The government said efforts should be made to end the WTO’s 1998 tariff freeze on digital trade.

India is trying to end the status quo on countries taxing electronic commerce, a move that would allow tariffs to be levied on anything. Software Downloads on Video games.

New Delhi will ask. World Trade Organization Members to lift the ban on customs duties on electronic transmissions, according to a person familiar with the matter, who asked not to be identified because the discussions are not public. The issue will be discussed at the WTO ministerial meeting in Abu Dhabi in February.

The WTO has imposed a ban on customs duties on electronic transmissions since 1998, and members have extended the rule every two years. India and other developing countries such as South Africa argue that the ban a Loss of tariff revenue and affects their commercial competitiveness.

India wants to tax goods that are involved in digital commerce, the person said. It will also put pressure on the WTO to bring clarity to the definition of goods. E-commercethe person said.

Global business organizations have opposed lifting the ban, urging WTO members to keep the restrictions in place to protect industry’s post-pandemic recovery and supply chains.

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