No supply of non-essentials by e-tailers in lockdown: Govt reverses stand

The govt had previously permitted e-commerce companies to also supply non-essential goods during the lockdown period till May 3

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs today reversed its earlier position of allowing e-commerce companies to supply non-essential goods as well. In its latest order, released on Sunday, April 19, the government excluded non-essential goods as part of revised guidelines for lockdown issued by the govt on April 15.
 

The move to allow e-commerce companies to supply both non-essential and essential goods during the extended national lockdown had faced strong opposition from brick and mortar retailers. 

The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) welcomed the latest move.


E-commerce companies like Amazon and Flipkart, had reached out to the government seeking clarity on whether they would be allowed to sell non-essential items under the fresh guidelines that were issued on April 15.

The next day the government clarified that they were permitted to sell non-essentials as well. Today’s order reverses this decision.