SCOMET License: Complete Guide for Indian Exporters
List of Services
AFLEO Consultants DGFT Regional office
- IEC and its modification/Yearly Update/IEC Surrender.
- Revoke IEC from DEL, Suspension, Cancellation etc / Merger/Demerger of IEC’s.
- DGFT Identity card.
- Advance License - Issuance and Redemptions
- Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) License – Issuance and Redemptions
- Duty-Free Import Authorization (DFIA)
- Remission of Duties or Taxes on Export Product (RoDTEP)
- Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS)
- Services Exports from India Scheme (SEIS)
- Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL)
- Transport and Marketing Assistance (TMA)
- Certificates of Origin (COO) – SAPTA, APTA, ISLFTA, GSTP, India–Dubai CEPA, etc.
- Import Monitoring System (IMS) – Steel IMS, Coal IMS, Copper/Aluminium IMS, Chip IMS
- Deemed Export Benefits – Apply for Refund of TED/DBK/Brand rate Fixation.
- Star Export House Certificate.
- Free Sale & Commerce Certificate, End User Certificate.
- Enforcement cum Adjudication Proceedings at RA Mumbai.
- E-RCMC Certificate from DGFT – APEDA, FIEO, EEPC, PHARMEXCIL, CHEMEXCIL ETC.
- Gems & Jewelry Schemes.
- Application for Interest Equalization Scheme.
- REX Registration.
- FREE SALE AND COMMERCE CERTIFICATE.
- Abeyance Cases for IEC’s in DEL.
- END USER CERTIFICATE.
DGFT HQ, New Delhi
- Norms Fixation - Handling 25+ Norms Fixation cases every month across various Product groups. (Engineering, Pharmaceutical, Chemical, Textiles & Leather, Plastic & Rubber, Food, Sports & Misc. products)
- Policy Relaxation Committee (PRC Matters) - Proudly representing 20+ cases every month.
- EPCG Committee Approvals - Handling 10+ complex cases every month
- Permission for Restricted/Negative list of Import Items & Export Items - Experience in Handling 100+ cases till date.
- Registration Certificates for Export & Import Items.
- SCOMET Licenses.
- TRQ (Tariff Rate Quotas)
- Appeal Matters under FTP.
Custom Related Services
- AA/EPCG/DFIA License Registration.
- Bond & Bank Guarantee (BG) Cancellation of EPCG/Advance License.
- ICEGATE Registration.
- Refund under Section 74.
- Pending Duty Drawback from Customs.
- Factory stuffing– Self-sealing permission. [FSP]
- Pending IGST Refund from Customs.
- Removal of IEC from the Alert list of Customs.
- GST Services – Refund of ITC from GST.
- Authorized Economic Operator (AEO T1, T2 & T3) certification.
- Reply & Follow-up of Customs Notices if any.
- GST Services – Refund of GST for Service Exporters.
- AD Code/IFSC Registration.
- SIIB Matters (Special Investigation and Intelligence Branch)
- SVB Matters.
- Registration Procedures for First-time Importers/ Exporters
- DPD/DPE Registration.
Other Certification:
- All Types of Digital Signature Certificates.
- Health Certificate for Export Products
- EPR Certification for Producers, Importers and Brand owners.
- Phytosanitory Certificate.
- BIS Certification.
- Banking & RBI related liaison for Exporters & Importers.
AFLEO logistics
- Sea Cargo Consolidation – Import & Export
- Sea Freight Forwarding - Import & Export
- Air freight - Import & Export
- Land freight
- Warehousing
- Customs clearance
- Insurance
AFLEO Global
- Buying of scrips - MEIS / SEIS / RoDTEP / RoSCTL / DFIA
- Selling of scrips - MEIS / SEIS / RoDTEP / RoSCTL / DFIA
Find our brochure for more details:
Table of Contents
SCOMET License: Complete Guide for Indian Exporters
- An Overview
- Why the SCOMET Exports License is mandatory to export SCOMET items?
