DPIIT-recognised start-ups can now list on DGFT’s “Source from India” with only an active IEC
Trade Notice 16 dated 6 August 2026 opens the Trade Connect buyer-discovery service to start-ups, with a special onboarding route for those yet to meet the export performance criteria.
Key facts
- In force
- 6 August 2026
- Who it affects
- DPIIT-recognised start-ups holding an IEC
- What it is
- New facility
- Section
- Foreign Trade
- Published
- 7 August 2026
In 30 seconds
- Effective 6 August 2026 through DGFT Trade Notice No. 16.
- Start-ups on the platform are shown with a unique Start-up Badge.
- Special onboarding: an active IEC not in the Denied Entity List is enough, even without the standard export performance.
- Start-ups already registered on Trade Connect with eligible IECs get the option on their dashboard.
हिंदी में सार
DGFT ने Trade Connect के “Source from India” फ़ीचर को DPIIT-मान्यता प्राप्त स्टार्टअप्स के लिए खोल दिया है। जिन स्टार्टअप्स के पास सक्रिय IEC है और जो Denied Entity List में नहीं हैं, वे निर्यात प्रदर्शन की शर्त पूरी न होने पर भी अपनी प्रोफ़ाइल बना सकते हैं।
What “Source from India” is
It is a feature of the Trade Connect ePlatform of the Department of Commerce. Eligible exporters create a microsite that lets international buyers discover Indian suppliers and contact them directly.
What has changed for start-ups
- DPIIT-recognised start-ups meeting the existing eligibility criteria can create microsites and will carry a Start-up Badge.
- Under a special onboarding provision, a DPIIT-recognised start-up with an active Import Export Code that is not in the Denied Entity List can create its profile even if it does not presently meet the standard export performance criteria.
- Onboarding is subject to verification through the DGFT IEC database.
What to do
Start-up users already registered on Trade Connect whose accounts are linked to eligible IECs will automatically see the option to create a “Source from India” microsite on their dashboard. DGFT has issued a user guide for registration and profile creation.
Published 7 August 2026. Updated 9 October 2026. This report is for general information and is not professional advice. Read the source document before acting on it.