DGFT Wraps Up 2025 With Policy Reforms, Digital Push To Ease Export Compliance

New Delhi, Jan 1 (KNN) The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) concluded 2025 with a series of policy updates and digital initiatives aimed at strengthening India’s trade facilitation framework and improving the ease of doing business for exporters, according to an official press release.

Throughout the year, DGFT focused on aligning the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023 with evolving domestic and global trade requirements, while streamlining authorisation processes and rationalising regulatory measures, reported ANI.

Institutionalised Consultations and Policy Transparency

A key policy development in 2025 was the amendment of the FTP to introduce Paras 1.07A and 1.07B, which formally institutionalise stakeholder consultations for future policy changes. The move is intended to enhance transparency and predictability in trade policymaking.

DGFT also issued multiple notifications to align India’s Import and Export Policy Schedules with amendments introduced through the Customs Tariff and Finance Acts of 2024 and 2025. 

In parallel, RoDTEP benefits were restored and aligned for Advance Authorisation holders, Special Economic Zones and Export Oriented Units, ensuring regulatory consistency.

Sector-Specific Measures and Trade Facilitation

Several sector-focused interventions were undertaken to stabilise domestic markets and support key industries. These included the introduction of the Diamond Imprest Authorisation to aid the gems and jewellery sector and the extension of the ‘free’ import policy for essential pulses. Regulatory adjustments were also notified for synthetic knitted fabrics, urea, platinum and select sensitive food items.

On the export front, DGFT permitted wheat exports to Nepal and broken rice exports to Senegal, while facilitating essential commodity supplies to the Maldives in line with India’s neighbourhood commitments.

Quality Compliance and Export Obligations

To support quality compliance, DGFT rationalised the export obligation period for Advance Authorisations involving inputs under Quality Control Orders, bringing it at par with regular authorisations and removing the earlier 180-day restriction.

Digital Platforms and IT System Enhancements

Digital reforms remained a central focus, building on the IT revamp initiated in 2020. Key measures included the introduction of an online redemption facility for EPCG licences and a digital mechanism enabling exporters to rectify unutilised duty-free import authorisations.

The ‘Source fr0m India’ directory on the Trade Connect ePlatform was expanded to include exporters with a minimum turnover of USD 100,000 in any of the previous three financial years, widening market visibility for Indian suppliers.

DGFT also launched the pilot phase of the ‘Bharat Aayat Niryat Lab Setu’, a unified digital platform integrating accredited testing and inspection agencies. The platform aims to reduce dwell time and improve transparency by providing real-time visibility of laboratory services.