- Latest Updates
- SCOMET Exports License items categories:
- SCOMET License items Export Control Licensing Agencies :
- Validity Period of SCOMET Exports License?
- What is the Inter-Ministerial Working Group (IMWG) in DGFT?
- How to apply for SCOMET Authorisation?
- How Afleo Consultants will help you to get SCOMET Items Export License/Authorization?
- FAQ’s
Exporting goods with civilian and military applications? You need to know about SCOMET — India’s export control framework for dual-use items. Whether your product requires a full SCOMET export license or just a self-declaration, getting this wrong can mean shipment seizure, IEC cancellation, or penalties up to 5 times the FOB value.
This guide covers everything: what SCOMET is, who needs a license vs a declaration, which category your product falls under, how to apply, and what Afleo’s DGFT experts can do to get your authorization cleared faster.
What is SCOMET? SCOMET Full Form
SCOMET stands for Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment and Technologies. It is India’s national export control list of dual-use goods — items that have both civilian and military applications. SCOMET is regulated by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India.
The SCOMET list is notified under Appendix 3 to Schedule 2 of the ITC (HS) Classification of Export and Import Items and is updated periodically to align with India’s commitments to international regimes including the Wassenaar Arrangement, MTCR, Australia Group, and Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
Three things every exporter must know
- If your product is on the SCOMET list, you need a prior export authorization from DGFT or the relevant licensing authority before shipping.
- Unauthorized export attracts penalties under the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992, and the WMD Act, 2005 — fines up to 5× the FOB value or 5 years imprisonment.
- Even if your product is NOT on the SCOMET list, a self-declaration is mandatory at the time of export clearance.
Why the SCOMET Exports License is mandatory to export SCOMET items?
The Government of India and the export-import industry have a responsibility to ensure that exports are not accessed by proliferators, terrorist groups, and non-state actors. Any export that inadvertently lands up in the wrong hands may have implications for our national security and affect the name of the country in the international market. SCOMET is an important step to address such concerns.
Further, International supply chains are increasingly interconnected; our Import-Export partners would like to be assured that India’s regulations are in line with the highest standards. Adoption of these regulations is expected to act as an enabler for a greater role for Indian industry in global supply chains for high technology and value-added items and strategic sector items.
What is a SCOMET Declaration — and When is it Required?
A SCOMET declaration is a self-certification by the exporter confirming whether the goods being exported fall under any SCOMET category. It is not the same as a SCOMET license.
When a declaration is required
- For all exports — regardless of whether the product is on the SCOMET list or not
- When a Customs officer or DGFT official requests confirmation of SCOMET applicability
- For transactions involving sensitive destinations or restricted end-users
When a full SCOMET license is required
- When your product is confirmed to fall under any of the 9 SCOMET categories (0–8)
- Before the shipment is dispatched — this is a pre-export authorization, not a post-facto process
Latest Updates
- Notification No. 31/2025-26 dated 23.09.2025:
DGFT has revised the SCOMET List under Appendix-3 of Schedule-II (Export Policy), ITC(HS) 2022 in line with multilateral export control regimes. The revised list will come into effect 30 days from the date of issuance (i.e., from 23rd October 2025) and is available on the DGFT website under “Regulatory Updates → Import, Export and SCOMET Policy.” Please refer to the PDF attached for the new SCOMET List for your reference. - Instruction No. 26/2025-Customs dated 14.08.2025:
CBIC issues guidelines regarding export of items suspected to be covered under SCOMET. The final determination of whether an item falls under SCOMET is made by the SCOMET Cell at DGFT in consultation with Technical Authorities under the Inter-Ministerial Working Group (IMWG). Exporters are advised to refer to the consolidated SCOMET clarifications repository on the CBIC website prior to export to avoid delays. If no clarification is available, matters may be referred to the Single Nodal Point (Customs-III Section, CBIC) with full technical documentation, after approval from the concerned Commissioner. No Chartered Engineer certificate is required for SCOMET classification or export clearance. Officers should also note the coordination between AEO DU Qualified status and schemes like GAICT and GAED as per FTP/HBP provisions. - Instruction No. 15/2025- Customs 12-Jun-2025 – Applicability of SCOMET – Consolidated Repository
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, vide various Office Memoranda issued time to time, clarifies the applicability of SCOMET on various items. Based on the recent clarifications issued by the DGFT, a consolidated repository of such SCOMET clarifications has been prepared and is available on the CBIC website at the following link. The said repository will be updated periodically upon receipt of further clarifications from DGFT. It is to be noted that the above-referred clarifications are only for ease of reference. Each item, based upon its specifications, end use etc., is required to be examined individually for coverage under SCOMET. Therefore, these clarifications may be construed accordingly.
