In a significant move to empower small businesses and promote cross-border e-commerce, the Government of India has launched the E-Commerce Export Hubs (ECEHs) initiative. The aim is to create dedicated zones to support SMEs, artisans, and small exporters by lowering logistics costs, streamlining regulatory procedures, and simplifying processes for e-commerce returns and re-imports. These hubs will offer a single-window ecosystem that includes services like customs clearance, packaging, quality certification, and off-port warehousing—all in one location.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), through Trade Notice No. 14/2025 dated 22 August 2024, has invited proposals for implementing five pilot ECEH projects. These pilots are expected to serve as models for scaling up the initiative nationwide.
To complement the ECEHs, the government has undertaken several reforms to ease customs, logistics, and compliance burdens for small exporters. The Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023, particularly Chapter 9, outlines strategies to promote digital cross-border trade. Additionally, the Trade Connect ePlatform has been launched to provide exporters with access to real-time international trade information. This platform integrates inputs from Indian Missions, Export Promotion Councils, and Commodity Boards, and supports exporter education through outreach programs such as Niryat Bandhu and handbooks on e-commerce exports.
In another supportive measure, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), through Notification No. 23/2023-Customs, raised the value limit for courier exports to ?10 lakh. Export duty remission schemes such as Duty Drawback and RoDTEP have also been extended to cover courier-mode exports since 12 September 2024.
Further strengthening last-mile assistance, the Department of Posts, in partnership with CBIC, has set up 1,013 Dak Ghar Niryat Kendras (DNKs). These centres help exporters with packaging, documentation, and compliance. The International Tracked Packet Service, currently operational in 41 countries, offers volume-based discounts designed to benefit small exporters.
The Reserve Bank of India has also proposed procedural relaxations under the Export Data Processing and Monitoring System (EDPMS). Under the draft circular, Authorised Dealer banks will be allowed to close shipping bills valued up to ?10 lakh based on quarterly declarations by exporters confirming payment realisation and value adjustments. This step is expected to simplify compliance and streamline export reconciliation for small consignments.
Some of the upcoming ECEHs will be implemented directly by logistics service providers, enabling seamless integration of warehousing, packaging, and regulatory services. The government has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and Letters of Intent (LoIs) with both domestic logistics firms and global e-commerce platforms to promote awareness, strengthen SME export capabilities, and encourage cross-border trade.
Regional DGFT authorities are also actively involved in capacity-building and outreach programs, aimed at onboarding more SME sellers and familiarising them with export procedures.
This information was shared by the Minister of State for Commerce & Industry, Shri Jitin Prasada, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.