DGTR plays key role in protecting domestic industry within WTO framework: Top official
The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) plays a crucial role in safeguarding Indian industry from unfair trade practices while ensuring compliance with India's commitments under the World Trade Organisation (WTO), 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.
