Centre operationalises inventory-based framework for e-commerce exports

The commerce ministry has operationalised a regulatory framework for inventory-based cross-border e-commerce, restricted solely to exports, under an order effective 5 August that follows a Foreign Direct Investment policy change made through Press Note No. 3 of 2026, Hindustan Times reported. Under the framework, a registered exporter-on-record must buy goods from Indian sellers-on-record only against confirmed overseas orders, then export them under its own name while handling documentation, customs, testing, certification, packaging, labelling and logistics in the destination country. Export stock has to be tracked through a digital repository and kept separate from goods meant for India's domestic market, with sellers guaranteed timely payment regardless of when the exporter is paid, visibility into final sale prices and shipment status, proportional rebates and refunds, and defined handling of returned or rejected consignments. Annual compliance certification is mandatory under the framework.