Goyal asks exporters to leverage FTAs, talks non-tariff barriers

Commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal Tuesday asked exporters to increase the utilisation of free trade agreements (FTAs) and discussed non-tariff barriers at a meeting with export bodies and industry. The proposed centralised exporters portal, India's trade pact talks with the EU and the US, and ways to further boost exports of services and value-added goods were also discussed.

"Met representatives of all Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) & Industry Associations and discussed emerging global opportunities for India. Also, encouraged them to create a facility that makes Indian exporters easily discoverable by overseas buyers to further boost our country's exports," Goyal said in a post on X.

"Non-tariff barriers were discussed during the meeting," said an official.


Industry representatives said support could be provided to exporters to deal with EU regulations like the Digital Product Passport (DPP).

The DPP, which is to be implemented by the EU from January 1, 2026, aims to digitally record, store and share information about a product's entire life cycle-from raw materials to manufacturing, usage, recycling and disposal. It will be mandatory for a wide range of products including electronics, batteries, textiles and construction materials.

"It was discussed that about 9-10 FTAs are in the pipeline, including Chile and New Zealand," said an industry representative, adding that an early harvest trade deal with the EU is progressing at a faster pace and it may be concluded soon.

"Discussions happened on ways to incorporate exporters' data and put it on a common portal," said another industry representative who attended the meeting.

RoDTEP scheme

The government has allocated Rs 18,233 crore under the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) in the current financial year for over 10,750 product categories, the commerce and industry ministry said. As of March 31, 2025, total disbursements under the scheme have crossed ₹57,976.78 crore.

The benefits under the scheme for exports of goods manufactured in SEZsand export-oriented units are restored from June 1 this year.