#eximpolicy

Stay updated with the latest DGFT India notifications, trade policies, and online services for exporters and importers. Access IEC code, license application info, and DGFT registration guides.

What is DGFT and Why is it Important for Indian Businesses?

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) is a key division under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. It is responsible for formulating and implementing foreign trade policies that promote exports and regulate imports. DGFT plays a crucial role in simplifying international trade, ensuring policy compliance, and offering incentives that enhance India’s position in the global trade ecosystem.

Functions of DGFT in India

DGFT performs a wide range of functions that are essential for businesses involved in international trade:

Issuance of Importer Exporter Code (IEC): No business can engage in import or export in India without obtaining an IEC from DGFT.

Export Promotion Schemes: DGFT manages schemes like RoDTEP, SEIS, MEIS (now phased out), and Advance Authorization, offering financial benefits and duty exemptions to exporters.

Policy Formulation: DGFT frames the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), which outlines rules, procedures, and incentives applicable to Indian exporters and importers.

Online Services: Through the DGFT online portal, traders can apply for IEC, licenses, scrips, and check application status — streamlining operations digitally.

DGFT Services Offered to Indian Exporters and Importers

IEC Registration and Modification

Export and Import Licensing

Scrip Management (MEIS, SEIS, RoDTEP)

Advance Authorization Scheme

Export Obligation Tracking

Foreign Trade Policy Guidance

Helpdesk and Grievance Redressal

Benefits of Engaging with DGFT

Ease of Doing Business: With digital transformation and transparent systems, DGFT has simplified many licensing and documentation processes.

Financial Incentives: Exporters can claim duty credits and refunds under schemes managed by DGFT, improving profitability.

Trade Compliance: Following DGFT guidelines ensures your trade practices remain legally compliant, reducing the risk of penalties.

DGFT Compliance and Support Services

Businesses in India often seek professional support for DGFT compliance. DGFT consultants assist with:

IEC application and renewal

Filing for export incentives

Managing license-related queries

Audits and documentation

Staying updated with policy changes

Whether you’re a small exporter or a large enterprise, aligning with DGFT norms is essential for long-term trade success.

Conclusion

FTP is one of those policies that help India grow its share in world trade. Let’s learn more about FTP and its implementation.

DGFT established the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), a set of guidelines and instructions in matters related to the import and export of goods in India. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry of the Union Government announces Policy of Export-Import every five years. 

The Department of Commerce has the duty of compulsion to make India a major player in trade and assume leadership in international trade organizations in commensurating with India’s growing importance at the Global level. Department of Devises Commodity and Specific Strategy of Country in the medium term and strategic plan and FTP in the long run. 

The same is also responsible for special economic zones (SEZs), state trading, export, multilateral and bilateral commercial relations, promotion, trade facilitation, and development and regulation of export-oriented industries and commodities. 

What is foreign trade policy?

Foreign trade in India is promoted and operated by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Department of Trade and Industry (MoCI). DGFT issues permit exporters to monitor their corresponding obligations through a network of 38 regional offices. 

It is the most crucial policy that sets out transparent and straightforward procedures that are easy to comply with and manage foreign trade in India effectively. 

It aims to improve world trade, enhance the economy and create jobs.

The Sales Tax Act and the Basic Tax Act are two other crucial laws determining how property taxes and income taxes will be levied on trade. 

While the external environment plays a crucial role in the success of export policies, it is also essential to address the challenges within India. It includes infrastructure restrictions, high transaction costs, complex processes, production challenges, and adequate diversity in Indian services. 

India has signed a Trade Regulation Agreement (TFA) with the WTO, simplifying and reducing transaction costs. 

About 70% of India's exports include products that account for only 30% of world trade. The government is looking at other promising product groups such as protective equipment, medical equipment, agricultural processing, textile technology, and chemicals.

EXIM Policy

Export-Import Policy is a set of guidelines and instructions related to importing and exporting goods. The Government of India introduced the five-year Export-Import Policy (1997 2002) under Section 5 of the International Trade Law (Development and Control Act), 1992, and it covers the period from 2002 to 2007.

The Export Policy is updated annually by 31st March, and new modifications, improvements and schemes are effective from 1st April each year. All changes or changes related to the EXIM Policy are announced by the Minister of Trade and Industry, who liaises with the Department of Finance, the General Department of Foreign Trade, and the regional office network. 

India's exports remained strong in the wake of the epidemic, which has impacted the country's trade in trade services by 2020. India's share in global trade exports has increased from 3.5% in 2019 to 4.1% by 2020, leading to India's level of foreign trade commercial services from 8th to 7th by 2020. 

Current India foreign trade policy

The current Policy (2015-20) focuses on developing the Indian market share in existing markets and products and exploring new products and new markets. 

India Foreign Trade Policy also considers assisting exports in reaping the benefits of GST, carefully monitoring export performance, improving cross-border trade. It is increasing fulfillment from India-based agricultural exports and encouraging exports from MSMEs sectors that need more staff.

The categories of goods and materials that recorded good growth in June 2021 last year are other grains, Petroleum products, Man-made yarn/fabrics./made-ups, etc., Jewelry and jewelry, Meat, milk, and poultry products. The average amount of service delivery for June 2021 is $ 17.35 bn, showing a positive growth of 9.16% compared to June 2020. 

India's total sales (Sales and Services combined) July 2021 * estimated at $ 54.95 bn, showing a positive growth of 36.19% over the same period last year and a positive growth of 23.24% in July 2019. Total exports in July 2021 * are estimated at $ 57.29 bn, indicating a positive growth of 50.15% over the same period last year and a positive growth of 10.60% in July 2019. 

Conclusion

India's Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) provides a basic framework for exports and strategies to improve trade. It is updated periodically to suit the changing domestic and international environment.