by the Department of Posts and CBIC to offer last-mile support in documentation, packaging, and compliance.
The RBI’s draft circular proposes procedural relaxations under EDPMS, enabling AD banks to close shipping bills under ₹10 lakh through quarterly self-declarations by exporters—significantly reducing the compliance burden.
Also Read: Tata Ace Pro Launch Targets INR 1000 Crore Opportunity in Urban Cargo Mobility
Public-Private Partnerships and Global Integration
To ensure seamless execution, the Government has signed MoUs and Letters of Intent (LoIs) with key global e-commerce platforms and domestic logistics players.
These partnerships focus on improving export readiness, building digital trade capabilities, and promoting cross-border e-commerce adoption among Indian SMEs.
Regional DGFT offices, in collaboration with ecosystem stakeholders, have also conducted outreach and capacity-building programs to onboard SME sellers and enhance awareness of international trade procedures.
This comprehensive roadmap was outlined by Jitin Prasada, Minister of State, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, during a written reply in the Lok Sabha, highlighting the government’s commitment to making India a global leader in e-commerce exports.
