International retailers like Ikea and H&M can now sell directly online in India after the government granted single-brand retailers eCommerce rights.

In a decision announced Tuesday, companies which have satisfied the government requirements to be allowed to open physical stores in India under Foreign Direct Investment regulations may now sell online as well.

Sweden’s Ikea and H&M, Germany’s Adidas and Switzerland’s Swatch are among companies who have already gained that right.

The government has also relaxed the time limit retailers have to meet local sourcing requirements, according to a spokesman from the department of industrial policy and promotion.

Until now, companies had a five year limit to prove they were procuring 30 per cent of their stock from within India from the time approval was granted. That five years will now apply from the date their first store starts trading.