Government seeks proposals to establish e-commerce export hubs

The government invites proposals for e-commerce export hubs to support SMEs at boosting cross-border e-commerce from India, Minister of State for Commerce & Industry Jitin Prasada stated in a recent written reply in Parliament. Designed to streamline export operations and reduce costs and delays, the proposed hubs aim to simplify logistics, customs, and compliance procedures key barriers for smaller exporters. According to the Ministry, five pilot ECEHs have been proposed by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). These will offer integrated services including customs clearance, packaging, quality certification, and off-port warehousing at a single location. In a further push to support e-commerce exports, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has raised the value limit for courier exports to ₹10 lakh. From September 12, 2024, key export incentives such as duty drawback and Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) will also be extended to courier-mode shipments.To strengthen last-mile export support, the Department of Posts, in collaboration