The DGFT has widened the eligibility of its “Source from India” service on the Trade Connect e‑platform. From 6 August 2026, start‑ups recognised by the DPIIT can create dedicated microsites and will be marked with a unique “Start‑up Badge”. This move aims to give innovative Indian exporters greater visibility among overseas buyers.
Key Developments
- Trade Notice No. 16 dated 6 August 2026 authorises DPIIT‑recognised start‑ups to join the “Source from India” feature.
- Eligible start‑ups receive a Start‑up Badge on their digital microsite.
- Start‑ups with a valid IEC that is not on the DEL can register even if they do not meet the usual export‑performance thresholds.
- Existing Trade Connect users linked to eligible IECs will see an automatic option to create “Source from India” microsites from their dashboard.
Important Facts
- “Source from India” allows exporters to build a digital microsite showcasing products, certifications and contact details.
- The platform acts as a government‑backed marketplace, giving foreign buyers confidence in the authenticity of Indian suppliers.
- Early‑stage start‑ups can now access this marketplace without waiting to achieve high export volumes.
- A detailed user guide has been released to help start‑ups register and manage their profiles.
Exam Relevance
Understanding this initiative is important for GS‑3 (Economy & Trade) as it illustrates how the government uses digital tools to promote export diversification, technology‑led products and the start‑up ecosystem. It also reflects policy coordination between the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of DPIIT, a point of interest for GS‑2 (Polity) regarding inter‑ministerial collaboration. The move aligns with the “Make in India” and “Export Promotion” objectives that frequently appear in answer‑writing.
Way Forward
- Start‑ups should obtain a valid IEC and ensure they are not listed on the DEL before applying.
- Stakeholders need to promote the “Start‑up Badge” to foreign buyers through trade fairs and digital marketing.
- Monitoring the performance of these start‑ups on Trade Connect will help assess the impact on export growth and innovation‑led trade.
- Further policy tweaks may expand eligibility to more nascent enterprises, strengthening India’s position as a global innovation hub.