Trade Notice No. 18/2025-26, Dated 25-11-2025
1. Overview
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued a Trade Notice seeking comprehensive information on Non-Tariff Measures (NTMs) that affect Indian exports.
The initiative aims to create a centralised database to support policy interventions, enhance export competitiveness, and resolve compliance bottlenecks faced by exporters.
2. Scope of Information Sought
DGFT has requested detailed inputs on all categories of NTMs applicable to Indian exports, including:
- Certifications and attestations
- Testing and laboratory requirements
- Inspections and audits
- Labelling, packaging and marking norms
- Health, safety, phytosanitary or technical regulations
- Environmental or sustainability standards
- Any other country-specific or product-specific compliance conditions
This covers both mandatory and voluntary requirements imposed by importing countries.
3. Details to Be Provided by Export Stakeholders
Exporters, Export Promotion Councils (EPCs), Commodity Boards (CBs), and Industry Associations (IAs) must furnish the following for each identified NTM:
- Nature of requirement (certification/testing/inspection/etc.)
- Whether it is mandatory or voluntary
- Sectors/products impacted
- Cost, validity period, and frequency of compliance
- Countries/regions imposing the requirement
- Details of recognised labs, agencies or certifying bodies
- Challenges faced during compliance (e.g., high cost, delays, lack of testing infrastructure, restrictive norms)
This granular information will help DGFT assess high-impact NTMs and prioritise solutions.
4. Submission Timeline and Process
- Inputs must be submitted within 7 days from issuance of the Trade Notice.
- Submissions must be made only through the specified online form, as provided in the circular.
- Export stakeholders are advised to ensure accuracy and completeness of the submitted information.
5. Consequences of Non-Submission
DGFT has cautioned that failure to furnish information may result in:
- The concerned NTMs or certifications not being prioritised in the official NTM database, and
- Reduced likelihood of receiving future support or policy interventions under:
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- The Export Promotion Mission, and
- Other trade facilitation or market access initiatives.
This makes timely submission critical for ensuring sector-specific issues receive appropriate attention.
6. Significance
The data will enable DGFT and relevant ministries to:
- Identify burdensome or trade-restrictive NTMs,
- Develop targeted strategies for export facilitation,
- Address market access barriers, and
- Strengthen India’s position in international trade negotiations.
