E-commerce gets industry body; biggies missing

Chennai: Some of the smaller e-commerce players have joined hands to form an industry body for the sector. The association that seeks level-playing field and healthy competition in the sector, does not have the biggies as members yet.

The founding members of TECI include marketplaces Snapdeal, ShopClues, UrbanClap, Shop101, Flyrobe and Fynd along with social commerce platform Shop101. Digital-first fashion brands like Bewakoof, Breya and Rustorange and other online brands like Mamaearth, Superbottoms and Azah, which focus on specific segments like baby care products and women's hygiene products are also part of the group that has collaborated to launch TECI.

However, the large e-commerce players Flipkart and Amazon are not in the association yet and sources close to the companies said that they had no discussions with the council members. The members maintain that it is open for all players who want to join them. However, FDI-funded "predatory pricing" is a concern smaller players have been raising against the biggies.

Policy makers in various countries, including in India, are engaged in discussion and debate to determine optimal policy frameworks for the sector, which will enable fast growth, while balancing the interests of all stakeholders. TECI expects to collate, crystallise and share the e-commerce industry's viewpoint in this regard, working collaboratively with other stakeholders, said the founding members.

"For new and emerging businesses like ours, a level-playing and fair e-commerce sector is absolutely critical for growth, and can consequently play a pivotal role in driving India's economy forward. TECI is an important industry initiative that will help companies and policy makers collectively define, set-up and implement the best industry practices leading to long lasting benefits for the Indian ecosystem", said Shashwat Diesh and Aqib Mohammed, co-founders of Azah.

The council seeks to define and encourage the use best practices relating to data privacy, logistics, payment processes, resolution of disputes, MSME development and other relevant issues.