What is SCOMET - General Authorization for export of Chemicals and related equipment (GAEC)?

Introduction

SCOMET, short for Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment and Technologies, is essentially India’s Export Control List maintained by the DGFT under the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992 and the Foreign Trade Policy. It covers dual-use items/goods and technologies that can be used for both civilian and military purposes, including those with the potential to create weapons of mass destruction. The list is broad, spanning chemicals, munitions, nuclear-related items, advanced software, and technology, and is carefully aligned with international export control regimes and conventions to ensure India’s trade practices meet global security standards.

The list is divided into 9 categories from Category 0 - Category 8 and each of these categories include broad classification of different kind of items. There may also be such items which are not in the SCOMET List but may also be regulated under the same laws provided if the exporter has been notified in writing by DGFT or he knows or has reason to believe that an item not covered in the SCOMET list has a potential risk of use in or diversion to weapons of mass destruction (WMD) or in their missile system or military end use (including by terrorists and non-state actors), the export of such an item may be denied or permitted subject to the grant of a license. In-case an item is being supplied from DTA to SEZ/EoU, there is no such need of export authorization, however if the same item is being exported outside the country from SEZ/EoU then such export authorization is necessarily required.

The general validity period of a SCOMET License is of 24 months but it may also be re-validated further on merits for a period of 6 months at a time and maximum upto 12 months by the DGFT (Hqrs). There are different kinds of export authorizations for SCOMET items, one of which is the General Authorization for export of Chemicals and related equipments (GAEC) except software and technology which is discussed further below.

What is GAEC?

The General Authorization for Export of Chemicals and related Equipment (GAEC) allows the export of specified chemicals (excluding software and technology) to certain countries listed in Paragraph 10.16 of the Handbook of Procedures. This authorization is issued once by the DGFT with a validity of 5 years, and exporters must comply with the requirement of post-export reporting for all shipments made under it.

Procedure for Grant of GAEC

The first and foremost step in order to apply for export authorization for an item is to discover which category it belongs to. If it is an item falling under GAEC, then a GAEC License is to be taken by such exporter through DGFT’s online SCOMET portal using the prescribed form (ANF-10A).

After an application is made, it is reviewed by an Inter-Ministerial Working Group (IMWG), which will check the details of the application and all the documents thoroughly;

• A clear description of the items, with technical details (model, part number, etc.).

• For first-time exports: details of the entire supply chain (buyer, consignee, end-user).

• For repeat exports: details of past shipments and copies of earlier End-Use Certificates (EUCs).

You must also give an undertaking on your company letterhead, confirming that:

• You’ll allow inspections by DGFT or other authorities if asked.

• The items will only be used for the purposes declared in the EUC and won’t be modified, copied, or diverted without permission.

• If you learn that the items might be diverted for military or WMD-related use, you won’t use GAEC and will apply separately for authorization.

• Any false or misleading information can lead to penalties under the FT (D&R) Act, 1992.

After you receive GAEC, you still need to comply with some conditions:

• Report each export on the DGFT portal within 30 days, along with the EUC, a copy of the bill of entry from the destination country, and delivery proof.

• Have a valid purchase order or contract from the buyer showing the declared civilian end-use.

• Ensure the EUC contains the name, contact number, and email ID of the signing authority.

• Any re-export of these items must also be for civilian purposes only, and only to the approved countries in Appendix 10(N).

Finally, exporters must give two declarations on company letterhead:

• That exports will be strictly for civilian end-use.

• That transfers/re-exports in the supply chain will only be to countries listed in Appendix 10(N).

General Conditions & Exclusions

A GAEC license will not be granted if the items are intended for following:

1. Use in developing or handling chemical, biological, or nuclear weapons, or missiles capable of delivering weapons of mass destruction.

2. Cannot be issued for exports to countries or entities under UN Security Council sanctions/embargoes, or where there are concerns about proliferation, national security, or foreign policy.

3. If the Inter-Ministerial Working Group (IMWG) denies GAEC at its discretion, without giving reasons.

Appendix 10(N): Approved Categories and Countries for GAEC Exports

When it comes to GAEC, exports are not open-ended as India has laid down strict rules about what items can be exported and where they can go. Appendix 10(N) serves as the government’s approved reference for both: the categories of chemicals/equipment that qualify under GAEC and the list of countries where these items can be sent. If an exporter’s goods or destination don’t fall under this framework, GAEC cannot be used and a regular SCOMET authorization will be required.

Under Para 10.16 of the Handbook of Procedures (HBP) 2023, GAEC covers:

• SCOMET Categories 1C, 1D, 1E (refer to Table 1)

• SCOMET Categories 3D001 and 3D004 (refer to Table 1)

• Mixtures of chemicals containing:

  • 1% or less of 1B010, 1B011, 1B012, 1B040 (refer to Table 1)

  • 30% or less of chemicals listed under 1B (except the above four) (refer to Table 1)

  • 30% or less of chemicals listed under 1C (refer to Table 1)

  • 30% or less of chemicals listed under 1E

• SCOMET Category 3A306 – Sodium Perchlorate (refer to Table 2)

For these items, exports are permitted only to the countries listed below.

Table 1 – Eligible Countries for Mixtures of Chemicals 

Argentina	Australia	Austria	Belgium	Bulgaria
Canada	Croatia	Republic of Cyprus	Czech Republic	Denmark
Estonia	Finland	France	Germany	Greece
Hungary	Iceland	Ireland	Italy	Japan
Republic of Korea	Latvia	Lithuania	Luxembourg	Malta
Mexico	Netherlands	New Zealand	Norway	Poland
Portugal	Romania	Slovak Republic	Slovenia	Spain
Sweden	Switzerland	Turkey	Ukraine	United Kingdom
United States

Table 2 – Eligible Countries for Sodium Perchlorate (3A306) 

Argentina	Australia	Austria	Belgium	Brazil
Bulgaria	Canada	Czech Republic	Denmark	Finland
France	Germany	Greece	Hungary	Iceland
Ireland	Italy	Japan	Luxembourg	Netherlands
New Zealand	Norway	Poland	Portugal	Republic of Korea
Russian Federation	South Africa	Spain	Sweden	Switzerland
Turkey	Ukraine	United Kingdom	United States

When Can a GAEC License Be Suspended or Revoked?

A GAEC license is not permanent or unconditional. It can be suspended or revoked by the DGFT if certain red flags arise. The DGFT has the power to suspend or cancel it if there are concerns about the items being misused for proliferation, if the exporter fails to file the required post-shipment reports and documents on time, or if the exporter does not comply with the terms of the license or policy. Simply put, any lapse in compliance or hint of risk can put the authorization at stake.

Conclusion

Export controls like SCOMET are more than a regulatory requirement as they represent India’s commitment to responsible trade and global security. By ensuring that sensitive chemicals, equipment, and technologies are used only for legitimate civilian purposes, the framework helps prevent diversion to weapons of mass destruction or military programs. Within this structure, GAEC provides exporters with a predictable and streamlined route for trading certain items, as long as they remain fully compliant with its strict conditions.

Exporters must also remember that compliance doesn’t end with obtaining a license. Maintaining proper records for at least five years and being transparent in case of any lapses through voluntary self-disclosure are equally important responsibilities. These measures not only protect businesses from severe penalties but also build credibility with global partners and strengthen India’s role as a trustworthy player in international trade.