DGTR marks 8th Anniversary with Renewed Commitment to Ensure Fair Trade
What is DGTR?
The DGTR is the apex national authority in India responsible for conducting trade remedy investigations. It operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and was established in 2018 through the merger of:
- Directorate General of Anti-Dumping and Allied Duties (DGAD),
- Directorate General of Safeguards, and
- Safeguards functions of DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade).
Relevance : GS 3(Indian Economy ,Trade)
Functions of DGTR
- Conducts investigations related to:
- Anti-dumping duties
- Countervailing (anti-subsidy) duties
- Safeguard measures
- Imposes trade remedies to protect Indian industries from:
- Unfair trade practices like dumping or subsidies,
- Sudden surge in imports that harm domestic production.
Achievements Over the Years
- Since 1995, India has initiated over 1,200 trade remedy investigations, many handled by DGTR since its inception.
- DGTR investigations are often concluded within a year, providing timely relief to affected industries.
- Key interventions include sectors like solar energy (solar cells) and advanced materials (copper wire rods).
Recent Initiatives and Enhancements
- Announcement of a new digital platform for e-filing of documents in trade remedy investigations:
- Aimed at improving transparency, efficiency, and accessibility for all stakeholders.
- Launch of a dedicated Helpdesk in 2019 to support MSMEs:
- Assists with filing applications and resolving technical/data-related issues.
- Promotes inclusive access to trade remedy mechanisms.
Proactive Trade Defence
- DGTR’s Trade Defence Wing counters foreign-imposed trade remedy measures:
- Secured relief or reduced duties on Indian exports in several international cases.
- Safeguard duties and quantitative restrictions used effectively to counter import surges (e.g., palm oil, metallurgical coke).
Transparency and Capacity Building
- DGTR regularly issues trade notices, handbooks, and FAQs on its website:
- Empowers domestic industries, foreign exporters, and interested stakeholders.
- Ensures greater procedural clarity and stakeholder participation.
Strategic Importance
- Crucial to protecting India’s industrial competitiveness, especially amid volatile global trade dynamics.
- Strengthens India’s position in the rules-based international trading system.
Way Forward
- Continued focus on:
- Digital transformation of procedures.
- Faster resolution of trade remedy cases.
- Supporting MSMEs and enhancing stakeholder engagement.
- Reinforces India’s commitment to fair trade and domestic industry protection in the global market.
