DGFT simplifies Advance Authorization process to allow duty-free import of inputs for export purposes

New Delhi, July 18 (KNN) The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) on Monday implemented the Advance Authorisation Scheme under the Foreign Trade Policy, which allows duty-free import of inputs for export purposes.

The eligibility of inputs is determined by Sector-specific Norms Committees based on input-output norms.

DGFT through this trade facilitation measure simplified the advance authorisation and norms fixation process, resulting in shorter turnaround times for exporters, improving ease of doing business, and reducing compliance burden.

To make the norms fixation process more efficient, the DGFT said that it has created a user-friendly and searchable database of ad-hoc norms fixed in the previous years. These norms can be used by any exporter without approaching the norms committee.

The database is hosted on the DGFT website (https://dgft.gov.in) and allows users to search using export or import item descriptions, technical characteristics, or Indian tariff classification codes.

Explaining the process, the directorate stated that to access the database, an exporter or public can visit the DGFT website and if an ad-hoc norm matches the item description, the applicant can apply for the scheme under the 'No-Norm Repeat' basis.

This option, it said, allows users to obtain an advance authorisation without approaching the committee again, reducing the workload and enabling faster processing.  (KNN Bureau)