What are Trade Permissions? How to Navigate DGFT Delhi With Professional Assistance?

For companies engaged in foreign trade, DGFT Delhi is the hub for obtaining crucial permissions, licenses, and regulatory concessions. Yet the continuously changing rules and regulations can intimidate even experienced exporters and importers.

Here's a closer look at the major permissions, relaxations and licenses/ authorizations  that the DGFT headquarters based in Delhi  exclusively and how CCC can simplify, streamline, and optimize the results for your business.

At CCC, we assist importers and exporters across India in availing services from the DGFT Delhi office without the need to travel or be physically present in Delhi.

Our team of trained and qualified professionals will efficiently handle your case and provide complete end-to-end representation at the DGFT Delhi office.

Below are services that exclusively dealt in DGFT Delhi Office:

1. Policy Relaxation Committee (PRC)

PRC processes applications for relaxing the provisions under the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) or Handbook of Procedures (HBP). Paragraph 2.58 of FTP provides for relaxation of Policy and Procedures on grounds of genuine hardship and adverse impact on trade. A Policy Relaxation Committee (PRC) is accordingly constituted under para 2.58 of the Foreign Trade Policy. DGFT may in public interest pass such orders or grant such exemption, relaxation or relief, as he may deem fit and proper, on grounds of genuine hardship and adverse impact on trade to any person or class or category of persons from any provision of Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) or any Procedures. While granting such exemption, DGFT may impose such conditions as he may deem fit after consulting the Committees.

CCC will provide the following services:

• Prepare a detailed application for seeking necessary relaxation along with detailed justification and supporting documents.

• Ensure  alignment with precedent cases and DGFT regulatory updates

• Assist  in follow-up post filing of application appearing before the committee to argue the case.

2. EPCG Committee

DGFT has constituted an EPCG Committee to address issues relating to the Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) Scheme.

The EPCG Committee examines requests for relaxation of provisions of policy and procedure, extension of export obligation periods, regularization of defaults, and other matters connected with the EPCG Scheme.

Based on the recommendations of the Committee, the DGFT may grant relief, relaxation, or extension as deemed fit, subject to such terms and conditions as may be prescribed, in the interest of promoting trade and addressing genuine hardship faced by exporters.

Expert assistance by CCC comprises:

• Preparing detailed application and justification letters backed by relevant documentation

• Ensuring alignment with precedent cases and DGFT regulatory updates circulars

• Assisting in follow-up post filing application submissions post-committee decisions and appearing before the  committee to argue the case.

3. Norms Committee

DGFT has constituted the Norms Committee to examine applications related to Advance Authorisation and to determine the input-output norms for the manufacture of export products in respect of Advance Authorisations availed by exporters on the ad hoc norms basis.

The Norms Committee reviews cases where standard input-output norms are not available or where exporters seek fixation of ad-hoc norms. It also considers requests for amendments, ratifications, and clarifications under the Advance Authorisation scheme.

Based on the recommendations of the Norms Committee, DGFT may approve or modify norms to facilitate exports while ensuring compliance with the provisions of the Foreign Trade Policy

Guidance includes:

• Submission of application for fixation of norms/modification of norms

• Submission of additional documents basis the queries raised 

• Follow up and coordination with DGFT Submission of application for fixation of norms/modification of norms

• Submission of additional documents basis the queries raised 

• Follow up and coordination with DGFT for ratification of the norms

4. Import License for Restricted Items

The DGFT has prescribed the import policy for all the items falling under the Customs Tariff Act in three categories viz free, restricted and prohibited.

Items under the free category do not need any import authorisations and can be freely imported while those under the prohibited category cannot be imported at all.

However, items falling under the restricted category may be considered for the grant of an import authorisation by the DGFT, based on their merits, justifications provided, and the necessity of the import.

Advisory support provides:

• Analysis of products to ascertain if they fall under the “Restricted Category” a submission along with  of applications all necessary supporting documents  

• Follow-up with DGFT offices to ensure timely decisions

5. Export License for Restricted Items

Certain goods are classified as "Restricted Items" under the Foreign Trade Policy for export purposes and require a specific export license from DGFT.

