Government of India Launches DGFT's ‘Global Tariff and Trade Helpdesk’ to Strengthen International Trade Support

On 11 April 2025, The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has launched a dedicated 'Global Tariff and Trade Helpdesk' to support exporters and importers in navigating emerging challenges and opportunities in international trade. This new initiative aims to address a range of issues related to global tariffs, import surges, export-related hurdles, and other trade challenges that are crucial for the business community.

As global trade continues to evolve, with changes in tariffs and the introduction of counter-tariff measures, the helpdesk will assist stakeholders by facilitating a platform to resolve trade-related issues. The initiative is particularly focused on tackling import surges, dumping, EXIM clearance delays, logistics or supply chain challenges, and regulatory or compliance concerns.

Key Areas of Focus:

The 'Global Tariff and Trade Helpdesk' will address a broad spectrum of trade-related concerns, including:

• Import and Export Challenges

• Import Surges and Dumping

• EXIM Clearance Issues

• Logistics and Supply Chain Challenges

• Financial or Banking Issues

• Regulatory and Compliance Issues

• General Trade Suggestions and Concerns

The helpdesk will also coordinate with other relevant Ministries, Departments, and Government Agencies at the Central and State levels to resolve issues that require multi-stakeholder involvement.

How to Use the Helpdesk:

Exporters, importers, and other stakeholders facing trade-related challenges can access the helpdesk through the DGFT website:

1. Visit the DGFT Website at www.dgft.gov.in

2. Navigate to the 'DGFT Helpdesk' section under 'Services.'

3. Create a new request by selecting 'Global Tariff and Trade Issues' and specify the appropriate sub-category (such as Import Challenges, Export Challenges, etc.).

4. Enter relevant details and submit the request.

Alternatively, issues can be emailed to dgftedi@nic.in with the subject line ‘Global Tariff and Trade Helpdesk’, or stakeholders can call the Toll-Free number at 1800-111-550 for assistance.

Tracking and Resolution:

Users can track the status of their issues via the status tracker under DGFT Helpdesk Services. Notifications via email and SMS will be sent to inform stakeholders of any updates related to their submissions.

This move is aimed at empowering the Indian trade community, providing them with a platform to proactively manage challenges in a dynamic global trading environment. The DGFT encourages all stakeholders to make full use of these facilities to streamline trade operations and resolve critical issues.

For further information, stakeholders are urged to visit the DGFT official website or contact the helpdesk for any queries.