The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on April 19 said that supply of non-essential goods by e-commerce companies will remain prohibited during the nationwide lockdown, which is meant to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.

This comes at a time when e-commerce firms were gearing up to deliver products like mobile phones and refrigerators to customers in areas that do not fall under COVID-19 hotspots from April 20, as per guidelines issued by the MHA last week.

The nationwide lockdown in India, initially meant for a period of 21 days, has been extended till May 3 as COVID-19 cases in the country continue to rise.

Also Read: E-commerce firms stumped by home ministry U-turn barring delivery of non-essential goods

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Under the first phase of lockdown between March 24 and April 14, the Centre had only allowed delivery of essential goods, including food, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment through e-commerce platforms.

However, on April 15, the government issued detailed guidelines allowing e-commerce companies to operate.

Following the guidelines by the Home Affairs Ministry, states like Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Odisha have issued directions for e-commerce operations in the state.