Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Odisha have issued notifications allowing ecommerce sales of all goods, including non-essential categories, from April 20 in the second phase of the nationwide lockdown.
Karnataka, Telangana and Haryana are evaluating a decision amid pent up demand for products used to aid work and education from home, said two senior industry executives who are in touch with the governments of these states.
The Centre has allowed e-commerce companies to start full-fledged operations from April 20 but has left it to the state governments to decide in which areas and to ensure compliance with rules of social distancing and sanitisation.
The executives said the government has realised that consumers are looking for laptops, tablets, smartphones, Wi-Fi routers and printers and appliances such as washing machines since they are confined to their homes.
All state governments have made it clear that no deliveries will be permitted in Covid-19 hotpots or containment zones within those areas.
The notification from the Maharashtra government said “e-commerce delivery of all goods and commodities including food, pharmaceutical, medical equipment, electrical and electronic appliances” is exempted from the extended lockdown.
The Rajasthan government has allowed e-commerce and home delivery companies to supply all items provided the delivery person adheres to safety protocols like mask, gloves and sanitisers.
Amazon India is now focused on supporting the immediate need of consumers and participating in the resumption of economic activity post the ministry of home affairs notification, a spokesperson said.
“We are working closely with all our partners – brands, manufacturers, sellers, small businesses and local shops – helping them to offer the most needed products to customers,” the spokesperson said.
A Flipkart spokesperson said it will serve consumers while promoting social distancing through a sanitised supply chain, contactless deliveries and safe last-mile delivery processes.
The spokesperson said Flipkart is working with lakhs of sellers, small businesses and artisans to make products available for consumers.
The government had earlier allowed e-commerce companies to deliver only essential food and grocery products.
Paytm Mall is speaking to brands and merchant partners so that it can go live with all categories, senior VP Srinivas Mothey said.
“We believe that there is going to be a massive demand for electronics, mobile phones and accessories as many of our consumers have been reaching out to us to know when these categories would be live again,” he said.
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