How is the Govt boosting MSME sector with export incentives for postal shipments?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Export incentives for postal shipments have been extended.
- Effective from January 15, these incentives aim to boost MSMEs.
- Focus on remote areas and smaller towns.
- Enhancement of cross-border e-commerce.
- More than 1,000 Dak Niryat Kendras established for exporters.
New Delhi, Jan 16 (NationPress) To bolster India's e-commerce and MSME sectors, the government announced on Friday that it has expanded export incentives for postal shipments, effective January 15. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) indicated that benefits related to export duties under the Duty Drawback, Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP), and Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) schemes will now include exports conducted through postal channels in electronic formats.
These incentives are anticipated to greatly improve the competitiveness of MSME exporters, particularly those from smaller towns and remote regions, thereby significantly boosting postal exports, as stated by the Finance Ministry.
“This significant step is designed to ensure a level playing field for exporters utilizing postal services and to foster a nurturing and inclusive environment for the expansion of cross-border e-commerce. It is expected to substantially increase the competitiveness of MSME exporters, especially those in smaller towns and remote areas, providing a major boost to postal exports,” the statement elaborated.
India currently has 28 Foreign Post Offices (FPOs) recognized under Section 7 of the Customs Act, 1962.
Historically, the CBIC has implemented various measures to enhance cross-border trade via postal and courier channels.
The Postal Export (Electronic Declaration and Processing) Regulations, 2022 enabled comprehensive electronic processing of export declarations for postal shipments.
Moreover, the Postal Import Regulations, 2025 were established to facilitate electronic management of postal imports. The automation of IGST refunds for postal exports was successfully executed in September 2024.
To further advocate for e-commerce exports, the CBIC, in partnership with the Department of Posts, introduced an innovative ‘Hub and Spoke’ model in December 2022, utilizing the extensive nationwide network of India Post.
This model has designated over 1,000 Dak Niryat Kendras (DNKs) across the nation to streamline the booking, aggregation, and processing of export parcels, especially benefiting MSMEs and small exporters, the ministry informed.
To enhance the MSME sector, the government has initiated a series of policy reforms, digital upgrades, and regulatory measures aimed at transforming India’s e-commerce export landscape.