Govt to consolidate trade defence bodies

 A decision to merge the safeguards directorate, currently under the finance ministry, with the DGAD which is a quasi judicial body, has already been taken. But the Cabinet note seeking winding up of the Tariff Commission has met with resistance from the finance ministry.

 North Block has proposed that the commission should be modelled on the lines of the United States International Trade Commission and should provide inputs to the anti-dumping authorities on issues such as calculating the injury margin for products under investigation and help the finance ministry to work out a long term tariff policy.

 According to the finance ministry's recommendations, the DGAD should handle issues such as calculation of dumping margin only. The commerce ministry has objected to the proposals.

 A final decision on the matter is pending at present.

 Officials said the government was of the opinion that the safeguards directorate, which has so far issued some 15 orders, rightfully belonged to the commerce ministry and be merged with the DGAD. An additional secretary-level officer was likely to head the combined entity which would also deal with countervailing and anti-subsidy cases.

 The DGAD has also initiated steps to monitor the dumping cases faced by Indian companies in foreign markets. At present, the directorate general of foreign trade is the nodal agency entrusted with the task.

 Consolidation

 

 

Dept of industrial policy and promotion moved cabinet note on winding up Tariff Commission

Finance ministry suggests reworking of Tariff Commission mandate to help DGAD and North Block

Commerce ministry not in favour of roping in Tariff Commission for dumping investigations

Final decision on the matter pending

DGAD also wants the mandate to monitor dumping cases against India