SCOMET Exports License items categories:
The SCOMET list is divided into 9 categories (0 to 8), with Category 7 currently reserved. Each category covers specific dual-use items, software, and technologies whose export is controlled to prevent proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and military misuse.
The complete SCOMET list is available in Appendix 3 of Schedule 2 of the ITC (HS) Classification, published by DGFT. The list is updated periodically to align with India’s commitments to multilateral export control regimes such as the Wassenaar Arrangement, Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), Australia Group, and Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
Official SCOMET List (2025): Download the complete SCOMET list PDF from DGFT (Last updated: September 2025)
| SCOMET CATEGORY | SCOMET ITEMS | LICENSING JURISDICTION |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Nuclear Materials, nuclear-related other materials, equipment and technology | Department of Atomic Energy(DAE) |
| 1 | Toxic chemical agents and other chemicals | DGFT |
| 2 | Micro-organisms,Toxins | DGFT |
| 3 | Materials, Materials Processing Equipment and related Technologies | DGFT |
| 4 | Nuclear-related other equipment and technology, not controlled under Category ‘0’ | DGFT |
| 5 | Aerospace systems, equipment, including production and test equipment, and related technology | DGFT |
| 6 | Munitions List (except Cat. 6AfXf7 and 6A008) | DDP |
| 7 | Reserved | DGFT |
| 8 | Special Materials And Related Equipment, Material Processing, Electronics, Computers, Telecommunications, Information Security, Sensors And Lasers, Navigation And Avionics, Marine, Aerospace And Propulsion. | DGFT |
How to check if your product is on the SCOMET list:
- Identify your product’s ITC (HS) Code (8-digit classification)
- Cross-check against Appendix 3 on the DGFT website
- Review technical specifications — some items are controlled only above certain thresholds (e.g., chemical purity >95%, laser power >10W, CNC machine tolerance <0.005mm)
Key update (September 2025): DGFT activated Category 7 covering advanced semiconductors, quantum computing technologies, and cryogenic systems, effective from 23rd October 2025. Exporters in electronics and high-tech manufacturing should review their product classifications.
SCOMET License items Export Control Licensing Agencies :
SCOMET items authorizations are issued by the following three agencies:
- Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)
- Department of Defence Production (DDP)
- Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)
| AGENCY | SCOMET JURISDICTION |
|---|---|
| SCOMET DIVISION, DGFT, MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (MOCI) | SCOMET CATEGORY 1,2,3,4,5,7,8 : • Toxic chemical agents and other chemicals • Micro-organisms, toxins • Materials, Materials Processing Equipment and related technologies • Nuclear-related other equipment and technology, not controlled under Category 0 • Aerospace systems, equipment including production and test equipment, related technology and specially designed components and accessories there of • Reserved • Special Materials and Related Equipment, Material Processing, Electronics, Computers, Telecommunications, Information Security, Sensors and Lasers, Navigation and Avionics, Marine, Aerospace and Propulsion |
| DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY(DAE) | SCOMET CATEGORY 0: Nuclear materials, nuclear related other materials, equipment and technology |
| THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE PRODUCTION(DDP), MINISTRY OF DEFENCE (MOD) | SCOMET CATEGORY: 6: Munitions list (Reserved) |
[Licensing of SCOMET items]
Validity Period of SCOMET Exports License?
