Indian players might get major boost as govt mulls 100% FDI in e-commerce

The government is considering permitting 100 per cent FDI in the market place format of e-commerce retailing with a view to attract more foreign investments. The norms on foreign direct investment (FDI) in the sectors of e-commerce, and IT and ITeS are expected to be part of detailed guidelines, which would be rolled out soon by the government, sources said.

Last week, a group of senior officials from departments of DIPP, Corporate Affairs and Economic Affairs, among others, discussed these matters in great detail. According to sources, the DIPP has suggested that 100 per cent FDI should be allowed in "market place model e-commerce" activities. In such a model, the e-commerce company provides an online platform for buyers and a sellers.

At present, global e-tailer giants like Amazon and Ebay are operating online marketplaces in India while homegrown players like Flipkart and Snapdeal have foreign investments even as there are no clear FDI guidelines on various online retail models. An e-commerce firm carry its business either through market place model or inventory based model.

In the inventory based model, a company owns and keeps the goods in warehouses. The officials also deliberated upon the definition of "e-commerce". It may broadly cover transactions between buyer and seller through electronic mode like internet, mobile and televisions. The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) is working on guidelines for e-commerce sector in the backdrop of ongoing tussle between online and offline retailers.

The department has already carried out stakeholders consultations with states, e-commerce companies and other departments. At present, 100 per cent FDI is allowed only in business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce and not in the retail segment.