E-commerce Business in India 

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E-commerce Business in India 

E-commerce business in India is a vibrant activity, where digital marketplaces are transforming the way businesses manage and consumers shop. In this comprehensive article, we will examine by the dynamic landscape of e-commerce, exploring its quick development, trends market, key players, and the factors contributing to its success in the Indian market. The e-commerce business in India is an intricacy, and uncover opportunities and issues, which define this thriving sector.

Table of Content

Short note on E-commerce

E-commerce businesses are on working as electronic networks, on which people are buying and selling products and services online. It is significant and integral for the modern world of business. E-platforms offer unique way to grow, and expand business outside the country.  The digital marketplace eliminates constraints of geographical, permitting enterprises to connect with a global audience. Consumers can buy, browse, and transact online, creating the whole shopping experience more convenient.

The increase in e-commerce has transformed ancient retail, providing unparallel convenience, often competitive price and a wide range of selections. It has also provided small enterprises a place to extend marketplace without any physical storefront. As there is advancement in technology, e-commerce is constantly evolving with trends like social commerce, and augmented reality shopping experiences. 

Certain definitions of e-commerce business in India

As per the Indian aspects, e-commerce entities are divided into two main models are Inventory based, and marketplace model. To understand these models is significant for compliance as per Indian laws:

  • E-commerce refers as online/ digital or electronic network and selling or buying goods and services.
  • Inventory based model of e-commerce are activity where inventory products and services are owned by e-commerce business and is sold to the consumers directly.
  • Market place model of e-commerce provides an information technology platform by an e-commerce business on an electric and digital connection to perform as a facilitator between seller and buyer. 

Requirement of laws related to e-commerce business in India

Identify the affect of e-commerce on traditional businesses, India enacted laws to manage the sector. These rules’ objective is to protect the interests of small and medium sized enterprises and local retailers against the essential disruptive influence of Foreign direct investment (FDI) giants.

FDI Laws and some other laws in e-commerce business in India

An e-commerce is subject matter on the FDI for certain conditions, as both the marketplace model and B2B e-commerce activities are permitted 100% FDI with automatic route with particular instructions to safeguard the local businesses and make sure about the fair practices. 

e-commerce of marketplace model will be permitted to enter into transactions with sellers registered on the platform on B2B basis and may give support in services to sellers in context to logistics, call centre, warehousing, payment facilitation, order fulfilment, gathering payment, and other services. FDI is not allowed in Inventory based e-commerce business.

There are some other laws need to be look into for e-commerce market share in India:

  • Compliance as per data protection, competition laws, the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and Information Technology Act, 2000.
  • Registration of GST and compliance for operators’ e-commerce.
  • Cyber law due diligence.
  • Legal documents like privacy policies and website agreements.
  • Enabling payment gateways.

Certain conditions of marketplace model

There are certain conditions that need be followed and as per marketplace model of e-commerce market size in India:

  • E-commerce website must mention name, address and other contact information of the seller. After sale, there are certain responsibilities taken by the seller such as goods deliver to customers, guarantee/ warranty of goods and customer satisfaction. 
  • No change in goods and services sale prices.
  • The business is having equity participation by e-commerce marketplace entity or their group companies, or having control on its inventory via e-commerce marketplace business or its group companies, will not be allowed to sell its goods on the platform managed by such marketplace business.
  • There will be no ownership or control on inventory. More than 25% of buys from marketplace entity or its group companies will render the business into inventory-based model.
  • For some vendors, there is strict ban on exclusive selling.

GST on e-commerce

Conclusion

In conclusion, e-commerce business in India is an evident that this digital frontier has become an integral part of the nation’s economic landscape. The quick evolution of online commerce in India has not only reshaped consumer behaviour but also opened up new horizons for businesses of all sizes. As businesses examine this ever-changing landscape, they must stay updated to the latest technologies, trends and preferences of consumers. The article has given the e-commerce industry analysis India and by the existence of innovative startups to the extension of set players, the e-commerce ecosystem in India reflects a competitive market and dynamic.

CS Urvashi Jain is an associate member of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India. Her expertise, inter-alia, is in regulatory approvals, licenses, registrations for any organization set up in India. She posse’s good exposure to compliance management system, legal due diligence, drafting and vetting of various legal agreements. She has good command in drafting manuals, blogs, guides, interpretations and providing opinions on the different core areas of companies act, intellectual properties and taxation.

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