The DGFT vide Trade Notice No. 16/2020 – 21 dated June 25, 2020, had launched a new DGFT platform and Digital delivery of IEC related services. Further, as a part of the Digital India program and for Ease of Doing Business, DGFT has undertaken an initiative to revamp the delivery of its services mechanisms to promote and facilitate foreign trade. As a step in that direction, 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, EPCG, and Exports Obligation Discharge which are part of next phase will be rolled out subsequently after the first phase stabilizes.
The following important points may be noted with regard to the new platform design:
- Access to the services would be through a 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 mandatorily required. The same will be authenticated by the process of OTP/email-based authentication process.
- Users would have to link their login IDs to their specific IECs. The process of linking would be available post login through Digital Signature/Aadhaar based e-Sign.
- Digital Signature (DSC)/Aadhaar based e-Sign will be required for applying and modifying IEC or adding or updating the IEC-linked users. Users may take necessary actions for procuring/updating their information etc. on the DSC/Aadhaar.
Further, 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.
The new platform is also designed for 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. These numerous features should significantly benefit the trade community. Users are requested to familiarize themselves about the new platform and its features.
The 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.
Note:
- 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 10.07.2020 till 13.07.2020. Stakeholders are requested to plan in advance about the IEC services.
- In case of any issues/queries, you may contact DGFT Helpdesk at 1800-111-550 from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday to Saturday.
The Trade Notice can be accessed at: https://dgft.gov.in/sites/default/files/Trade%20Notice%2016%20-%20Stage%201A%20Go-live.pdf