DGFT Restricted Export Authorisation: How to Apply, Eligibility, Documents
An overseas order does not always mean the goods can leave India immediately. Some products need permission from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) before export and rules can change. This blog explains how to check whether your goods are restricted, who can apply and how to prepare and file an application in 2026.
Quick Summary
If an item is marked Restricted in India’s current ITC(HS) Schedule 2, an exporter generally needs the authorisation or must follow the prescribed procedure before the shipment. Check and verify the eight-digit code, policy conditions and the latest DGFT notification first. Approval is not automatic.
What Is a Restricted Export Authorisation?
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) classifies goods under the Indian Trade Classification based on Harmonised System codes or ITC(HS). Schedule 2 governs exports; Schedule 1 governs imports. A restricted export requires the permission or procedure specified for its entry.
|
Export policy status |
Practical meaning |
|
Free |
Export generally permitted, subject to other applicable laws and conditions. |
|
Restricted |
Permission or a prescribed procedure applies; obtain clearance before shipment. |
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Prohibited |
Export generally cannot proceed under the ordinary authorisation route. |
|
State trading or conditional |
Follow the named agency’s route or the entry’s specific conditions. |
SCOMET items follow a separate control framework and application route.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
An exporter needs an active IEC, a linked DGFT login, a registered digital signature where required and an active business bank account. The goods must meet applicable policy or quota conditions. DGFT’s guidance says an application linked to an IEC on its Denied Entity List may be submitted but will not be acted upon until the listing is removed; a cancelled or suspended IEC cannot proceed.
For a Delhi IEC, check whether the portal assigns the filing to the DGFT Delhi Regional Authority.
Export Authorisation Documents Required in India
Documents vary by commodity. Prepare: -
- IEC, current firm and bank details.
- Correct ITC(HS) code, technical description, quantity, value and intended destination.
- Purchase order, export contract, pro forma invoice or buyer correspondence.
- Manufacturer or supplier details and product specifications, where relevant.
- End-use or end-user information, certificates, regulatory approvals or recommendations when the specific item or notification requires them.
- Previous authorisation and utilisation records if seeking an amendment or revalidation.
For the restricted agricultural exports, a quota or product-specific condition may apply. For a pharma API, verify the exact and accurate code and current policy: a medicine or API is not automatically restricted merely because it belongs to the pharmaceutical sector.
Need help matching your product and documents to the current export policy? Compliance & Registration Services (CRSPL) can review the application before filing.
How to Apply for a DGFT Restricted Export Licence
Step 1: Verify the code and policy - Use DGFT’s ITC(HS) policy lookup to confirm the Schedule 2 status. Read the latest conditions and notifications.
Step 2: Sign in - Log in to the DGFT portal using the account linked to your IEC. DGFT’s user guide gives this route: Services → Export Management System → Licence for Restricted Exports → Exports of Restricted Items → Apply for New Authorisation.
Step 3: Complete the application - Enter the item, buyer, destination, quantity and value accurately. Upload the documents requested for the transaction and policy entry. Submission generates a file number for the purpose of tracking.
Step 4: Sign, pay and submit - Complete the portal declaration, pay the applicable online fee and submit the application. Respond to any DGFT clarification.
Step 5: Check the issued terms - If approved, check the item, quantity, destination, validity and conditions before shipment. Do not ship against a pending application.
Validity, Revalidation and Common Mistakes
Authorisation validity basically depends on its issued terms and relevant policy. DGFT provides an online export licence revalidation route for an existing approved authorisation; the applicant must give the reason and requested period, attach supporting records and obtain approval. Do not rely on an expired authorisation.
Frequent errors or mistakes include choosing a similar but incorrect ITC(HS) code, overlooking a new quota notification, submitting inconsistent quantities across the contract and application or confusing restricted, prohibited and canalised/state-trading goods. Check the live portal for fees and status.
| Read More: DGFT Restricted Import Authorisation: Eligibility, Application Process, Documents |
Conclusion
Restricted export authorisation begins with the accurate and proper product classification. Before committing to a shipment, check and verify the current or latest DGFT policy, any quota or destination condition and various documents required for your specific item. Submit consistent details and then review every term of an issued authorisation, including its validity and the permitted quantity. These checks help to avoid the various preventable delays, although approval remains subject to the DGFT’s assessment.
CRSPL can assist with classification checks, document preparation and restricted export authorisation filing.
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