DGFT clears export-only inventory model for foreign-funded ecommerce firms

New DGFT rules let foreign-funded ecommerce companies hold inventory against confirmed export orders through registered exporters-on-record, with safeguards against domestic diversion and speculative stockpiling. The move aims to bring more Indian MSMEs into cross-border ecommerce.

— Source publishedWed, 5 Aug, 2026, 15:24 IST·First seen Wed, 5 Aug, 2026, 15:34 IST·Source YourStory · Capital

What happened

Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) · DGFT notified rules allowing foreign-funded ecommerce firms to hold inventory solely for confirmed export orders

Key facts

  • July 23
  • less than $5 billion
  • $350 billion
  • $800 billion
  • $2 trillion by 2030

Why this matters

The new framework makes partnerships or acquisitions involving exporter-on-record providers, export logistics firms, and MSME enablement platforms more strategically valuable to ecommerce players pursuing Indian cross-border growth.