DPIIT startups can now use DGFT's Source from India buyer-discovery channel

What changed for startup exporters?

Source from India is a feature of the Trade Connect ePlatform where eligible exporters can build public microsites showing products and company credentials to overseas buyers. Trade Notice 16/2026-27 adds a startup pathway and a visible startup badge for eligible DPIIT-recognized businesses.

The notice says eligible startup profiles can be onboarded after export activity is verified through the DGFT IEC database. It also asks Indian Missions Abroad, Export Promotion Councils, Commodity Boards and industry associations to use or publicise the feature.

Evidence: Directorate General of Foreign Trade · Trade Connect ePlatform

Check the normal rule and the startup exception separately

The notice describes the existing eligibility route as a valid IEC outside the Denied Entity List with at least USD 100,000 of export realisation in one of the previous three financial years, based on DGFT eBRC data, in addition to Status Holders.

DPIIT-recognized startups receive a special exception. Even when they do not meet that export-realisation threshold, they may register if they hold an active IEC and are not in the DEL. A startup should confirm its DPIIT recognition, IEC status, account linkage and dashboard eligibility before preparing a campaign around the profile.

Evidence: Directorate General of Foreign Trade

Build the microsite around a buyer question, not a company biography

An overseas buyer needs to understand what the company supplies, the relevant product specifications, intended applications, minimum order position, production or supply capacity, quality evidence, export markets and the person who can answer a commercial request.

Choose a focused product family and use language a buyer would search. A broad catalogue with unsupported superlatives is less useful than three products with clear specifications, applications, credentials and enquiry next steps.

• Product names, specifications and use cases
• Manufacturing, sourcing or brand ownership facts
• Certifications and testing evidence with scope and validity
• Capacity, MOQ, lead-time and packaging position
• Target markets and commercial contact owner

Treat official visibility as one part of the lead system

A microsite can support credibility when a mission, association or buyer is checking the company. It does not identify every relevant importer or guarantee enquiries. The commercial team still needs a target account list, product-specific outreach, a sample and quotation workflow and disciplined follow-up.

Track the source of each enquiry, the product requested, country, buyer type, response time, qualification result and next action. That record will show whether Source from India creates meaningful conversations or only profile views.

The setup path starts with Trade Connect and the IEC link

The notice says existing DGFT users can use the same credentials on Trade Connect. The user account must be linked to the valid and eligible IEC. Once the option appears on the dashboard, the exporter completes export achievements and required declarations and submits the profile for approval.

Before submitting, assign one owner for profile accuracy and one owner for buyer responses. Review the page whenever products, certifications, contact details or capacity change.

Evidence: Directorate General of Foreign Trade · Trade Connect ePlatform

What Sartha can add after the profile is live

Sartha can help a startup select the strongest product-market question, create a buyer-ready fact pack, identify likely buyer types and map the export route behind a real enquiry. The useful paid work begins when a market, product or buyer decision requires deeper evidence.

Sartha does not operate or control the government platform and cannot guarantee approval, visibility or buyer responses. The official profile should remain owned and maintained by the exporter.