Meesho is delighted to declare its dedication to promoting inclusivity by extending its platform to non-GST registered sellers. Utilizing substantial technological enhancements, non-GST sellers are now able to embark on their Meesho journey, commencing from October 1, 2023. This strategic decision is a direct response to the recent ruling by the GST Council, which permits e-commerce platforms to welcome non-GST registered sellers with an annual turnover of up to INR 40 lakhs.
This initiative has the potential to unlock a vast market of 15-20 million sellers, particularly in historically under-penetrated states across India. Meesho acknowledges the distinctive characteristics of non-GST sellers, including their high motivation levels and offerings that resonate with local preferences, spanning categories such as Fashion, Consumer Electronics, and Home and Kitchen.
Revealing industry insights unveil a surprising statistic: around 1.2 million sellers abandon their registration process annually due to GST-related obligations. The government’s transformative policy shift is poised to empower entrepreneurs and businesses hailing from various sectors and geographical areas, as well as offering a wide range of products, to engage in the digital commerce revolution. This shift seamlessly aligns with Meesho’s overarching vision of enabling 100 million businesses, including individual entrepreneurs, to thrive in the online marketplace.
Meesho has undertaken a thorough overhaul of its technology infrastructure to facilitate non-GST sellers, guaranteeing a smooth transition and an exceptional user experience. Furthermore, Meesho is actively crafting customized educational content tailored for non-GST sellers. This educational resource will be easily accessible through the Supplier Panel and YouTube, empowering non-GST sellers with the essential knowledge and tools required to excel in the ever-evolving e-commerce arena and expedite the expansion of their enterprises.
Vidit Aatrey, Co-Founder and CEO, Meesho said, “In a remarkable step towards fostering an inclusive and digitally empowered India, the government of India’s decision to eliminate mandatory GST registration for small businesses selling online is a watershed moment. It symbolizes not only the government’s commitment to enabling economic growth but also its responsiveness to the aspirations of artisans, craftsmen, women entrepreneurs, and millions of SMEs across the country. At Meesho, we welcome this historic development with enthusiasm. We believe that this exemption will not only open up vast horizons for aspiring entrepreneurs but also contribute significantly to enriching our product offerings, enhancing our consumers’ experiences. With our relentless dedication to empowering small businesses, Meesho is now even more poised to play a pivotal role in propelling our MSMEs into the Digital Age and nurturing an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’—a self-reliant India. We look forward to this transformative journey, committed to our goal of digitizing 10 million sellers by 2027.”
Ashish Aggarwal, VP and Head of Public Policy at NASSCOM said, “We are delighted with the government’s decision to allow small businesses to sell online without having to register under GST. This will unlock immense potential for businesses in underserved regions, driving economic growth and job creation. Readiness by e-commerce platforms to foster inclusivity within the e-commerce landscape by onboarding non-GST sellers will facilitate economic inclusivity and also contribute to the broader vision of Digital India.”
