Government launches comprehensive mapping of global non-tariff barriers for exporters

The Commerce Ministry has initiated an extensive exercise to catalogue all non-tariff measures (NTMs)—both mandatory and voluntary—that Indian exporters confront across international markets, according to a report on November 25. The effort, led by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), is a key preparatory step for operationalizing the recently approved Export Promotion Mission.

The mapping aims to build a centralized, sector-wise database of regulatory requirements that influence Indian shipments abroad. By consolidating information on technical and procedural standards imposed by partner countries, the government seeks to cut compliance-related frictions, improve export readiness and raise the overall quality and reliability of outbound products.

To populate the database, the DGFT has asked exporters, trade associations, Export Promotion Councils and commodity boards to submit detailed information on NTMs within a week. Inputs are being sought on certification norms, testing protocols, audits, inspection procedures and labeling rules enforced by importing nations. Officials have cautioned that if stakeholders fail to respond, certain NTMs may go undocumented—potentially limiting the support that specific sectors receive under future policy measures.

NTMs encompass a wide spectrum of regulatory tools used by governments to protect public health, environmental standards and consumer safety. These include technical requirements such as conformity assessments, pre-shipment testing, packaging and labelling rules, as well as non-technical mechanisms like quotas, licensing systems and procurement preferences. Although legitimate in principle, such measures often become trade barriers when they are overly restrictive or lack scientific backing.

Indian exporters frequently grapple with these challenges. Meeting overseas standards may require product redesigns, packaging changes or compulsory laboratory analysis—each adding cost and complexity. For instance, agricultural shipments destined for the European Union must undergo pesticide-residue testing, which can lengthen processing times and increase compliance expenditure. In other markets, such as parts of Africa, port-level inspections and documentation checks routinely slow down cargo movement, adding uncertainty to supply chains.

By systematically mapping these hurdles, the government hopes to provide exporters with clear visibility into country-specific compliance needs and reduce disruptions stemming from differing global standards. The database will also guide the identification of sectors that require technical support or policy intervention under the Export Promotion Mission.