Union Minister For Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal announced on Thursday that the National E-commerce Policy is in its final stages of discussion and is poised for imminent announcement.
Addressing the media at a press conference, Goyal stated, “It is in the final stages of discussion at the highest level in the government. We hope to come out very soon.”
The inception of the ecommerce policy dates back to 2018, with an initial draft released in 2019. Multiple rounds of consultations have taken place since then.
Currently, the e-commerce sector falls under the purview of the Information Technology Act, Consumer Protection Act, FDI Policy on ecommerce, and the Competition Act.
The comprehensive policy focuses on six key areas within the e-commerce ecosystem, including data, infrastructure development, e-commerce marketplaces, regulatory issues, stimulating the domestic digital economy, and export promotion through e-commerce.
Officials emphasise that the policy aims to strike a delicate balance between the interests of various stakeholders, encompassing investors, manufacturers, MSMEs (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises), traders, retailers, startups, and consumers.
The consultation phase involving external stakeholders, including representatives from e-commerce companies and traditional retail, concluded in August of this year.
The impending National E-commerce Policy is anticipated to provide a structured framework for the sector, addressing key concerns and fostering a conducive environment for sustainable growth.