The goods are classified as restricted due to the following reasons:

National Security & Strategic Control: Restricted items may have dual-use or sensitive applications (e.g., military, nuclear) and need regulation to prevent misuse.

Domestic Priorities: Some items are restricted to ensure domestic availability or prevent price volatility.

International Obligations: India must comply with global treaties and export control regimes requiring licensing for certain goods.

Exporters intending to ship restricted goods must submit an application to DGFT along with the necessary documents and justification for export. Each application is reviewed carefully, and licenses are issued subject to such terms and conditions as deemed appropriate, and trade policy objectives.

Expert assistance guarantees:

• Analysis of products to ascertain if they fall under the “Restricted Category”

• Application submissions that are technically adequate and complete along with 

• All supporting documents (e.g., BIS certificates, safety norms) are appropriately attached

• Follow-up with DGFT offices to ensure timely decisions

6. SCOMET Licensing

SCOMET (Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment, and Technologies) items are controlled goods that require an export authorization from DGFT before they can be shipped out of India.

Exporters dealing with SCOMET items must apply for a license with detailed technical specifications, end-use, and end-user information. 

Licenses for SCOMET items are granted subject to stringent conditions, and in certain cases, clearances from inter-ministerial committees may also be required before approval.

End-to-end assistance includes:

• Product classification under SCOMET categories

• Preparation and Submission of Applications

• Follow-up with DGFT offices to ensure timely decisions

7. Appeal / Review Mechanisms against order in original passed by Regional Authorities

If you get an adverse order from DGFT or a rejection in any licensing issue, there is provision to appeal or seek review under the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act.

The Foreign Trade Policy provides for Appeal and Review mechanisms to ensure fair and transparent resolution of grievances.

If an applicant is aggrieved by any decision or order passed by the DGFT or its subordinate offices, they may file an appeal before the appropriate Appellate Authority within the prescribed time. Any order issued by the DGFT may be reviewed under the provisions of the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992.

Process management involves:

• Preparation of appeal with proper legal reasonings

• Representation at hearings

• Ensuring deadlines and formats for submission are properly adhered to

• Regular follow-up on the status of the appeal or review process

8. Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ)

The Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) Scheme is a trade facilitation mechanism under India’s Foreign Trade Policy that allows eligible importers to bring in specified quantities of certain goods at lower customs duty rates. Once the quota limit is exhausted, imports of the same goods are subject to higher (normal) duty rates.

In India, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry is responsible for releasing new Tariff Rate Quotas (TRQs)

As per Provision 2.57 of the Handbook of Procedures imports under the Tariff Rate Quota Scheme is governed as per the Customs Notification No. 28/2020- Customs dated 23.06.2020 of the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, Government of India as amended from time to time.

Eligible applicants must apply to DGFT with the prescribed documentation to seek TRQ allocations. Allocations are made in accordance with the guidelines notified under the Foreign Trade Policy and may be based on past import/export performance or other eligibility criteria as specified.

What makes it easier:

• Clarifying eligibility and quota limits

• Filing complete applications with statistical data

• Ensuring compliance after allocation to avoid penalties

Common Search Queries We Help Address:

• How to apply for EPCG relaxation in Delhi?

• DGFT New Delhi contact for import license

• How to apply for an export license for restricted items?

• SCOMET categories and licensing process

• File appeal with DGFT adjudicating authority

• TRQ application process DGFT

• Advance Authorization norms committee procedure

• DGFT login issues and how to resolve them?

Why Expert Support Matters

With continuously changing FTP policies and more digitized processes (such as the DGFT login window), it's simple to lose oneself in paperwork or procedural holdups. That's where expert consultants can be a game-changer.

At CCC, we apply years of hands-on experience, strategic expertise, and first-hand interaction with the DGFT Delhi system to enable businesses to excel in a highly regulated trade arena.