New National E-Commerce Policy In Final Stages, No More Drafts Planned: Reports

The upcoming national e-commerce policy is reaching its finalisation phase, with a senior government official confirming that no additional draft will be released to seek stakeholder input. 

As per media reports, formulated by the commerce ministry, this policy has garnered consensus among concerned parties after an in-depth discussion held by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) in August.

The commerce ministry is fine-tuning the new e-commerce policy, which has undergone constructive discussions with representatives from e-commerce companies and domestic traders' associations. This collaborative approach has led to a consensus among stakeholders regarding the proposed policy's content and direction.

Regarding data localization, the official emphasised that e-commerce companies must adhere to the country's laws. Compliance with regulatory requirements, particularly data-related, is integral to the forthcoming e-commerce policy's implementation.

The e-commerce policy's journey has seen two prior draft versions. The 2019 draft addressed diverse aspects of the e-commerce ecosystem, encompassing data, infrastructure, marketplaces, regulatory concerns, digital economy stimulation, and export promotion through e-commerce.

Key elements of the draft included a framework for cross-border data flow restrictions, sensitive data handling, measures against counterfeit products and prohibited items, and potential re-evaluation of custom duties on electronic transmissions in light of evolving digital landscapes.

Additionally, it proposed avenues for bolstering exports via e-commerce and establishing robust domestic data storage capabilities.

The upcoming policy aims to be inclusive, safeguarding the interests of investors, manufacturers, MSMEs, traders, startups, retailers, and consumers. Concurrently, the government is crafting consumer protection regulations tailored to the e-commerce sector.

The e-commerce policy seeks to foster a favourable environment for the e-commerce sector's growth by streamlining regulations, embracing technological advancements, enhancing supply chain integration, and promoting exports. Notably, foreign online retailers operating under the marketplace model must abide by FDI norms, with inventory-based models remaining ineligible for foreign investment.

As the national e-commerce policy enters its concluding phase, stakeholders' consensus marks a pivotal step toward the growth and harmonisation of the sector. The policy's focus on regulatory compliance, data protection, and inclusive growth underscores its significance in shaping India's e-commerce landscape.

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