The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) vide its notification No.16 /2020-21 dated 25th June 2020 has undertaken an initiative to revamp its service delivery mechanisms to promote and facilitate foreign trade. As a part of the initiative it has decided to launch a new digital platform on 13th July 2020 to provide services related to the IEC issuance, modification, amendments etc.
The new platform is designed for the smooth migration of legacy (older) data of DGFT and its stakeholders. The existing data will be used for the online processing of the previous applications henceforth. The users will be able to monitor the status of their applications and the pending obligations thereof.
Key Points of the Trade Notice are:
- The first phase of a new digital platform of DGFT is scheduled to Go-Live on 13th July 2020. The platform will become accessible through the existing website: https://www.dgft.gov.in.
- The website will be catering to the services related to the IEC issuance, modification, amendments etc. processes along with a Chatbot (a virtual assistant) catering to queries of users. Other online modules relating to Advance Authorisation (AA), EPCG, and Exports Obligation Discharge which are part of next phase will be rolled out subsequently after the first phase stabilizes.
- Following are the Key Highlights with regards to the new platform design:
- Access to the services would be through username and password-based system; the first-time logins/user ID may be created through a registration process on the new platform.
- For User ID creation, registered mobile number/email ids of the IEC holders will be mandatory. Authentication of the same will be done through OTP / email.
- Digital Signature / Aadhaar based e-sign will be required for applying and modifying IEC or adding or updating the IEC-linked users.
- The user profile has also been designed to be used by the IEC holders to engage with DGFT and its services. Such a platform would enable the user to electronically file their IEC, AA, EPCG, including amendments and redemption, monitoring the status of the application, raising queries, replying to deficiencies, etc
- The new platform will provide for smooth migration of legacy data of DGFT and its stakeholders. The existing data would be used for online processing of the previous data. The users would also be enabled to monitor the status of their applications and pending obligations. Such features shall significantly benefit the trade community
- DGFT RAs have been directed to spread awareness about the new platform among the trade stakeholders.
- The user profile can be then used by the IEC holders to engage with DGFT and its services. This will enable the user to electronically file their application related to IEC, AA, EPCG, including amendments & redemption, monitoring the status of the application, raising queries, replying to the deficiencies etc. among other services related to the Foreign Trade policy.
DGFT RAs are directed to intimate the staff/officials about the launch of the new platform. All the staff/officials must have an NIC/GOV email ids with updated mobile numbers. The same will be used in the Back Office (BO) portal of the new platform. RAs are also directed to spread awareness about the new platform among the trade stakeholders. Staff/Officials may also refer to the content about the platform provided to them during the training sessions.
It is further informed that for the purposes of go-live of first phase and the required systems configurations, the IEC applications and modification process would be suspended from 3:00 pm on 10th day of July till 13th day of July, 2020. In case of any issues/queries after the go-live one may contact DGFT Helpdesk at 1800-111-550 from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday to Saturday.
