Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued Trade Notice No. 29/2024-25, dated February 11, 2025, mandating online processes for Enforcement-cum-Adjudication and related proceedings under the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992 (FTDR Act). As part of the government’s paperless trade initiative, all replies to Show Cause Notices, adjudications, appeals, and reviews must be submitted digitally via the DGFT portal. Physical submissions will no longer be accepted.
Additionally, penalties levied under the FTDR Act must be paid online through the relevant ECA/Appeal or Review files to ensure proper accounting and avoid administrative complications. The use of miscellaneous payment options is discouraged for penalty payments. To facilitate compliance, applicants are advised to refer to ECA-related help manuals and FAQs available on the DGFT website.
This measure aligns with the government’s aim to enhance the ease of doing business and streamline trade procedures by digitizing documentation and payment processes. The notice was issued with the approval of the competent authority.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY
DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF FOREIGN TRADE
Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi – 110011
Trade Notice No. 29/2024-25 – DGFT | Dated: 11th February 2025
To,
1. All the Members of Trade and Industry
2. All DGFT Regional Authorities (RAs)
3. All Export Promotion Councils/ Commodity Boards
Subject: Mandatory online submission and online payments against Show Cause Notices and other proceedings under provisions of the FTD&R Act – reg
In line with the Government’s objective to promote ease of doing business and facilitate a paperless trade environment, DGFT has taken several steps over the years including the introduction of paperless digital submission mechanisms for applications for various authorisations and processes associated with the lifecycle of Duty Exemption/Remission Authorisations.
2. Further to these initiatives, it is informed that the process of Enforcement-cum-Adjudication and other associated actions under the FTD&R Act 1992 as amended has also been further digitised. In light of this, the following processes are to be followed by all members of the trade:
i. Mandatory Online Submission of Documents: Replies to Show Cause Notices and other information requests during proceedings under the FTDR Act such as the process of Adjudication, Appeal and Review may be compulsorily made online through the DGFT portal. Paper-based submissions will no longer be entertained.
ii. Mandatory Online Payment of Fees: Payment of penalties levied by orders
under the FTDR Act shall be mandatorily made against the corresponding online ECA/Appeal or Review file as applicable. The use of the Miscellaneous payments feature may be avoided to ensure proper accounting of penalties paid and to avoid unintended future action.
3. Applicants may refer ECA related help manuals available on the DGFT website — > Learn — > Application Help & FAQs to comply with the above requirements of digital submissions.
This Trade Notice is issued with the approval of the competent authority.
Arjun Upadhya S
Deputy Director General of Foreign Trade
email: arjun.upadhya@gov.in
[Issued from file: 01/02/90/AM-24/EG&TF/E-38704]
