ONDC Again Delays Network Fee Implementation

The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) has postponed the implementation of its network participation fees for the third time, now delaying it until at least September 2025. This decision comes amid ongoing discussions with stakeholders about the fee structure and its potential impact on smaller sellers and startups participating in the network. The fees were originally proposed to cover platform maintenance and development costs but faced resistance from participants concerned about increased operational costs. The extension allows more time for ONDC to refine its pricing model while continuing to onboard new sellers and expand its service offerings across various categories including food delivery, mobility, and e-commerce.