Recent restrictions on exporters to meet officials at the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) could further delay the resolution of urgent trade-related issues, including issuances of authorisations, at a time when India’s exporters are grappling with weak global demand and rising trade barriers, trade research body the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) has said.
“Exporters say they do not visit DGFT unless absolutely necessary…Businesses approach DGFT only when licences, authorisations or amendments are delayed, software problems arise, policy provisions need clarification, or import consignments are held up because approvals have not been issued. In such situations, quick access to the officer handling the case is often the only way to prevent disruption to trade,” a GTRI report issued on Friday noted.
The report criticised a DGFT circular issued on May 11, which said exporters, consultants and trade associations should preferably meet only officials of the rank of Additional Director General of Foreign Trade (ADGFT) and above.
The DGFT justified this action on the ground that it was necessary to streamline official interactions, ensure focus on work by office staff and bring transparency and efficient functioning of the directorate.
“Visitors may preferably meet other officials for their official matters if needed as advised by DG, DGFT or the additional DGFT concerned,” the circular stated.
According to GTRI, exporters fear the move could make it more difficult to resolve urgent operational problems that require interaction with the officer handling a particular case.
Exporters also say that existing grievance mechanisms, including Jan Sunwai and video-conference meetings, have not been effective in resolving pending cases, the report noted. “They (exporters) are not asking to meet senior officials routinely. Their only demand is to be allowed to explain urgent issues to the concerned officer so that cases can be resolved quickly,” it said.
DGFT administers more than 150 online services, including Importer Exporter Codes, Advance Authorisations, EPCG licences, DFIA authorisations, RoDTEP benefits, SCOMET licences, import licences and export obligation management, according to the report. Delays in these approvals can disrupt supply chains, delay shipments and even result in cancellation of export orders, the report noted.
To improve responsiveness, GTRI has recommended introducing a daily one-hour open house at DGFT headquarters and all regional offices, allowing exporters to meet concerned officers without prior appointment between 3 pm and 4 pm. It also suggested automatic escalation of applications pending beyond their prescribed service timelines through the DGFT portal, backed by a public dashboard tracking delayed cases.
