DIPP discusses gifts from overseas, logistics issues for e-commerce policy

NEW DELHI: The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) discussed issues related to gifts coming in from other countries into India and logistics with industry, as part of the ongoing consultations for the draft e-commerce policy.

“We are working on a draft e-commerce policy. Discussions have happened on two key issues- gifts coming in from overseas and the issues of delivery partners,” said a senior official aware of the details.

The department, along with other ministries concerned is also deliberating payment mechanism, ways to control sale of counterfeit products through online platforms, and facilitating logistics for the sector.


“The problem with online gifts coming from abroad is that most of these are from Chinese websites which are popular for cheap products. One can import directly from these and get them delivered wherever desired in the country. This has a direct bearing on domestic manufacturing,” said an expert on e-commerce issues.

DIPP has also met with leading courier and logistics companies which provide services such as warehousing, inventory, packing, shipping and tracking for customised last-mile deliveries.

ET had reported in September that a standing panel chaired by industry secretary was relooking the e-commerce policy, the first draft of which was put forward by the Department of Commerce. The government had in late September made DIPP the nodal authority for all matters related to e-commerce.

The panel will also come up with a definition of e-commerce.

“We also discussed ways to boost exports,” the official said.

The government has already increased the export incentives to Rs 5 lakh per consignment from Rs 25,000 earlier for handloom products, books and periodicals, leather footwear, toys and customised fashion garments through courier or foreign post offices using e-commerce.