GTRI Urges Eased DGFT Access To Prevent Export Delays Amid Weak Global Demand

New Delhi, Jul 6 (KNN) Restrictions on exporters meeting officials at the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) could delay the resolution of urgent trade-related matters and slow the issuance of key authorisations, the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) said in a report released on Friday.

The report said the restrictions come at a time when Indian exporters are facing weak global demand and rising trade barriers, making timely regulatory approvals critical for sustaining exports. 

"Exporters say they do not visit DGFT unless absolutely necessary… In such situations, quick access to the officer handling the case is often the only way to prevent disruption to trade," GTRI said, adding that businesses approach the DGFT only when licences, authorisations or amendments are delayed, software problems arise, policy provisions need clarification, or import consignments are held up pending approvals, the BusinessLine reported.

Background

The observations follow a DGFT circular issued on May 11, which advised exporters, consultants and trade associations to preferably meet only officials of the rank of Additional Director General of Foreign Trade and above. 

The DGFT emphasised that the move aims to streamline interactions, improve transparency and let staff focus on work, though meetings with other officials are allowed if approved by the Director General of Foreign Trade or the concerned Additional Director General of Foreign Trade.

Exporters Seek Faster Access

GTRI said exporters fear the new arrangement could make it harder to resolve operational issues requiring intervention from the officer handling a specific case. 

The report added that existing grievance redressal channels, including Jan Sunwai and video-conference meetings, have not been effective in clearing pending matters, and said exporters are not seeking routine access to senior officials but only the ability to explain urgent issues to the concerned officer to expedite decisions.

The DGFT administers more than 150 online services, including Importer Exporter Codes, Advance Authorisations, Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) licences, Duty-Free Import Authorisation (DFIA), RoDTEP benefits, SCOMET licences, import licences and export obligation management. 

GTRI said delays in these approvals can disrupt supply chains, defer shipments and, in some cases, result in the cancellation of export orders.

Recommendations

GTRI recommended a daily one-hour open house between 3 pm and 4 pm at DGFT headquarters and regional offices, allowing exporters to meet concerned officers without prior appointments. 

It also proposed automatic escalation of applications exceeding prescribed service timelines through the DGFT portal, supported by a public dashboard tracking pending cases.

(KNN Bureau)