The document discusses the computerization of the Director General for Foreign Trade (DGFT) offices in India. DGFT is responsible for implementing the country's Export-Import policy and promoting foreign trade. It underwent two phases of computerization to reduce physical interfaces, increase transparency, and process electronic applications within 24 hours. This included developing software for import/export licensing, monitoring, and an online importer/exporter code system. The objectives were to enable e-filing of applications, digital approvals, and provide licensing information across DGFT offices for analysis and dissemination. This started India's e-governance initiatives in DGFT.

1. E-Governance in the offices of Director
General for Foreign Trade (DGFT)
NALIN ADHIKARI
BSc. CSIT
nalin.com.np

2. Contents
• Introduction
• Role of DGFT
• Major Objectives of Computerization
• Computerization – 1st Phase
• Computerization – 2nd Phase
• Objectives of Computerization
• DGFT Functions
• Official Site
• References
E-GOV | DGFT
Slide No. 2

3. Introduction
• DGFT is an office under the Ministry of Commerce in India
• a key player in promoting of Foreign Trade
• Recently, especially, in it’s port offices, computerization was
introduced with the help of NIC
• this started e-governance, including digital signature
[ NIC : National Informatics Center]
E-GOV | DGFT
Slide No. 3

4. Introduction (cont…)
• The EXIM Policy used computerization process
• to reduce the physical interface
• bring in transparency in various activities related to exports and EDI
• ensure clearance of electronically received applications within 24 hours
[ EXIM : Export-Import Policy (of Government of India)]
[ EDI : Electronic Data Interchange ]
E-GOV | DGFT
Slide No. 4

5. Role of DGFT
(in Implementation of EXIM Policy)
• The Government of India may appoint any person as Director
General of Foreign Trade
• for the purpose of Foreign Trade Development and Regulation (FTDR)
• The Director General
• advice the Central Government in the formulation of export and import
policy
• responsible for carrying out that policy
• Principle objectives is to promote trade in goods and services
E-GOV | DGFT
Slide No. 5

6. Major Objectives of Computerization
• Reduce physical interface (through Electronic Transactions)
• Monitor and control (both online)
• Reduce paper work
• Increase the speed of transactions, make them transparent and
secure
• Develop Integrated Database to help the decision makers
• Assist in policy making and evaluation
• Assist exporters to reduce transaction time and costs and
eliminate intermediaries
E-GOV | DGFT
Slide No. 6

7. Computerization – 1st Phase
• A comprehensive software package was developed
• To computerize
• Receipt
• Issue Counter
• Importer Exporter Code Section
• Advance Licensing
• Export Promotion Capital Goods Scheme (EPCGS)
• Duty Exemption Pass Book (DEPB)
• System Used
• Pentium system with Unix OS with Printers and Terminals
• Unix RDBMS was provided and later Oracle 7.3 was also provided
E-GOV | DGFT
Slide No. 7

8. Computerization – 2nd Phase
• A web enabled LEMIS (Licensing, e-Commerce, Monitoring,
Information System) was implemented
• System used
• Windows NT 4.0/DB2 UDB 5.0/JDK 1.1.5
• LAN (established by NIC)
• Powerful database servers
• Ink jet/laser printers
• UPS in all port offices
E-GOV | DGFT
Slide No. 8

9. Objectives of Computerization
• E-filing of applications and E-commerce
• Exporters can file application electronically
• The application gets processed in local DGFT office and license is issued
• DGFT has enabled digital signature
• Exporter can access and print license at his end
• Electronic approval of licensing authority
• LEMIS software has developed
• The authorized person can access to the application through his computer
and printing of license by clicking approval button
E-GOV | DGFT
Slide No. 9

10. Objectives of Computerization (cont…)
• Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) and Binary Identification Number (BIN)
• Every exporter has to obtain IEC number and BIN for import/export any items
• Getting information for IECs registered other ports
• If branch office is located in the jurisdiction of local DGFT and has applied for a
license for a particular scheme then local DGFT office has to download IEC
details registered
• Licensing information at the disposal of DGFT
• DGFT server, gets details of license issued at various port offices in the country
through NICNET for further statistical analysis and dissemination
E-GOV | DGFT
Slide No. 10

11. DGFT Functions
• Implementation of EIM Policy objectives
• Item wise EXIM Policy notification
• Interpretation of Policy
• Specify Procedures
• Principles of Restriction
• DGFT may enforce any measure necessary for protection of public morals,
human/animal/plant life/health, trademarks and copyright
• To refuse granting or renewing a license/certificate/permission
E-GOV | DGFT
Slide No. 11

12. DGFT Functions (cont…)
• Export obligation monitoring
• Granting to exclusive or special privileges granting to State
Training Enterprise(s)
• Granting IEC (Importer-Exporter Code) number
• To promote Trade with neighboring countries
• Permitting Transit facility
• Permission for free exports
E-GOV | DGFT
Slide No. 12

13. Official Site
( Government of India
Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Directorate General of Foreign Trade )
DGFT runs various schemes for trade promotion and facilitation.
Using this facility user may file, prepare and track online application in these schemes.
E-GOV | DGFT
Slide No. 13Foreign Trade Policy Foreign Trade Procedures
Public Notices Circulars
Trade Notices Annual Report
Tenders Citizen Charter

14. References
• C.S.R. Prabhu, E-Governance Concept and Case Studies, Second
Edition, February 2012
• http://dgft.gov.in/
E-GOV | DGFT
Slide No. 14

15. Thank you !