Centre notes that the objective is to reduce the cost and time associated with logistics, streamlining regulatory processes
With cost-effective Logistics and streamlined regulatory processes, the Ecommerce Export Hubs (ECEHs) initiative is directed towards supporting the Indian small and medium enterprises (SME), the Centre told Parliament.
In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State (MoS) for the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Jitin Prasada, highlighted that the initiative aims to provide dedicated zones for facilitating cross-border ecommerce exports from India.
The objective is to support SMEs, artisans, and small businesses by reducing the cost and time associated with logistics, streamlining regulatory processes, and simplifying re-imports for ecommerce returns or rejects, the MoS added in the official response. ECEHs shall provide integrated services at a single location, encompassing customs clearance, quality certification, packaging, and off-port warehousing.
To streamline customs, logistics, and compliance procedures for small exporters, particularly in the context of ecommerce exports, the Centre has taken steps, the MoS noted, while emphasising that the trade connect e-platform has been introduced to provide small exporters with access to international trade-related information.
“It integrates inputs from Indian missions, export promotion councils, and commodity boards. Outreach through Niryat Bandhu programmes and handbooks on ecommerce exports have also been undertaken,” Prasada highlighted.
The Reserve Bank of India has issued a draft circular proposing procedural relaxations for small-value exporters under the Export Data Processing and Monitoring System (EDPMS). The circular shall enable Authorised Dealer (AD) banks to close shipping bills up to Rs 10 lakh based on quarterly declarations from exporters confirming realisation and value adjustments, thereby reducing compliance burden and streamlining reconciliation for small consignments.
The MoS pointed out that some of the proposed ECEHs are to be implemented directly by logistics service providers to ensure integrated delivery of warehousing, packaging, and regulatory facilitation. In addition, the Government has entered into Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) and signed Letters of Intent (LoIs) with key stakeholders, including global ecommerce platforms and domestic logistics providers.
