Will GST choke the online marketplace?

Complex tax issues, fewer concessions under GST could impact e-commerce firms in the country

India, the second largest market for e-commerce, is expected to breach the $100 billion mark by 2020. As per a study conducted by the Internet and Mobile Associations of India, the market is estimated to have crossed Rs 211,005 crore in December 2016. This explosive growth in the sector has given rise to the concept of the online marketplace.

What is an online marketplace? It is basically a place where products from multiple vendors are available on the same digital platform. It facilitates supply of both goods and services over a digital or electronic network. With the GST rolling