DGFT
Directorate General of Foreign Trade — import licensing, EPCG, advance authorisation, and the Foreign Trade Policy that governs Indian imports and exports.
8 EXPLAINERS
DGFT explainers
DGFT
What is DGFT and what does it do?
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade is the apex body within the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, responsible for administering all policy, licensing, and regulatory functions related…
2026-05-25
DGFT
What is the foreign trade policy and how does it govern your import?
The Foreign Trade Policy is a policy document issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the authority of the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992. Section…
2026-05-25
DGFT
What is ITC(HS) classification and why does it determine import eligibility?
The Indian Trade Classification (Harmonised System), known universally as ITC (HS), is the classification system India uses to categorise every good involved in international trade. It is maintained by the…
2026-05-25
DGFT
What are restricted, prohibited, and canalised goods under DGFT?
Under the Foreign Trade Policy 2023 to 2028, administered by DGFT under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992, every entry in Schedule I of the ITC (HS) carries…
2026-05-25
DGFT
What is an import licence under DGFT and when is one required?
An import licence under DGFT is an authorisation issued by a Regional Authority of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992 and…
2026-05-25
DGFT
What is CAROTAR and how does it apply to fta imports?
The Customs (Administration of Rules of Origin under Trade Agreements) Rules, 2020, universally referred to as CAROTAR, are rules framed under Section 156 read with Section 28DA of the Customs…
2026-05-25
DGFT
What are the penalties for violating foreign trade policy conditions?
The penalty framework for violating India's Foreign Trade Policy operates across two parallel statutory regimes: the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992 and the Customs Act, 1962. Both statutes…
2026-05-25
DGFT
How does DGFT enforcement work at the port?
DGFT enforcement at the point of import is the mechanism through which India's Foreign Trade Policy conditions are translated from statutory obligations into practical commercial consequences. The enforcement framework involves…
2026-05-25
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Speak to an Expert Last verified against gazette notifications: 2026-05-21. Source: Hand-authored by Access India Editorial.
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