Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) is an arm of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, responsible for formulating and implementing the foreign trade policy and regulations. Established in 1991, DGFT plays a pivotal role in promoting and regulating India’s international trade, ensuring that it aligns with the country’s economic objectives and global commitments.

Functions and Responsibilities

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade carries out several essential functions to facilitate and regulate India’s foreign trade:

1. Formulation of Foreign Trade Policy: DGFT is responsible for formulating the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) of India. The FTP lays down the guidelines, incentives, and regulations governing the import and export of goods and services.
2. Licensing and Regulation: DGFT issues and regulates various licenses, permits, and authorizations required for imports and exports. It also manages and updates the list of restricted and prohibited items.
3. Export Promotion Schemes: DGFT administers various export promotion schemes to incentivize exports and enhance India’s export competitiveness. These schemes include the Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) scheme, Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS), and Service Exports from India Scheme (SEIS), among others.
4. Trade Facilitation: DGFT facilitates smooth and efficient international trade by simplifying procedures, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and promoting digitalization of trade-related processes.
5. Monitoring and Enforcement: DGFT monitors the compliance of exporters and importers with trade regulations and takes necessary actions to enforce export obligations and prevent misuse of export incentives.

Regional Offices and Online Services

DGFT operates through regional offices across India to provide localized support and services to exporters and importers. These regional offices handle various trade-related functions, including issuance of licenses, export promotion, and grievance redressal.

DGFT has also implemented several online services, such as the Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) system, for seamless and paperless processing of trade transactions. The online platform enables exporters and importers to apply for licenses, submit documents, and track the status of their applications electronically.

Support during Challenging Times

During economic challenges, trade disputes, or international policy changes, DGFT serves as a crucial support system for the Indian trade community. It provides timely guidance, updates, and clarifications to traders to navigate complex trade scenarios effectively.