E-Commerce Export Hubs to Boost Cross-Border Trade for Indian SMEs and Artisans

India’s global trade landscape is rapidly evolving, with digital commerce emerging as a powerful driver for inclusive economic growth. Recognizing this, the Government of India has launched the E-Commerce Export Hubs (ECEHs) initiative—a game-changing measure designed to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs), artisans, and startups in accessing international markets efficiently. Announced in Parliament by Minister of State for Commerce & Industry, Shri Jitin Prasada, the scheme aims to provide dedicated, integrated infrastructure and regulatory support, significantly lowering entry barriers for cross-border e-commerce exporters.

What Are E-Commerce Export Hubs?

ECEHs are dedicated zones or clusters equipped with all the necessary facilities and regulatory services required for cross-border e-commerce exports at a single location. The focus is on reducing the logistical, compliance, and cost challenges faced by India’s small businesses, which often deter them from tapping global digital marketplaces.

Key features of ECEHs:

• Integrated Services:

  • Customs clearance

  • Quality certification

  • Packaging solutions

  • Off-port warehousing

  • Streamlined handling of re-imports/returns

• One-Stop Facilitation: Exporters can complete all formalities at the hub, saving time and resources.

• Target Audience: SMEs, artisans, local brands, and small business owners.

Pilot Projects and Implementation

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), through Trade Notice No. 14/2025 (22.08.2024), has invited detailed proposals to operationalize the first five ECEH pilot projects. Some hubs are planned in collaboration with logistics service providers to guarantee seamless integration of warehousing, packaging, shipping, and regulatory services.

These pilots are expected to serve as models for future expansion, offering valuable insights for a nationwide rollout of the ECEH framework.

Major Government Reforms Supporting E-Commerce Exports

The government has rolled out a suite of complementary reforms to simplify procedures and empower exporters:

1. Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023

• Chapter 9 of FTP 2023 is dedicated to fostering cross-border digital trade, providing a policy umbrella for all e-commerce export initiatives.

2. Digital Support and Information Platforms

• Trade Connect ePlatform:

  • Provides small exporters with easy access to global trade information.

  • Aggregates data from Indian Missions, Export Promotion Councils, and Commodity Boards.

  • Features handbooks, knowledge resources, and links to outreach events like Niryat Bandhu programmes.

3. Customs and Logistics Simplification

• Enhanced Courier Value Limit:

  • The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), via Notification No. 23/2023-Customs (31.03.2023), has increased the maximum value for courier exports to ₹10 lakh.

• Duty Remissions for Courier Exports:

  • Duty Drawback and RoDTEP benefits are now extended to courier-mode exports from 12.09.2024, making small-value e-commerce shipments more competitive internationally.

4. Dak Ghar Niryat Kendras (DNKs) and Postal Support

• 1,013 DNKs established across India, providing last-mile support for small exporters with:

  • Documentation

  • Packaging

  • Regulatory guidance

• International Tracked Packet Service to 41 countries, offering discounted rates to benefit MSMEs.

5. Banking and Procedural Easing

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed procedural relaxations under the Export Data Processing and Monitoring System (EDPMS):

  • Authorized Dealer (AD) banks can now close shipping bills up to ₹10 lakh based on exporters’ quarterly declarations.

  • Eases compliance burden and accelerates payment reconciliation for small, frequent exporters.

Public-Private Partnerships and Global Outreach

The government has signed MoUs and Letters of Intent with leading global e-commerce platforms and domestic logistics players. These partnerships are directed towards:

• Awareness-building among potential exporters

• Training programs on e-commerce export readiness

• Streamlining onboarding and compliance for MSME sellers

DGFT’s Regional Authorities are proactively conducting outreach and capacity-building workshops in collaboration with industry leaders, facilitating onboarding, and offering hands-on guidance to new exporters.

The Road Ahead: Enabling an Export-Driven Digital India

The ECEH initiative is expected to revolutionize India’s cross-border e-commerce landscape. By creating an ecosystem where regulatory, logistical, and knowledge barriers are minimized, the government is opening new avenues for millions of Indian businesses—especially those in remote and rural areas—to participate in the global digital economy.

The streamlined processes, strong policy backing, and robust public-private partnerships mark a new era for “Digital Bharat, Export Bharat,” making Indian products more accessible worldwide and empowering local entrepreneurs to thrive internationally.