DGFT Restricts Visitors from Carrying Excessive Cash into Offices
By: Admin | February 14, 2025 | Category: DGFT | Notification & Circular | 4 Min Read
Key Highlights
✅ New restriction: Visitors cannot carry more than ₹10,000 in cash into DGFT offices.
✅ Aligned with Foreign Trade Policy, 2023, promoting digital transactions.
✅ Justification required: Excess cash must be explained, or entry may be denied.
DGFT Circular on Cash Restrictions
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) issued Vigilance Circular (F. No. 3/5/2024-Vig) on January 29, 2025, placing restrictions on cash carried by visitors. Under this directive, anyone entering a DGFT office with more than ₹10,000 in cash must provide a valid reason.
This move follows instructions from the Hon’ble Commerce & Industry Minister (CIM) to promote online payments for government fees and dues. If a visitor cannot justify carrying excess cash, entry may be denied.
Why Has DGFT Imposed This Restriction?
The Department of Commerce (Vigilance Section) emphasized the need for digital transactions and instructed DGFT to:
✔ Discourage cash transactions, making online payments the preferred method.
✔ Ensure visitors carrying large sums of cash provide valid reasons before entering.
✔ Reduce unnecessary cash handling, in line with the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023.
By implementing these measures, DGFT aims to improve transparency and minimize cash-related risks.
Legal Basis: Foreign Trade Policy, 2023
As per Para 2.11 (Application Fee) of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023:
“Applications for IEC/Authorisation/License/Scrips/Registration must be accompanied by application fees as indicated in Appendix 2K of Appendices and Aayat Niryat Forms. Fees must be paid online through any of the channels as notified under Appendix 2K, unless provided otherwise.”
Key Takeaways:
✔ Application fees must be paid online through designated platforms.
✔ Cash payments are discouraged, ensuring compliance with digital policies.
Implementation Guidelines for Regional DGFT Offices
✅ Strict enforcement of the circular across all Regional DGFT Authorities.
✅ Visitors carrying cash above ₹10,000 must present a valid justification.
✅ Failure to justify excess cash may result in denied entry.
Conclusion
The DGFT’s restriction on excessive cash aligns with the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023, fostering digital transactions and reducing cash-based risks. Moving forward, businesses and visitors must rely on online payment methods for government-related transactions.
Why This Matters?
✅ Promotes digital transactions, reducing cash dependency.
✅ Minimizes security risks, ensuring safer financial practices.
✅ Enhances transparency, aligning with government regulations.
To avoid inconvenience, businesses and traders should adopt digital payment systems when dealing with DGFT offices.
