Centre Starts Inventory-Based Framework for Cross-Border E-Commerce Exports

The Story in Brief

The Centre has operationalised an inventory-based framework for cross-border e-commerce exports from India, effective 5 August 2026. The system permits inventory-based e-commerce only for exports. A registered exporter-on-record must buy goods from Indian sellers-on-record against confirmed overseas orders and ship them in its own name.

Export inventory must be separately identified, digitally recorded and kept out of India’s domestic market. Exporter-on-record firms will handle documentation, customs, testing, packaging, logistics and destination-country compliance. They must also track shipments, pay sellers on time, disclose final sale prices, certify compliance annually and follow rules for rebates, refunds and returned goods.