Unlocking BRICS Industrial Markets: Navigating India's Trade & Regulatory Framework

India is one of the most dynamic and fast-growing industrial markets within BRICS. As the country continues to expand its trade relationships and open new sectors to foreign participation, understanding its regulatory framework has become an increasingly valuable capability for any operator looking to engage with the Indian market.

This webinar session gives industrial operators, trade professionals, and policymakers direct access to the officials who administer India's trade policy. Representatives from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), the central authority for India's foreign trade policy under the Government of India, will walk participants through the practical aspects of exporting to and importing from India - what is required, how the system works, and where opportunities for smoother engagement lie.

What the session will cover

1. India's Trade Administration Framework

• Acts and Rules: An examination of the foundational legislation governing cross-border trade, focusing on the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act and subsequent regulatory amendments.

• Foreign Trade Policy: A breakdown of India's strategic approach to global trade, highlighting current objectives for export promotion, ease of doing business, and digital trade facilitation.

• Import and Export Regulations: An overview of general trade provisions, including the classification of goods (Free, Restricted, Prohibited), tariff codes, and standard compliance mandates for operators.

2. DGFT Licensing Requirements

• Import Licensing Requirements: Guidance on navigating restricted import categories, understanding quota systems, and executing applications through the DGFT portal.

• Export Licensing Requirements: Details on securing authorizations for restricted exports, and maintaining post-export compliance.

• Interaction with Customs and Sectoral Ministries: A practical look at inter-agency coordination, explaining how DGFT authorizations integrate with border clearances and inter-departmental regulatory approvals.

Speakers

• Shri Moin Afaque, Joint (Jt.) Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)

• Shri Satya Rajashekhar, Joint (Jt.) Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)

Session format

The session runs 60 minutes and is structured to maximise both learning and connection:

• 30 minutes - Expert presentation by DGFT officials

• 20 minutes - Open panel Q&A: participants may submit questions in advance or ask live

• 10 minutes - Matchmaking: facilitated introductions connecting participants with relevant cooperation opportunities across BRICS markets

Who should attend

This session is relevant to anyone operating in or planning to engage with the Indian industrial market, including:

• Industrial SMEs across BRICS countries exploring export opportunities or supply chain partnerships with Indian counterparts

• Investment promotion agencies advising companies on market entry strategy and regulatory requirements

• R&D institutions engaged in or seeking technology cooperation with Indian research and industrial partners

• Policymakers and trade officials working on bilateral trade facilitation, standards harmonisation, or industrial cooperation frameworks within the BRICS context

If your organisation has a stake in how trade with India works - this session is for you.

About the Unlocking BRICS Industrial Markets series

This session is part of a monthly webinar series dedicated to making BRICS industrial markets more accessible and better understood. Each edition focuses on a specific member country and is structured around four thematic tracks: market entry and industrial setup; sectors and value chains; technology and innovation cooperation; and standards, compliance and trade facilitation.