Government pushes for dual-use export control

Director General of Foreign Trade, Santosh Sarangi, stated that the government is committed to strengthening export controls on dual-use items to prevent their acquisition by non-state actors and terrorists.

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Santosh Sarangi, the Director General of Foreign Trade, has affirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing export control measures for dual-use items to prevent their falling into the hands of non-state actors and terrorists.

Dual-use items are products designed for both civilian and non-civilian purposes. Speaking at the Indian Chamber of Commerce, Sarangi highlighted that India is actively participating in various international multilateral groups, such as the Australia Group. He also mentioned that the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) compiles a specialized SCOMET (speciality chemicals, organisms, materials, equipment, and technologies) list of dual-use items through inter-ministerial consultations.

“We have a strict regime of export controls of dual-use items. We also see the countries and the frequency at which these items are sent,” he said.

Simultaneously, the government is actively working to streamline and promote exports of dual-use items. Muanpuii Saiawi, the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs responsible for Disarmament & International Security Affairs stated that controlling the export of dual-use items poses a significant challenge, particularly in the realm of technology transfer.

“One of the highlights of the new foreign trade policy is its emphasis on expediting the SCOMET licencing process. It is an essential component of the nation’s export control system to make sure that sensitive and dual-use goods are traded in accordance with India’s obligation under several regimes, including Missile Technology Control Regime,” Indian Chamber of Commerce former president Sanjay Budhia said.