DPIIT-recognised start-ups can list on “Source from India” on Trade Connect with an active IEC, even below the export threshold: DGFT Trade Notice 16/2026-27
DGFT has opened the “Source from India” buyer-discovery feature of the Trade Connect ePlatform to DPIIT-recognised start-ups. Those meeting the existing criteria get a unique start-up badge. As a special exception, start-ups that do not meet the criteria may still register if they hold an active IEC and are not in the Denied Entity List.
Key facts
- In force
- From publication of the Trade Notice dated 6 August 2026
- Who it affects
- DPIIT-recognised start-ups holding an IEC, exporters, Export Promotion Councils and Commodity Boards
- What it is
- New facility
- Section
- Startup & MSME
- Published
- 6 August 2026
In 30 seconds
- Trade Notice No. 16/2026-27 is dated 6 August 2026 and applies from its publication.
- “Source from India” lets exporters create their own microsites on Trade Connect to showcase products and credentials to international buyers.
- Existing eligibility, as recalled in the notice: a valid IEC not in the DEL, with minimum export realisation of USD 100,000 in at least one of the previous three financial years, in addition to Status Holders.
- The DGFT eBRC database is the sole reference point for realisation data.
- Special exception: a DPIIT-recognised start-up may register even without meeting the criteria, if it holds an active IEC and is not in the DEL list.
- Eligible start-up users will see the microsite option on their Trade Connect dashboard automatically.
हिंदी में सार
DGFT ने Trade Notice 16/2026-27 (6 अगस्त 2026) से Trade Connect ePlatform के “Source from India” फ़ीचर को DPIIT-मान्यता प्राप्त स्टार्ट-अप के लिए खोल दिया है। पात्रता पूरी करने वाले स्टार्ट-अप की प्रोफ़ाइल पर विशेष start-up badge दिखेगा। विशेष छूट के तहत वे स्टार्ट-अप भी पंजीकरण कर सकते हैं जो USD 1,00,000 निर्यात की शर्त पूरी नहीं करते, बशर्ते उनके पास सक्रिय IEC हो और वे DEL सूची में न हों।
What the Trade Notice says
The Trade Connect ePlatform is a digital interface for Indian exporters. One of its features, “Source from India”, is described in the notice as a one-stop reference point for international buyers to discover Indian exporters to source from. Exporters can create their own microsites on Trade Connect and showcase their products and the credentials of their entity.
By Trade Notice No. 16/2026-27 dated 6 August 2026, DGFT has amended the eligibility criteria so that DPIIT-recognised start-ups can use this facility.
Who could register so far
Referring to Trade Notice No. 15/2025-26, the notice recalls that from 1 November 2025 “Source from India” was rolled out for all valid IECs (IECs that are not in the Denied Entity List) fulfilling a minimum export realisation of USD 100,000 in at least one of the previous three financial years at the time of application, in addition to Status Holders. The DGFT eBRC database is the sole reference point for realisation data, and eligibility is determined on the aggregate eBRC value available on a financial-year basis.
What is new for start-ups
| Start-up | Position from this Trade Notice |
|---|---|
| DPIIT-recognised and meeting the eligibility criteria above | Encouraged to register; the profile is recognised with a unique start-up badge. May be onboarded upon verification of export activity through the DGFT IEC database |
| DPIIT-recognised but not meeting the eligibility criteria | Special exception: may register on the platform, provided it holds an active IEC and is not included in the DEL list |
The notice gives the reason: DPIIT-recognised start-ups are increasingly contributing innovative, high-quality products and services to global markets, and visibility on an official buyer-discovery platform will support their export growth and help diversify India’s export basket.
It adds that Indian Missions abroad have been sensitised to use “Source from India” as a reference point when foreign buyers approach them to find Indian suppliers.
How to create the microsite
The annexure to the notice sets out the steps.
- Before you start: a valid user account on the Trade Connect ePlatform (www.trade.gov.in). Users already registered on the DGFT platform can log in with the same credentials, and the other way round — there is no need to re-register. The account must be linked to a valid and eligible IEC; the login page has a “Haven’t linked your IEC?” link.
- Step 1: log in to Trade Connect using the e-mail address linked to the eligible IEC.
- Step 2: click “Create Source from India Profile” on the dashboard, or go to “Manage Source from India Profile” under “My Dashboard”. The option is visible only to users whose profile is linked to an eligible IEC.
- Step 3: fill in your export achievements, give the required declarations and submit the profile for approval.
- Step 4: once approved, the profile is publicly visible at https://www.trade.gov.in/pages/source-from-india.
What start-ups should do
A DPIIT-recognised start-up with an active IEC that is not in the DEL should link the IEC to its Trade Connect account and check its dashboard for the microsite option, which the notice says will appear automatically for eligible IECs and IECs covered by the special exception. Export Promotion Councils, Commodity Boards and industry associations have been asked to give the notice wide publicity among members.
Questions and answers
What is “Source from India”?
It is a feature of the Trade Connect ePlatform that serves as a reference point for international buyers to discover Indian exporters. Exporters can create their own microsites to showcase their products and the credentials of their entity.
Can a start-up with little or no export turnover register?
Yes, under the special exception in Trade Notice No. 16/2026-27. A DPIIT-recognised start-up that does not meet the eligibility criteria may register, provided it holds an active IEC and is not included in the DEL list.
What is the normal eligibility threshold?
As recalled in the notice, a valid IEC not in the DEL with a minimum export realisation of USD 100,000 in at least one of the previous three financial years at the time of application, in addition to Status Holders. The DGFT eBRC database is the sole reference point for realisation data.
Is a separate registration needed on Trade Connect?
No. Users already registered on the DGFT platform can use the same credentials to log in on Trade Connect and vice versa. The user account must be linked to a valid and eligible IEC.
What does a start-up get on its profile?
DPIIT-recognised start-ups meeting the eligibility criteria are recognised with a unique start-up badge mapped to their profile.
Published 6 August 2026. Updated 6 October 2026. This report is for general information and is not professional advice. Read the source document before acting on it.