Editor’s Note
This article outlines key policy reforms and digital initiatives undertaken by India’s Directorate General of Foreign Trade in 2025, highlighting the formalization of stakeholder consultations and efforts to streamline export processes.
New Delhi: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) concluded 2025 with several strategic policy updates and digital reforms aimed at strengthening India’s trade facilitation ecosystem. According to a DGFT press release, the year was marked by the institutionalization of formal consultations and the expansion of digital platforms to enhance ease of doing business for Indian exporters.
Throughout the year, the department focused on aligning the Foreign Trade Policy 2023 with evolving domestic and global requirements, streamlining the authorization issuance process and rationalizing trade measures. Policy transparency remained a key pillar of the year’s achievements, as DGFT introduced amendments to the Foreign Trade Policy, adding Paragraphs 1.07A and 1.07B. These amendments institutionalized formal consultations for future policy changes, ensuring greater stakeholder engagement.
Additionally, the department issued several notifications to align India’s import and export policy schedules with updates to the Customs Tariff and Finance Acts of 2024 and 2025. This regulatory harmonization was supported by the restoration and alignment of RoDTEP benefits for Advance Authorization holders, Special Economic Zones, and export-oriented units.
Significant sectoral updates were introduced to stabilize domestic markets and support specific industries. DGFT launched the Diamond Imprest Authorization to assist the gems and jewelry sector and extended the “free” import policy for key pulses. Regulatory adjustments were also made concerning synthetic woven fabrics, urea, platinum, and sensitive food items.
Furthermore, exports of wheat to Nepal and broken rice to Senegal were permitted, while essential supplies to the Maldives were facilitated under neighborhood commitments. To support quality compliance, the export obligation period for Advance Authorizations with inputs under Quality Control Orders was brought on par with regular authorizations, removing the previous 180-day limit.
The year 2025 also saw the expansion of the “Source from India” directory on the Trade Connect e-platform, now including exporters with a minimum turnover of US$100,000 in any of the previous three financial years.
To further streamline testing and certification, the pilot phase of the “India Import Export Lab Setu” was launched. This unified digital platform integrates accredited testing and inspection agencies, providing exporters with centralized access to lab services. The system aims to reduce waiting times and enhance transparency through real-time visibility of lab operations.
Digital reforms were built upon the revamp of the IT system initiated in 2020. Key measures included the introduction of an online redemption facility for EPCG licenses and a digital facility for exporters to rectify unused duty-free import authorizations.
DGFT also focused on strategic security by updating the SCOMET list, reflecting international best practices and Wassenaar Arrangement proposals. These combined efforts in policy and technology have focused on end-to-end automation and improved service delivery to ease cross-border trade operations for the Indian business community.