The commerce ministry has set up a task force to identify and resolve trade barriers being faced by exporters.

“We have constituted a task force within the ministry where we will be looking
at the trade barriers and technical barriers. The ministry has been focusing on how to improve systems, and improve standards,” the official said.

The ministry is also looking at improving mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) with different countries so that product standards are as per the requirements of the importing countries.

Standards for goods and services should help in promoting global trade and not act as non-tariff barriers, the official added.

According to a report by the economic think tank Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), India needs to act in a fast-track manner for the removal of non-trade barriers in countries such as the US, China and Japan.

It has asked for upgrading domestic systems, in cases where Indian products are rejected due to quality issues; and retaliating if unreasonable standards or rules continue to obstruct exports from New Delhi.

Indian exports that routinely face high barriers include chillies, tea and basmati rice.

Most non-tariff measures are created by countries with an aim to protect human, animal or plant health and environment.