A SCOMET export license is valid for 24 months from the date of issuance. It can be extended for 6 months, and a maximum extension of up to 1 year is permitted through revalidation by the DGFT regional office, subject to approval from DGFT Headquarters.
Customs Department has started strict checking w.r.t. SCOMET and hence it becomes necessary for all the exporters to understand this topic and its concept in detail in order to stay compliant. So after watching this video, you will be very clear as to What is SCOMET? How to check if the export product is falling under SCOMET or not? Where and how to apply? What are documents required? And finally what are the penal provisions if SCOMET Compliance is not followed. So let’s get started and we request you to Please watch this video till the end.
What is the Inter-Ministerial Working Group (IMWG) in DGFT?
The IMWG is the licensing authority under the Chairmanship of the Additional Director General of Foreign Trade. It evaluates all SCOMET export license applications — except those on the nuclear trigger list or in defence stores.
IMWG members include representatives from
- Ministry of External Affairs
- Cabinet Secretariat
- Department of Atomic Energy
- DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation)
- Department of Defence Production
- ISRO
- Department of Biotechnology
- Department of Chemicals
- National Authority, Chemical Weapons Convention
- Drug Controller General of India
The Meetings of the IMWG are held on average once a month, under the leadership of the Additional DGFT. The above member’s NOC/Comments are required in respect of cases specific to their Department/Organization for SCOMET Export License.
What is the Global Authorisation for Intra-Company Transfers (GAICT) policy for SCOMET Exports License Items?
The Global Authorisation for Intra-Company Transfers (GAICT) policy grants an advance bulk license for re-export of certain SCOMET items, software, and technology to overseas group companies. Under GAICT, pre-export authorization is not required for intra-company re-exports of imported SCOMET items under Category 8.
GAICT covers: design, encryption, research, development, delivery, validation, and testing. It is valid for 3 years from the date of issuance.
What all documents are required to apply for SCOMET Exports License?
- Valid IEC (Importer Exporter Code)
- DGFT valid login credentials
- Active firm’s bank account details
- Purchase Orders from firms in the SCOMET product supply chain
- Contract Agreement / Statement of Work / Master Service Agreement from foreign buyers, consignee, and end user
- Technical specifications for each item to be exported
- Copies of Bills of Entry into the destination country for items exported in the last one year
- Original End-Use-cum-End User Certificate (EUC) from all organisations in the supply chain
- Copy of DGFT Authorization letter for the same product (if previously applied)
How does the SCOMET Exports License process work internally?
Following the step-by-step procedures for SCOMET items Export License:
The exporters submit the application online through the DGFT website or submit a hardcopy to DGFT HQ.
- Then the license application is received by the DGFT through E-COM and then it is automatically forwarded to IMWG.
- The IMWG issues a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for SCOMET items Export License application
- If any IMWG agencies refuse to issue a NOC then DGFT will automatically reject the application.
- The exporter can get the SCOMET items Export License from the DGFT HQ, Udyog Bhawan, New Delhi
How to apply for SCOMET Authorisation?
See the following steps to apply for SCOMET Authorization:
- Go to the DGFT website: dgft.gov.in
- Navigate to: Services → Export Management System → Licence for SCOMET exports
- Select: Apply for Export Authorization of SCOMET Item, Software/Technology (ANF 2O(A))
- Click “Apply for New Authorization”
- File the online application — considered on a case-by-case basis
- Click “Start Fresh Application” (or “Proceed with Existing Application” if resuming a draft)
- Add the items for export manually
- Upload all required documents
- Make the payment and submit
- For revalidation: click “Apply for Revalidation of SCOMET authorisation”
- For site visit: click “Apply for Site Visit of SCOMET authorisation”
- For post-shipment reporting: click “Apply for Post Reporting for SCOMET Authorisation
How Does the Internal SCOMET License Process Work?
