DPIIT to meet ecommerce firms on July 8 to discuss adding 'country of origin' on products
The issue was first discussed in detail on June 24 between officials of DPIIT and representatives of ecommerce companies, including Amazon, Flipkart, Snapdeal, Tata Cliq, Paytm, Udaan, and Pepperfry.
The DPIIT is likely to hold its second meeting on July 8 with ecommerce companies on the issues of mentioning 'country of origin' on each product sold through their platforms, according to sources.
The issue was first discussed in detail on June 24 between officials of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and representatives of ecommerce companies, including Amazon, Flipkart, Snapdeal, Tata Cliq, Paytm, Udaan, and Pepperfry.
Ecommerce companies' views were sought on this issue, and it was decided to hold the second meeting this month, sources said.
A company source has stated there was no disconnect with the idea, but the firms have to check with their technology teams to figure out how long it will take to get this done.
The development comes against the backdrop of calls to boycott Chinese goods, following border clashes between India and China in Ladakh.
The government procurement portal GeM has made it mandatory for suppliers/sellers to specify the country of origin while registering new products on the portal. Mentioning the country of origin would help buyers make an informed decision while purchasing the item.
The companies have suggested to the department to also take sellers' views on the matter as compliance would be needed from their side as well.
Domestic traders' body CAIT has urged Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal to make it mandatory for ecommerce firms to mention the 'country of origin' on each product sold on their platforms.
Most ecommerce portals are selling Chinese goods, about which the consumer remains unaware, said the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), which has launched a campaign for the boycott of Chinese goods.
"I have asked him (Goyal) to amend the FDI policy Press Note No. 2 which specifies do's for FDI-backed ecommerce companies, and framing of a general rule for Indian ecommerce firms. We have demanded 'country of origin' in all matters related to imports from other countries and for indigenous manufacturers as well. Every product should have the country of origin," CAIT Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal said.
(Disclaimer: Additional background information has been added to this PTI copy for context)
Edited by Suman Singh