Centre Rolls Out Cross-Border E-Commerce Export Framework
New FTP framework enables export-only inventory operations while ensuring safeguards for Indian sellers and MSMEs
- Framework notified under Foreign Trade Policy 2023.
- Registered Exporters-on-Record can manage export-only inventory operations.
- Indian sellers get safeguards on payments, transparency and export benefits.
- Digital records and inventory traceability made mandatory.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 5th Aug: The Government of India on Wednesday operationalised the Inventory-based Cross-border E-Commerce Export Framework under the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023, aimed at expanding global market access for Indian manufacturers, artisans and MSMEs.
The framework has been notified through Notification No. 27/2026-27 and Public Notice No. 25/2026-27, both dated August 5, 2026.
Under the new system, eligible e-commerce entities can undertake export-only inventory operations through a registered Exporter-on-Record (EOR). The EOR will procure products from Indian Sellers-on-Record against confirmed overseas orders and handle exports in its own name.
The EOR can manage export documentation, customs procedures, destination-country compliance, product testing and certification, packaging, labelling, logistics and reverse logistics. This is expected to reduce the compliance burden on Indian businesses seeking access to international markets.
The framework also introduces safeguards to protect domestic sellers. Export inventory can be procured only against confirmed overseas orders, while speculative inventory build-up is prohibited. Goods meant for export must be separately identified and tracked through a digital repository and cannot be diverted to the domestic market.
Indian sellers must receive payments within prescribed timelines regardless of whether payment has been received from overseas buyers. Export rebates and refunds will also have to be passed on proportionately to sellers based on the FOB value of their goods.
Sellers will additionally receive information on final sale prices, order status and shipment tracking. Annual compliance certification and maintenance of digital records have been mandated to strengthen regulatory oversight.
The government expects the framework to increase the participation of Indian manufacturers, traders and MSMEs in global e-commerce supply chains while ensuring transparency, timely payments and effective transfer of export benefits.
