eGovWatch: Directorate General of Foreign Trade launches mobile app and revamped website

As part of its endeavour to provide more information in electronic format and a trade facilitation measure, Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, has launched its mobile initiative with its Android app (“DGFT”) through which most DGFT services can be accessed while on the go.

Commerce Secretary Rajiv Kher unveiled the app which would allow exporters and importers to access the foreign trade policy and other related documents in an easy-to-use searchable format.

With just one click, the trade community would be able to check the status of transmission of various authorizations and the shipping bills through the dynamic app, said release from the ministry.

The app will allow the exporters/importers to search for ITC (HS) codes and merchandise exports from India rates which are huge databases that are used every day by the whole trade community.

Application and its data structures have been designed in-house and software development done by DeitY.

The app is currently available for the Android platform. The app is just a new beginning for DGFT and many new apps to provide other services are in the pipeline, said statement from DGFT .

A new look website has also been launched making it more user-friendly and easy to navigate. DGFT website has a huge dynamic component whereby the trade community can file applications online for IEC and various other schemes of DGFT.

The exporters can also see the status of their electronic Bank realization certificates in almost real-time. The website is rich in content with all documents related to Foreign Trade Policy along with a responsive online grievance redressal system.

The mobile application and the new website will further strengthen the e-governance platform of DGFT, said the ministry