IACC seeks wider consultation on e-commerce policy

livemint.com:

New Delhi: The Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC) on Thursday said that the absence of a draft e-commerce policy is making it difficult for the industry to reach a consensus that could help develop a cohesive policy and unlock growth for the e-commerce sector. “Policymaking for e-commerce should be a carefully calibrated effort to incentivize investment, boost innovation, and encourage competition.

And the way to ensure that the policy and rules are positive is by finalizing them only after consensus has emerged through transparent and open consultation with all the relevant stakeholders," said Lalit Bhasin, national president, IACC. IACC is an apex bi-lateral body that promotes Indo-American business, trade and economic relations.

Its members include India is set to notify the national e-commerce policy and rules that will provide a policy framework for the sector and establish grievance redressal mechanisms for consumers using e-commerce websites. “While the policy has been long awaited by industry, consumers and other stakeholders, it is notable that the last draft of the e-commerce policy was made public four years ago, prior to the pandemic.

However, no draft has been shared with the public, including industry, of the current version of the policy. To be sure, it was also noted in reports that a final consultation was held on the e-commerce policy between government officials and industry players as well as industry bodies.

According to reports, the government has also mentioned that a broad level of consensus had emerged among concerned stakeholders on the policy," IACC said in a press released issued on Thursday. However, without a draft, it may be difficult for industry and stakeholders alike to comment on