DGFT Licenses & Services — Import & Export Licensing Support

Duty Exemption Schemes

Advance Authorization/ Advance License

The Advance License, also known as Advance Authorization, is an export promotion scheme introduced by the Government of India. It allows exporters to import raw materials, components, and other inputs without paying customs duty, IGST, cess, or any additional import duties.

The main purpose of this scheme is to lower manufacturing costs for exporters. By saving on input expenses, businesses can produce goods more competitively, promote Indian-made products, and strengthen their position in the global market. In certain cases, the license is transferable, offering added flexibility to businesses.

However, it is important to note that any finished goods manufactured using the duty-free imported inputs must be exported. Domestic sale of such goods is not permitted under this scheme.

EPCG Authorization (Export Promotion Capital Goods)/ Local EPCG License / EPCG for procurement of domestic capital goods

The EPCG Authorization (Export Promotion Capital Goods) is a scheme under India’s Foreign Trade Policy designed to boost exports. It permits businesses to import capital goods required for manufacturing export products at zero or concessional customs duty, helping reduce investment costs and improve export competitiveness.

DFIA Scheme (Duty Free Import Authorisation)/ DFIA License/ DFIA File Number/DFIA Scrip

The DFIA (Duty Free Import Authorisation) Scheme is an export promotion initiative by the Government of India that supports exporters by allowing the duty-free import of inputs used in the production of goods meant for export.

EODC Services (Export Obligation Discharge Certificate)/ Redemption certificate/ EODC Letter

EODC (Export Obligation Discharge Certificate) services involve obtaining formal confirmation from the DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) that an exporter has fully met the export obligations prescribed under export promotion schemes such as Advance Authorization and EPCG.

Star Export House Status Certificate/ Status holder certificate

The Star Export House Status Certificate is an official recognition awarded by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) to Indian exporters demonstrating strong export performance. This certification provides access to multiple incentives and privileges under the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), enabling businesses to grow internationally with reduced regulatory requirements.

DGFT headquarters (HQ) Works

Norms Fixation/ Rejected Norms review and fixation

Norms Fixation is a process carried out by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) in which the government assesses and approves the quantity of inputs, such as raw materials, components, and consumables, required to manufacture a specific unit of an export product under duty exemption schemes.

SCOMET License (Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment, and Technologies)

A SCOMET License is an export authorization issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Government of India, for shipping dual-use items. These goods may have both civilian and defense applications or the potential for use in weapons of mass destruction, making prior approval mandatory.

Policy Relaxation Committee (PRC) matters/ PRC Application

The Policy Relaxation Committee (PRC) is a regulatory body responsible for examining cases and recommending suitable relaxations or exemptions from existing policies and regulations. Its objective is to ease compliance, reduce operational challenges, and address genuine business difficulties through flexible policy interpretation.

Import Authorisation of Restricted Items

Import Authorisation of Restricted Items is a regulatory process that requires businesses to obtain prior approval from the relevant authority before importing goods categorized as restricted into the country.

Export Authorisation of Restricted Items

Export Authorisation of Restricted Items refers to the mandatory approval process that exporters must follow before shipping goods classified as restricted outside the country, ensuring compliance with applicable trade and security regulations.

IEC (Import-Export Code)/ IEC certificate

The IEC (Import-Export Code) is a unique 10-digit identification number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) in India. It is compulsory for businesses and individuals involved in importing or exporting goods or services to and from India.

RCMC Certificate (Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate)

The RCMC (Registration-cum-Membership Certificate) confirms that a business is officially registered as an exporter or service provider with the appropriate export promotion council or authority. This certificate is mandatory for availing incentives and benefits offered under India’s Foreign Trade Policy (FTP).

Certificate of Origin (COO)

Preferential Certificate of Origin

A Preferential Certificate of Origin is an official trade document that confirms exported goods are of Indian origin and are eligible for reduced or preferential customs duties under applicable Free Trade Agreements (FTA), Preferential Trade Agreements (PTA), or Regional Trade Agreements (RTA) between India and the importing country.

Non-Preferential Certificate of Origin

A Non-Preferential Certificate of Origin is an official document that verifies the country of origin of exported goods. However, it does not provide any tariff concessions, as the goods are not covered under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) or Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs).

Free Sale Certificate

A Free Sale Certificate (FSC) is an official document issued by a government authority or recognized export promotion body that confirms a product is legally sold and freely available in the Indian domestic market, making it eligible for export to other countries.

REX Registration Certificate/REX Certificate

The REX (Registered Exporter) system allows exporters in eligible countries, mainly those covered under the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP), to self-declare the origin of their goods. This enables them to claim preferential tariff benefits when exporting to regions such as the European Union (EU), Norway, Switzerland, and Turkey.

e-BRC Generation (Electronic Bank Realisation Certificate)

An End User Certificate (EUC), in the context of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), India, is a declaration provided by the final recipient of goods. It is used in export and import control procedures to confirm the intended end use and end user of specific products.

Various Import Certifications

SIMS Certificate (Steel Import Monitoring System)

A SIMS Certificate is an authorization issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), India, and is mandatory for importers planning to import specified steel products into the country.

PIMS Certificate (Paper Import Monitoring System)

A PIMS Certificate is an official approval granted by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), India, and is required for importers intending to bring paper products into India.

NFMIMS (Non-Ferrous Metal Import Monitoring System)

An NFMIMS Certificate is a document issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), India, and is compulsory for importers importing select non-ferrous metal products into the country.

CIMS Certificate (Coal/Copper Import Monitoring System)

A CIMS Certificate is an authorization provided by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), India, and is required for the import of certain coal and copper products into India.