E-Commerce Services May Be Fully Operational From 20 April

After the revised Ministry of Home Affairs' directive on 14 April regarding the services that can be run during the extended nationwide lockdown, e-commerce firms like Amazon, Flipkart and others are preparing to resume full operations while awaiting more clarity on what can be sold.

According to a PTI report citing a senior home ministry official, these platforms will be allowed to sell mobile phones, televisions, refrigerators, laptops and stationery items from 20 April.

Clarification was sought because while the previously provided notification said that e-commerce firms would only be allowed to sell essential goods - food, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, the new guidelines issued did not make any such classification.

However, there could be restrictions from local authorities. Karnataka deputy chief minister Dr CN Ashwath Narayan told Economic Times that the officials are aware of the demand for computer, gadgets and related accessories due to work-from-home situation and the state government will take a call on whether or not permit full-fledged services of e-Commerce companies in a few days.

These businesses are now awaiting clarity on delivery services for non-essential items.