New Delhi, Aug. 6 -- The government on Wednesday operationalised inventory-based e-commerce exclusively for exports, requiring interested firms to carry business through a registered entity as an exporter-on-record (EOR), which can procure goods domestically only against confirmed overseas orders. "The EOR procures goods from Indian Sellers-on-Record (SORs) against confirmed overseas orders, undertakes exports in its own name, and assumes responsibility for export operations as well as compliance with destination-country requirements," the ministry of commerce and industry said in a statement. Indian laws do not allow e-commerce firms operating in the domestic market to carry any inventory; they are only allowed to serve as platforms. The development is in lines with the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), unveiled on March 31, 2023, which identifies e-commerce as a focus area for amplifying India's exports. "The rapid growth of cross-border e-commerce presents a significant opportunity for Indian manufacturers, artisans and MSMEs [micro, small and medium enterprises] to access global markets," it said. Following the amendment to the foreign direct investment (FDI) policy through Press Note No. 3 (2026 Series), which permits inventory-based e-commerce operations exclusively for exports, the government has now operationalised the corresponding regulatory framework under the FTP, the ministry's statement added. The Press Note was issued on July 23. Operationalising the framework for inventory-based cross-border e-commerce on August 5, the ministry said, it provides a comprehensive policy and procedural architecture for facilitating inventory-based cross-border e-commerce exports of goods manufactured or produced in India. "The framework enables such exports while safeguarding the interests of Indian sellers," it added. The framework also ensures timely payment to sellers, transparency in overseas sales and clear accountability for export compliance...