TRADE NOTICE NO. 17/2025-26, Dated 31-10-2025
1. Background
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued a Trade Notice inviting public and industry stakeholder feedback on the draft amended Aayat Niryat Forms (ANFs) related to the grant of SCOMET Authorisation for the export of dual-use items, software, and technologies.
This move forms part of DGFT’s ongoing efforts to enhance procedural transparency, simplify export authorisation processes, and align India’s export control framework with evolving international standards.
2. About SCOMET
The term SCOMET stands for Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment and Technologies. It covers items that have dual-use potential, i.e., capable of both civilian and military applications.
Exports of SCOMET items are regulated under Appendix 3 to the ITC (HS) Classification of Export and Import Items and are subject to authorisation from DGFT, ensuring compliance with India’s international obligations under multilateral export control regimes such as:
- The Wassenaar Arrangement,
- The Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR),
- The Australia Group, and
- The Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
3. Objective of the Draft Amendment
The proposed amendments to the Aayat Niryat Forms (ANFs) are aimed at:
- Simplifying the process for exporters to apply for SCOMET Authorisation;
- Enhancing digitalisation and data accuracy in export applications;
- Improving traceability and documentation compliance; and
- Facilitating timely approvals through clearer procedural requirements.
These forms are integral to applications filed under Chapter IV of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) and serve as the foundation for all SCOMET-related authorisation processes.
4. Invitation for Stakeholder Comments
Through the Trade Notice, the DGFT has invited comments, suggestions, or recommendations from stakeholders including:
- Exporters and manufacturers of SCOMET items,
- Industry associations and trade bodies,
- Technical experts, and
- Government or research establishments involved in controlled technologies.
4.1 Submission Details
Stakeholders have been requested to submit their feedback within 30 days from the date of issuance of the Trade Notice.
The inputs may be provided in the prescribed format through the official DGFT communication channels or via email to the concerned division handling SCOMET policy.
5. Significance of Stakeholder Consultation
This consultative process reflects DGFT’s commitment to participatory policymaking and ensuring that industry perspectives are considered in the design of export control documentation.
By seeking inputs before finalising the amended ANFs, the DGFT aims to:
- Minimise compliance challenges,
- Promote awareness among exporters of sensitive items, and
- Ensure alignment between India’s trade facilitation goals and its non-proliferation commitments.
6. Expected Impact
The finalisation of these revised forms, once implemented, is expected to:
- Streamline authorisation procedures for SCOMET exports,
- Improve efficiency in application scrutiny and decision-making,
- Strengthen India’s export control framework, and
- Enhance industry-government collaboration on strategic trade controls.
7. Conclusion
The DGFT’s initiative to amend the Aayat Niryat Forms for SCOMET Authorisation marks another step toward modernising India’s export control mechanisms.
By engaging stakeholders and seeking feedback within a defined consultation window, the Directorate reaffirms its focus on transparency, ease of compliance, and responsible trade governance.
