Foreign Trade Policy: New Pilot for Pre-Shipment DIC Certification

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has initiated a strategic shift toward digital-first compliance with a new pilot program for Pre-Shipment inspection through the Directory of Industrial Corridors (DIC). This move aims to reduce the physical interface between exporters and regulatory bodies, ensuring that the 'Trust but Verify' principle of the Foreign Trade Policy 2023 is effectively implemented. Under this advisory, certain sectors will undergo streamlined validation of origin and quality standards before the goods leave the factory premises. This is particularly relevant for SME manufacturers looking to reduce turnaround times and avoid port-side delays. By integrating these clearances into the existing DGFT e-platform, the government is moving toward a unified dashboard for all export-related clearances. ## What this means for exporters Exporters should ensure their factory profiles are updated on the DGFT portal. As per the latest DGFT Trade Notices regarding digital transformation, being part of the pilot can lead to faster processing of shipping bills and priority clearance. It is recommended that manufacturers review their internal quality control manuals to align with the self-certification standards promoted under the new FTP framework. We Design For You assists SMEs in navigating these portal technicalities to ensure zero disruption in daily export operations.