German Industry Discusses Market Access Concerns at Roundtable in New Delhi

German industry representatives came together to discuss technical market access challenges in India. The exchange took place with a German delegation from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, the German standardisation bodies DIN and DKE, and representatives of the German Embassy in Delhi. The meeting took place on 10 July 2019 in New Delhi at the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce (IGCC).

The company representatives informed about their concerns with regards to technical regulations and standards. They discussed issues such as deviations from international standards for electronic components or a lack of recognition of private certification bodies for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Concerning medical devices, companies informed about uncertainties regarding the effects of new medical device regulations of the European Union for German companies in India. The participants raised their concerns about specific issues in various sectors, including chemicals, semiconductors, and machinery.

The German delegation offered support to take these topics up within the framework of the Indo-German Working Group on Quality Infrastructure. They underlined the importance of the industry bringing in their technical expertise in developing feasible solutions which can be discussed with Indian regulators. The India team of the Global Project Quality Infrastructure (GPQI) of the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy supports that industry concerns are taken up within the political dialogue. The industry roundtable was jointly organised by the IGCC and GPQI.

India and Germany cooperate within the Indo-German Working Group on Quality Infrastructure, between the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy and the Indian Ministry for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution. The Working Group has the goal to reduce technical barriers to trade and strengthen product safety through political and technical dialogue of relevant ministries and regulators. As part of the GPQI, GIZ - the German Agency for International Cooperation - has been commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy to support the Working Group.