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The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has invited comments and suggestions from exporters, industry associations, and other stakeholders on a proposed single-format application form for obtaining authorisation to export SCOMET items (Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment and Technologies).
The draft amendments on the proposed single-format application form are part of the government’s continuing efforts to simplify export licensing procedures and enhance regulatory transparency under the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023. The consultation process has been initiated in accordance with Para 1.07A of the FTP, which mandates stakeholder participation before introducing changes to the policy framework or procedural handbook.
The proposed amendment to Para 10.04(a) of Chapter 10 of the Handbook of Procedures (HBP) 2023 seeks to create a common Aayat Niryat Form (ANF), a unified format applicable to all types of SCOMET export authorisations. This includes authorisations for fresh exports, repeat orders, stock and sale, site visits, re-exports, and general authorisations.
The new draft format consolidates multiple application forms into a single, comprehensive template, thereby reducing duplication and easing the compliance burden on exporters. It requires applicants to furnish details such as Applicant and Import Export Code (IEC) information, item and category details, technical specifications (particularly for drones, UAVs, software, and technology transfers), export history of SCOMET items for the past three licensing years, shipment and destination details, compliance information, including Internal Compliance Programme (ICP) and Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) certifications, end-user verification and banking details among others.
The draft form gives specific attention to exports involving drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), software, and encryption technologies, areas that have seen heightened global regulatory scrutiny. Applicants exporting drones, for instance, must provide detailed information on range, payload, communication systems, endurance, and encryption status. Similarly, exporters of cryptographic software or technology are required to disclose encryption algorithms, key lengths, and functionality to ensure compliance with international control regimes.
In addition to streamlining procedures, the DGFT’s revised format reinforces India’s commitment to responsible trade in dual-use goods and technologies, in alignment with global non-proliferation frameworks. Exporters are required to submit declarations confirming that neither they nor their associated entities appear on any Denied Entity Lists or have been penalized under relevant Indian laws, including the Customs Act (1962) and the Weapons of Mass Destruction Act (2005).
The DGFT has requested all stakeholders to submit their inputs on the draft within 30 days of issuance of the Trade Notice. Feedback may be sent via email to scomet-dgft@nic.in
The move is part of the government’s ongoing initiative to digitize and rationalize foreign trade processes. It is also aimed at enhancing ease of doing business and aligning India’s export control mechanisms with international standards.
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