The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has put out a call for proposals that could help catapult India's cross-border online sales to new heights. By soliciting suggestions on establishing e-commerce export hubs, the government aims to remove roadblocks that currently hinder the booming e-trade sector.
According to a notification by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, detailed plans are invited for setting up e-commerce export hubs across strategic locations nationwide. Once operational, these specialized centers will streamline procedures to ensure speedy customs clearances for online exports. They will also facilitate hassle-free returns and exchanges to boost buyer confidence internationally.
Bringing together key logistics providers and stakeholders under one roof, the hubs aim to foster collaboration. This “one-stop-shop” approach is expected to introduce predictability for exporters. By cutting through red tape and reducing clearance times, India's budding digital merchants can tap lucrative overseas demand more profitably.
The proposal calls come after the Finance Minister highlighted e-commerce as a priority area to diversify exports beyond traditional sectors. While neighboring countries have used similar setups to great effect, India's online shipments currently account for just over 1% of total exports. With dedicated support structures, industry experts forecast cross-border e-sales growing over tenfold to $350 billion annually by 2030.
Interested parties have been requested to submit comprehensive plans outlining location preferences, infrastructure requirements and technology integration needed at future hubs. Details will be finalized after a thorough evaluation of viable submissions. The first phase intends to establish 10-15 centers nationwide, starting with key metropolitan and industrial areas.
This move forms part of the government's vision to boost exports to $1 trillion by decade's end. With e-commerce presenting immense untapped potential, the e-hubs are expected to give Indian businesses expanded global reach through simplified digital trade.
