Notification to be published in the Gazette of India Extra Ordinary. Shri Siddharth Mahajan, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Department of Commerce shall discharge the functions of the Designated Authority

## Policy Analysis Report: Amendment Regarding Designated Authority for Trade Remedy Measures **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes an amendment to existing trade remedy measures, specifically focusing on the change of the Designated Authority. The core purpose of this amendment is to replace Shri Darpan Jain with Shri Siddharth Mahajan as the Joint Secretary responsible for discharging the functions related to various customs tariff rules and safeguard measures. This change impacts the administration and implementation of countervailing duties, antidumping duties, and safeguard duties. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an analysis of a notification issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Department of Commerce, concerning trade negotiations and multilateral divisions. The report's purpose is to inform affected industries about the change in the Designated Authority responsible for overseeing specific trade remedy measures, based solely on the information provided in the notification text. **3. Policy Overview:** This notification is an amendment to a previous Gazette Notification of even number dated 2nd September 2024. It modifies the designation of the authority responsible for implementing several existing trade remedy rules and measures. The core objective, inferred from the text, is to ensure the continued and effective administration of trade remedy laws by designating a specific individual to oversee their implementation. **4. Background and Rationale:** This amendment seems to be driven by a need for personnel change within the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The original policy framework concerning countervailing duties, antidumping duties, and safeguard duties remains in place. The amendment solely addresses the individual responsible for executing these policies. The rationale for replacing Shri Darpan Jain with Shri Siddharth Mahajan is not explicitly stated, but it can be assumed it is due to internal administrative or personnel-related reasons within the Ministry. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This is an amendment, so the focus is on the changes introduced. * **What specific part of the original policy is being changed:** The specific aspect of the original policy being changed is the designation of the "Designated Authority" responsible for overseeing and implementing various trade remedy measures. * **What the new rule/provision is:** The new provision is the designation of Shri Siddharth Mahajan, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Department of Commerce, as the Designated Authority with immediate effect, *in place of* Shri Darpan Jain. * **Explain the difference or the effect of this specific change:** The change means that all responsibilities and functions previously held by Shri Darpan Jain related to the specified customs tariff rules and safeguard measures are now transferred to Shri Siddharth Mahajan. This affects who businesses should contact and who is ultimately responsible for decisions related to these trade remedies. The change in personnel may also lead to changes in the way trade remedies are implemented. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders affected by this amendment are: * **Businesses involved in international trade:** Specifically, businesses that are either subject to countervailing duties, antidumping duties, or safeguard measures, or are considering initiating such actions. * **Legal professionals specializing in trade law:** They need to be aware of the change in authority for procedural and contact purposes. * **The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Department of Commerce:** The change directly affects the internal organization and responsibilities within the department. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible agency/bodies mentioned:** The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Department of Commerce is the responsible agency. The Addl. DGFT and the Dte. of Printing at Government of India Press, Ring Road, Mayapuri, New Delhi110064 also have supporting roles in uploading and publishing the notification. * **Timelines or procedures specified in the text:** The change is effective "with immediate effect." The notification itself serves as the formal communication of the change. * **Specific to the changes:** Implementation involves updating internal records and communication channels within the Ministry and informing relevant stakeholders (e.g., businesses, legal professionals) about the change in Designated Authority. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcome of this change is to ensure a seamless transition in the administration of trade remedy measures. The impact of the change itself is primarily administrative. It is expected that Shri Siddharth Mahajan will assume the responsibilities previously held by Shri Darpan Jain, and that the implementation of countervailing duties, antidumping duties, and safeguard measures will continue without disruption. However, depending on the priorites of the incoming designated authority, certain changes in focus may occur. **9. Conclusion:** This report analyzed an amendment to existing trade remedy measures, specifically addressing the change in the Designated Authority from Shri Darpan Jain to Shri Siddharth Mahajan. The notification aims to maintain the consistent application of customs tariff rules and safeguard measures. This change is significant as it affects the person responsible for overseeing these crucial trade mechanisms, and stakeholders should be aware of the new point of contact for related matters.

Key Entities Referenced