The forum says that any immediate regulatory changes during this crucial period could devastate small sellers who have already committed their limited resources to festive inventory
Highlighting the critical importance of the upcoming festive season for millions of small sellers across India, the India SME Forum noted that any sudden regulatory changes could severely impact their business sustainability. Uncertainty around goods and services tax (GST) slab revisions could dampen consumer spending, potentially impacting millions of sellers nationwide who depend on festive sales.
The India SME Forum emphasised that the festive season, which typically accounts for 35 to 40 per cent of annual sales for small businesses, represents a make-or-break period for numerous micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) who have embraced digital commerce through platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and Meesho.
“Any immediate regulatory changes during this crucial period could devastate small sellers who have already committed their limited resources to festive inventory. We urge regulatory bodies to consider the timing of any new compliance requirements, as they could severely impact seller livelihoods during their most critical business period. It is equally important for the government to follow up on the clarion call and announce the slab so that consumers can celebrate in style,” stated Vinod Kumar, President, India SME Forum.
The forum emphasised how digital marketplaces have democratised access to nationwide markets for small sellers, enabling them to compete effectively with larger retailers. This digital transformation has been particularly vital for small town businesses, who now reach customers across India, the statement noted.
“Any sudden regulatory changes now would not only threaten our festive sales but disrupt supply and erodetrust in India’s digital marketplaces, potentially setting back thousands of digital-first businesses by years,” highlighted Amandeep Budhiraja, owner of JustToyz.
The India SME Forum has encouraged more small businesses to embrace digital opportunities while requesting regulatory bodies to ensure stable policy environment during critical business periods.
