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The Directorate General of Foreign Trade has expanded eligibility for the 'Source from India' feature on the Trade Connect ePlatform to include DPIIT-recognized start-ups. This platform allows exporters to create microsites to showcase products and credentials to international buyers. While standard exporters must meet a minimum export realization threshold of USD 100,000 in at least one of the previous three financial years, DPIIT-recognized start-ups are exempt from this financial requirement. To participate, start-ups must hold an active Import Export Code (IEC) and not be listed in the Denied Entity List (DEL). Eligible start-ups will receive a unique badge on their profiles. Interested entities can register via the Trade Connect dashboard using their existing DGFT credentials.
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Government of India Ministry of Commerce and Industry Department of Commerce Directorate General of Foreign Trade
Dated: August 06, 2026
Trade Notice No. 16 / 2026-27
To,
Subject: Inclusion of eligible DPIIT-Recognized Start-ups under "Source from India" on the Trade Connect ePlatform reg.
The Trade Connect ePlatform has been launched as a one-stop digital interface designed to strengthen support for Indian exporters from institutional actors of Government of India. A key flagship feature on the Trade Connect ePlatform, 'Source from India', serves as a one stop reference point for international buyers to discover accomplished Indian Exporters to source from. The service allows exporters to create their own microsites on Trade Connect and showcase their products as well as credentials of their entity.
In reference to Trade Notice no. 15/2025-26, as on 1st November 2025, "Source from India" was rolled out for all valid IECs (IECs that are not in DEL) fulfilling a minimum export realisation of USD 100,000 in at least one of the previous three financial years at the time of application will now be eligible to create their microsites on Source from India, in addition to Status Holders. It may be noted that the DGFT eBRC database will serve as the sole reference point for realisation data and will determine eligibility based on aggregate eBRC value available on a financial year basis.
In order to facilitate start-up exporters in creating their profiles on the "Source from India" facility of the Trade Connect ePlatform, it has now been decided to amend the eligibility criteria for exporters to avail of the said facility.
With effect from publication of this Trade Notice, DPIIT-recognized Start-ups having meeting the eligibility criteria as stated in the earlier point, may be encouraged to register under the "Source from India" feature on Trade Connect ePlatform and shall be recognized with a unique start-up badge to the said profiles. Further, these Start-ups may be onboarded upon verification of their export activity through the DGFT IEC database.
It may also be noted that a special exception has been provided for DPIIT-recognized start-ups. Such start-ups, even if they do not meet the eligibility criteria for "Source from India", may register on the platform, provided they hold an active IEC and are not included in the DEL list.
This inclusion is essential as DPIIT-recognized Start-ups are increasingly contributing innovative, high-quality products and services to global markets. Providing them visibility on an official buyer-discovery platform will support their export growth, help diversify India's export basket, and strengthen India's positioning as a hub for innovation-led exports.
Start Up Users registered on Trade Connect whose profiles are linked to eligible IECs and IECs with special exception will automatically see the option for "Source from India" microsite creation on their dashboard. A detailed guide is annexed to this Trade Notice which may be referred for step-by-step guidance on the same.
Indian Missions Abroad have also been duly sensitised to use "Source from India" as a reference point for addressing sourcing needs of foreign buyers approaching the missions for requests to help find Indian suppliers for various products.
Export Promotion Councils, Commodity Boards and Industry associations are requested to give wide publicity to the contents of this Trade Notice and encourage participation of all eligible members.
This is issued with the approval of the competent authority.
(Prakash Kamble) Deputy DGFT e-mail: tradeconnect-dgft@gov.in
[Issued from File No. 01/02/01/AM23/EG&TF-Part(2)]
Annexure – Steps for registration for Source from India on Trade Connect ePlatform
Pre- requisites for registration
Steps to create "Source from India" microsite
