In a major step toward empowering Indian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the global digital economy, the Government of India has introduced the E-Commerce Export Hubs (ECEHs) initiative. These hubs are designed to act as dedicated zones that facilitate seamless cross-border e-commerce exports, primarily benefiting SMEs, artisans, and small businesses.
The core objective of ECEHs is to drastically reduce logistics costs and time delays that small exporters often face. These hubs will provide integrated services at a single location—including customs clearance, packaging, quality certification, and off-port warehousing—allowing exporters to manage the entire process efficiently and cost-effectively. This is especially significant for SMEs, who typically lack the resources and infrastructure to navigate the complexities of international trade.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), through Trade Notice No. 14/2025 dated 22.08.2024, has invited proposals for five ECEH pilot projects. These pilots are expected to serve as a blueprint for expanding the initiative across India.
Logistics and regulatory procedures have also been significantly simplified. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), through Notification No. 23/2023-Customs, increased the value limit for courier exports to ₹10 lakh. Export duty benefits such as Duty Drawback and RoDTEP are now extended to courier-mode shipments, effective from 12.09.2024—further encouraging small-scale exporters.
To bridge the last-mile gap in export logistics, Dak Ghar Niryat Kendras (DNKs) have been launched by the Department of Posts in collaboration with CBIC. With 1,013 DNKs already operational, these centers assist exporters with packaging, documentation, and compliance. The International Tracked Packet Service, which now covers 41 countries, includes volume-based discounts tailored for small exporters.
Additionally, the Reserve Bank of India has proposed relaxations under the Export Data Processing and Monitoring System (EDPMS), allowing Authorised Dealer banks to close low-value shipping bills (up to ₹10 lakh) based on quarterly self-declarations from exporters. This move will significantly reduce compliance burdens and improve efficiency for businesses managing small consignments.
Some ECEHs will be operated directly by logistics service providers, ensuring smooth delivery of warehousing, packaging, and regulatory services. The Government has also signed MoUs and Letters of Intent with global e-commerce platforms and Indian logistics firms to build export awareness and capability among MSMEs.
Through these initiatives, ECEHs are set to become a game-changer in India’s export landscape—democratizing global trade access for small businesses and enabling them to compete more effectively in international markets.