National Conference on Strategic Trade Controls to be Held in New Delhi

New Delhi: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Department of Commerce, in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and other Government Agencies, is organizing the National Conference on Strategic Trade Controls (NCSTC). The focus of the conference is India’s Strategic Trade Control, specifically related to Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment, and Technologies (SCOMET) and Export Controls.

Scheduled for January 30, 2024, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, the conference aims to highlight India’s SCOMET system and international best practices for ensuring compliance in the export of dual-use (industrial and military) goods, software, and technologies. The DGFT has invited registrations from interested industry stakeholders through its website and other platforms.

Key international speakers, including the Chair of the 1540 Committee of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and the Chair of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), along with senior government officials such as the Commerce Secretary, Member (Customs) of CBIC, and the Director-General of DGFT, are expected to participate in the conference. Over 500 industry representatives are anticipated to attend.

The conference will witness the participation of officials from various Government of India departments and organizations involved in India’s Strategic Trade Control System. The focus will be on outreach to the industry dealing with sectors regulated under India’s SCOMET list, including special materials, high-tech equipment, chemicals, biotechnology, defense, aerospace, electronics, semiconductors, telecommunications, information security, etc., and related software and technology.

Thematic sessions during the conference will address various aspects of India’s Strategic Trade Control system, covering the legal and regulatory framework, steps to streamline SCOMET policy and licensing processes, enforcement mechanisms, and supply chain compliance programs. Industry leaders will share their experiences related to the export of dual-use goods and technologies during the event. The conference aligns with India’s commitment to regulating the exports of dual-use items and military items in accordance with international conventions, mechanisms, and regimes.