Operationalisation of DGFT 'COVID-19 Helpdesk' for International Trade related Issues



Quick Summary
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) in India has launched a 'COVID-19 Helpdesk' to address challenges faced by exporters and importers due to the pandemic. This service aims to resolve issues related to international trade, including licensing, customs, and banking. Stakeholders can submit their concerns via the DGFT website or email, and track the resolution status online.

Department of Commerce, Government of India and Directorate General of Foreign Trade(DGFT) have undertaken to monitor the status of exports and imports, and difficulties being faced by trade stakeholders in view of the surge of COVID-19 cases. DGFT has accordingly operationalised a ‘COVID-19 Helpdesk' to support and seek suitable resolutions to issues arising in respect of International Trade.

This 'COVID-19 Helpdesk' would look into issues relating to Department of Commerce/DGFT, Import and Export Licensing Issues, Customs clearance delays and complexities arising thereon, Import/Export documentation issues, Banking matters etc. Helpdesk would also collect and collate trade related issues concerning other Ministries/Departments/Agencies of Central Government and State Governments and will co-ordinate to seek their support and provide possible resolution(s).

DGFT COVID-19 Helpdesk for International Trade Issues

All stakeholders, particularly the Exporters and Importers, may submit information on the DGFT website and submit information relating to their issues on which support is required using the following steps—

  1. Navigate to the DGFT Website (https://dgft.gov.in)  ----> Services   ---->  DGFT  ---->  Helpdesk Service
  2.  ‘Create New Request’ and select the Category as ‘Covid-19'
  3.  Select the suitable sub-category, enter the other relevant details and submit.

Alternatively, One can send their issues to email id: dgftedi@nic.in with the subject header: Covid-19 Helpdesk or call at Toll Free No 1800-111-550

The status of resolutions and feedback may be tracked using the Status tracker under the DGFT Helpdesk Services. Email and SMS would also be sent as and when the status of these tickets are updated.

FAQ :

The helpdesk has been set up to monitor trade status and resolve difficulties faced by stakeholders in international trade due to the surge in COVID-19 cases.

The helpdesk can address issues related to the Department of Commerce/DGFT, import and export licensing, customs clearance delays, documentation, and banking matters.

Stakeholders can submit issues through the DGFT website by navigating to Services > DGFT > Helpdesk Service, selecting 'Create New Request', and categorising it as 'Covid-19'. Alternatively, they can email dgftedi@nic.in or call the toll-free number 1800-111-550.

Yes, the status of resolutions and feedback can be tracked using the Status tracker under the DGFT Helpdesk Services on the DGFT website. Updates will also be sent via email and SMS.

Yes, the helpdesk collects and collates trade-related issues concerning other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of the Central and State Governments, and will coordinate to seek their support for resolutions.




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