DGTR reduces average time to 234 days for completing probe in 2019-20

Steps such as online filing of applications have helped in significantly reducing the average time for completing investigations by the commerce ministry's arm DGTR to 234 days in 2019-20, an official said.

The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) is the investigation arm of the ministry which deals with anti-dumping duty, safeguard duty, and countervailing duty.

These duties are trade remedy measures, provided under the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to its member countries. They are used to provide a level-playing field to domestic industry in case of dumping of goods, significant increase in imports and subsidised imports.

"There is a significant improvement in the efficiency and efficacy of the directorate to provide expeditious relief to domestic industry. The average time to complete investigation has reduced significantly to 234 days in 2019-20 from 281 days during 2018-19 and more than 400 days in previous years," the official said.