Trade Notice 11/2025-26, Dated 27-08-2025
1. Introduction
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has recently issued a trade notice highlighting the need to revise certain Standard Input Output Norms (SIONs) related to food items. These norms are critical as they provide a standardized framework for exporters and importers to determine permissible input-output ratios under the Duty Exemption Schemes. However, it has been observed that several existing SIONs suffer from lack of specificity and clarity, making them prone to differing interpretations.
2. Issues with Existing SIONs
A key concern raised by the DGFT is that certain SIONs currently in operation use generic input descriptions that leave room for ambiguity. In some cases, the absence of clearly defined alternative input quantities has created the possibility of misuse or misreporting. Such gaps in precision could not only affect transparency and accountability but also open avenues for misinterpretation of the norms, thereby undermining the effectiveness of India’s export facilitation framework.
3. Norms Committee Review
In response to these challenges, the Norms Committee–VI (NC-VI) has taken the initiative to conduct a comprehensive review of the existing SIONs and related General Notes. The objective of this exercise is to update, streamline, and provide greater clarity in the norms to align them with industry practices while minimizing the scope of errors. By revisiting the inputs and outputs specified in these SIONs, the committee seeks to ensure that they remain both practical and enforceable in today’s trade environment.
4. Call for Stakeholder Participation
To make this review inclusive and effective, DGFT has invited feedback, suggestions, and recommendations from exporters, importers, industry associations, and other stakeholders. Inputs can be sent to NC-VI at nc6.dgft@nic.in no later than 05 September 2025. This consultative process reflects the government’s commitment to engaging industry stakeholders in shaping trade policy that is fair, transparent, and responsive to the evolving needs of global commerce.
