DGTR plays key role in protecting domestic industry within WTO framework: Top official
New Delhi, June 10
The Directorate General of Trade Remedies plays a crucial role in safeguarding Indian industry from unfair trade practices while ensuring compliance with India's commitments under the World Trade Organisation, Additional Secretary and Director General Trade Remedies Amitabh Kumar said on Wednesday.
Addressing a media briefing on the theme "Trade Remedy Measures: Creating a Level Playing Field for Indian Industry" at DGTR headquarters in the national capital, Kumar said the agency serves as India's integrated trade remedy authority and conducts anti-dumping, anti-subsidy and safeguard investigations.
"Based on these investigations, it recommends appropriate measures to the government in accordance with domestic laws and international trade rules," he stated.
Kumar stressed that trade remedy measures should not be viewed as import restrictions but as instruments of fair trade.
He said these measures are designed to address dumped imports, subsidised imports and sudden import surges that cause injury to domestic industries.
"The objective is to restore fair competition while allowing legitimate imports to continue at reasonable and fair prices," he added.
Highlighting DGTR's transparent and evidence-based functioning, Kumar explained that investigations involve detailed scrutiny of applications, analysis of stakeholder submissions, verification of information, oral hearings, disclosure of essential facts and issuance of final findings.
He noted that all interested parties, including domestic producers, exporters, importers, user industries and foreign stakeholders, are given adequate opportunities to present evidence and participate in the process.
The DGTR chief also underlined the organisation's balanced approach, saying the interests of downstream industries, consumers and user sectors are carefully examined before any recommendation is made.
He pointed out that DGTR follows the Lesser Duty Rule, under which duties are recommended only to the extent necessary to remove injury to domestic industry.
During the briefing, Kumar highlighted the work of DGTR's Trade Defence Wing, established in 2016 to support Indian exporters facing anti-dumping, countervailing duty and safeguard investigations abroad.
The wing coordinates with ministries, state governments, Indian missions overseas, export promotion councils and legal experts to protect India's trade interests in foreign jurisdictions.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good to see the government taking a proactive role. But I hope the DGTR also ensures that these measures don't lead to price hikes for consumers. For example, if we impose anti-dumping duties on steel, what happens to small businesses that rely on affordable steel? Balance is key, as the article rightly points out. Let's see the implementation on ground level.
This is a sensible framework. India has been a victim of dumping from countries like China for years—cheap imports flooding our markets, killing local industries. The Trade Defence Wing is a smart move too; it helps our exporters fight back when others target us. Proud that our institutions are working within WTO rules rather than breaking them. 🇮🇳
I work in a small textile export unit, and let me tell you—these anti-dumping investigations are life-savers. Last year, cheap Chinese fabric almost shut us down. The DGTR process was transparent, and we got relief without harming imports completely. Kudos to the team for their evidence-based approach! 👍
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