E-commerce exports will get a boost, DGFT, Revenue Department are working together
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) is working closely with the Department of Revenue to promote e-commerce exports from the country. Under this, designated e-commerce centers will be established across the country so that the process of online export can be made consistent. According to industry sources, at present the country’s e-commerce exports are $2 billion, while China’s exports are $350 billion. He said the government aims to bridge this gap by establishing a collaborative e-commerce ecosystem.
Working together with Revenue Department
Director General of Foreign Trade Santosh Kumar Sarangi said, “Many things need to be streamlined in this regard. We are working with the Revenue Department to set up e-commerce centers so that clearance of goods can be expedited. He said that these centers will have facilities like dedicated customs and security checks, so that before Parcels approved by the Air Transport Department can be processed through the ‘Green Channel’ at the airports and will not require further verification.
Government will look after security and fees
Sarangi said this approach reflects best practices adopted in other countries. He said that the construction and maintenance of the e-commerce center will be done by private entities, while the government will look after the security and customs clearance. Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare warned e-commerce companies against implementing deceptive user interface designs known as ‘dark patterns’.
He said that such behavior is a violation of consumer rights and amounts to unfair trade.