New Delhi, May 17—According to an official statement released Saturday, the Indian government is developing a dedicated digital platform for the electronic submission of documents in trade remedy investigations. The platform aims to bolster transparency, streamline processes, and improve accessibility for all stakeholders.
The initiative is spearheaded by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), a key arm of the Ministry of Commerce, responsible for safeguarding domestic industries from unfair trade practices such as dumping and subsidized imports.
Strengthening Trade Defences with Digital Innovation
Since 1995, India has initiated over 1,200 trade remedy investigations, shielding critical sectors like solar energy and advanced materials—including solar cells and copper wire rods—from the adverse effects of unfair pricing and foreign subsidies.The new digital platform, set to go live soon, will allow stakeholders to submit documents electronically, facilitating faster and more efficient investigations. The commerce ministry emphasized that this upgrade will lead to greater transparency and ease of access in the trade remedy process.
DGTR's Expanding Role in Trade Protection
The DGTR conducts investigations related to anti-dumping, countervailing duties (anti-subsidy), and safeguards, which are essential in protecting Indian manufacturers from unfair international trade practices. While the DGTR carries out the investigations, the final decision to impose trade duties lies with the Ministry of Finance.The directorate also works through its Trade Defence Wing to defend against unwarranted trade remedy measures imposed by foreign authorities. These efforts have successfully reduced or removed duties on Indian exports, safeguarding the country’s interests in global markets.
Consolidation for Greater Efficiency
Established in 2018, the DGTR was formed by merging the Directorate General of Anti-Dumping and Allied Duties (DGAD) and the Directorate General of Safeguards, creating a centralized authority for trade remedy measures.The new digital platform reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to modernization. It supports its broader agenda of facilitating ease of doing business and protecting domestic industries amid evolving global trade dynamics.