e-Commerce Companies to Continue to Operate for Essential Goods as has been Allowed Earlier

States Must Ensure Smooth Movement of the Entire Supply Chain of Essential Goods, including by e-Commerce

Posted On: 19 APR 2020 6:45PM by PIB Delhi

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued an order on 19 April 2020 to exempt certain activities under the consolidated revised guidelines to all Ministries/Departments

(https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/MHA%20order%20dt%2015.04.2020%2C%20with%20Revised%20Consolidated%20Guidelines_compressed%20%283%29.pdf), regarding the Nationwide lockdown to fight COVID-19.

In an Order today, clause 14(v) of the consolidated revised guidelines, relating to E-commerce companies has been excluded. In this regard it is again clarified that while operations of e-commerce companies for non-essential goods stands prohibited, however they will continue to operate for essential goods as has been allowed earlier and continue to be allowed under clause 13(i) of these guidelines.

MHA has communicated this to all States/UTs and requested them to clarify this to all the field agencies and also adequately disseminate amongst the general public so as to ensure smooth movement of the entire supply chain of essential goods, including by e-commerce. It has also been communicated that the guidelines/ Orders issued by the State Governments/ UT Administration in pursuance to MHA Orders may be suitably modified to reflect the correct position.