DGFT notifies e-commerce export rules with segregated inventory and strict compliance norms
The new framework lets FDI-backed e-commerce firms hold separate Indian inventory for overseas direct-to-consumer sales, provided they use distinct entities, order-linked procurement and digital traceability. Exporters must file annual compliance certification within 90 days of year-end.
What happened
Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) · DGFT has operationalised an export framework allowing FDI-backed e-commerce firms to hold segregated Indian
Key facts
- Five E-commerce Export Hubs are operating as pilots
- Exporters must submit annual compliance certification within 90 days of financial year-end
- Exporters must pay Indian sellers within seven days of accepting goods
- FDI-policy change was announced on July 23
Why this matters
Strategic buyers and partners should prioritize export-capable marketplace, logistics and compliance assets that can support segregated inventory structures and auditable seller-payment flows.
What to watch
- DGFT, RBI, GST or customs clarifications on inventory ownership, export proceeds realization, returns, refunds and related-party transactions.
- Announcements of dedicated export subsidiaries, bonded/segregated fulfillment centers or cross-border seller programs by major Indian marketplaces.
- Growth in e-commerce export shipment volumes, seller participation and destination-country expansion.
- The first annual compliance-certification cycle and any enforcement actions, rejected certifications or penalties.
- Whether platforms pass compliance costs to sellers through higher fulfillment, onboarding or export-service fees.
- Changes in destination-market de minimis thresholds, product-safety rules, VAT obligations or import duties that affect D2C export economics.
- FDI-backed e-commerce companies create or ring-fence dedicated export entities, warehouses, seller contracts and accounting systems.
- Marketplaces build order-level traceability tools linking overseas customer orders, seller procurement, inventory movement, customs documentation and payment settlement.
- Platforms prioritize lightweight, high-value and repeatable categories such as beauty, fashion accessories, home goods, handicrafts, wellness products and electronics accessories.
- Export enablers, logistics firms, customs brokers and compliance-software providers launch packaged services for annual certification and audit readiness.
- Larger sellers consolidate overseas marketplace and direct-to-consumer export operations through platform-led programs, increasing dependence on marketplace fulfillment and cross-border logistics.