DGFT was setup in 1950, but was earlier known as Chief Controller of Imports & Exports.
The agency is headquartered in New Delhi and functions under Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Functions and Responsibilities of DGFT
The agency is responsible for formulating and implementing the Foreign Trade Policy with the objective of promoting India’s exports.
DGFT is the licensing authority for exporters, importers and export and import business.
The agency grants 10 digit IEC (Importer Exporter Code), which is a primary requirement for Import and Export
The regional office of DGFT provides facilitation to exporters regarding recent developments in the international trade like WTO agreements, Rules of Origin and anti-dumping issues etc.
After liberalization policies of 1991, DGFT’s role has shifted from prohibition and regulation of imports/exports to being the promoter and facilitator of exports.
