India’s trade remedy authority has reiterated the importance of trade security measures in protecting domestic manufacturers from unfair trade practices while ensuring compliance with global trade rules.
The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), under the Department of Commerce, highlighted its role in safeguarding Indian industry and exporters during a media briefing on “Trade Remedy Measures: Creating a Level Playing Field for Indian Industry” held in New Delhi.
Trade security measures support fair competition
The DGTR said trade remedy measures such as anti-dumping, anti-subsidy and safeguard duties are designed to counter unfair trade practices and sudden import surges that harm domestic industry.
DGTR, Additional Secretary & Director General Trade Remedies, Amitabh Kumar, said, “Trade remedy measures are instruments of fair trade and not import restrictions. These measures are employed to address dumped imports, subsidised imports and sudden surges in imports that cause injury to domestic industry.”
He added that the objective is to restore fair competition and create a level playing field for Indian producers while allowing legitimate imports to continue at fair prices.
WTO-compliant framework guides investigations
The authority noted that all investigations are conducted in accordance with domestic laws and India’s commitments under the World Trade Organization (WTO) framework.
DGTR follows a transparent and evidence-based process that includes examination of applications, verification of information, stakeholder consultations, oral hearings, disclosure of essential facts and issuance of final findings.
The agency said domestic producers, exporters, importers, user industries and other stakeholders are provided adequate opportunities to participate during investigations.
Balanced approach protects all stakeholders
DGTR emphasised that trade remedy proceedings also take into account the interests of user industries, downstream sectors and consumers.
The authority follows the Lesser Duty Rule, under which duties are recommended only to the extent necessary to remove injury to domestic industry, ensuring that trade protection measures remain proportionate.
Trade Defence Wing backs Indian exporters
A key focus area highlighted during the briefing was DGTR’s Trade Defence Wing, established in 2016 to support Indian exporters facing anti-dumping, countervailing duty and safeguard investigations in foreign markets.
The wing acts as a coordination platform involving government ministries, state governments, Indian missions abroad, export promotion councils, commodity boards, exporters and legal advisers to protect India’s trade interests globally.
Digital reforms improve access
DGTR also showcased a series of reforms aimed at improving accessibility and efficiency in trade remedy proceedings.
Among them is the System for Ensuring Fair Trade through Unified Digital Platform (SETU), launched in October 2025, which enables end-to-end digital processing of trade remedy cases through online filing, structured submissions, digital communication and secure document management. The platform offers a single-window interface for domestic producers, exporters, importers and foreign governments.
MSME-focused initiatives gain traction
The authority highlighted several initiatives aimed at helping MSMEs and fragmented industries access trade remedy mechanisms more easily.
These include the Economic Interest Questionnaire, the Helpdesk and Facilitation Centre, the Trade Remedies Advisory Cell (TRAC), outreach programmes and simplified application formats.
According to DGTR, the simplified application format introduced in 2021 has significantly reduced procedural challenges faced by fragmented domestic producers and MSMEs seeking trade remedy protection.
Focus remains on fair trade
The DGTR reiterated that trade remedy measures remain an important tool for addressing unfair trade practices, strengthening domestic manufacturing and supporting a rules-based international trading system.
The authority said it will continue to focus on transparent investigations, stakeholder participation, digital transformation and effective trade defence support for Indian industry and exporters.