DGFT Extends Export Obligation Deadline For Advance Authorisation & EPCG Schemes

New Delhi, Mar 7 (KNN) The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has extended the export obligation (EO) period for certain Advance Authorisation and EPCG authorisations, offering relief to exporters affected by disruptions in global shipping routes and supply chains.

In a public notice issued on March 6, 2026, the DGFT said the EO or block-wise EO periods that were due to expire between March 1 and May 31, 2026, will now be automatically extended until August 31, 2026.

Applicable to Advance Authorisation and EPCG Schemes

The extension applies to Advance Authorisations, including Annual Requirement and Special Advance Authorisation, as well as authorisations issued under the Export Promotion Capital Goods Scheme (EPCG).

Exporters will not be required to submit any application, amendment request or endorsement to avail the extension. The DGFT also clarified that no composition fee will be charged for this relaxation.

Additional Support Under Trade Policy

The government noted that the automatic extension is in addition to the EO extension provisions already available under India’s Foreign Trade Policy and related procedures.

The move comes as exporters face challenges such as vessel rerouting, longer transit times and higher freight costs, linked to evolving geopolitical tensions affecting major maritime routes.

Officials said the measure is intended to help exporters remain compliant with trade policy requirements while managing uncertainties in global supply chains.

(KNN Bureau)