- Once the application is submitted online through the DGFT portal or as a hardcopy at DGFT HQ:
- The application is received by DGFT via E-COM and automatically forwarded to the IMWG
- IMWG members review the case and issue No Objection Certificates (NOCs)
- If any IMWG agency refuses to issue a NOC, DGFT automatically rejects the application
- On approval, the SCOMET export license is issued from DGFT HQ, Udyog Bhawan, New Delhi
Criteria for SCOMET Application Approval
DGFT evaluates every application against the following:
- Verification of end-user credentials
- Credibility of the declared end-use for the SCOMET products
- Assessment of whether the items or technologies could be used against India’s national security or foreign policy interests
- Review of the end-use declaration submitted by the exporter
- Risk assessment of whether exported items could reach terrorist groups, non-state actors, or prohibited entities
What if SCOMET products are exported without a SCOMET License?
How Afleo Helps You Get Your SCOMET License
Afleo’s team has handled SCOMET license applications across multiple categories including chemicals, aerospace components, electronics, and dual-use software. Here is what we do:
- Analyse the feasibility and correct SCOMET classification for your product
- Assist in collecting and verifying all required documents
- Prepare the application in compliance with DGFT mandate
- Submit and track the application through IMWG clearance
- Coordinate with DGFT and Customs to expedite the licensing process
- Draft replies to DGFT queries and deficiency notices
- Obtain your SCOMET export license within the stipulated time frame
FAQ’s
What is meant by SCOMET item?
SCOMET stands for Special Chemicals (SC), Organisms (O), Materials (M), Equipment (E), and Technologies (T). These are dual-use items — goods, software, and technologies that have both civilian and military applications — regulated under India’s Foreign Trade Policy.
How many categories are there for SCOMET items?
The SCOMET list has 9 categories, numbered 0 to 8. Category 7 was activated in September 2025 to cover advanced semiconductors, quantum computing technologies, and cryogenic systems.
What is dual-use goods and technologies?
Dual-use items are goods, software, or technologies that can be used for both civilian and military purposes. Their export from India requires a SCOMET authorization from the relevant licensing authority.
What are the consequences of exporting SCOMET items without an authorization?
Penalties under the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992, and the WMD Act, 2005 include fines of 5 times the FOB value of the exported goods, or imprisonment of up to 5 years, or both. The IEC may also be suspended or cancelled.
Where can I find the list of SCOMET items?
The SCOMET list is in Appendix 3 of Schedule 2 of the ITC (HS) Classification, published by DGFT. The latest version (updated September 2025) is available on the DGFT website and as a direct PDF download on this page.
What is IMWG?
The Inter-Ministerial Working Group (IMWG) is the licensing authority under the Additional Director General of Foreign Trade. It evaluates SCOMET license applications and issues NOCs from relevant ministries and departments. It meets approximately once a month.
Which software classified under SCOMET Category 8?
Software relating to electronics, computers, telecommunications, and information security falls under Category 8, including encryption software and information security tools.
What are the items that were earlier included in Category 6 of SCOMET?
Category 6 covers the munitions list. Authorizations for Category 6 items are issued by the Department of Defence Production (DDP), Ministry of Defence.
What are the documents which are required to be kept in record for 05 years?
All documents submitted with the SCOMET application, correspondence with the buyer, consignee, and end user, relevant contracts, financial records, shipping bills, bills of entry, and bills of lading must be retained for 5 years.
How can I take a print of the application or download it for future reference?
Each form has a section of application summary that shows values for all fields filed in the application.
This section of application summary, has a button for “Print Application” enabled on the top right
corner of the section. Please click on the button to download the application for your future reference.
What is the difference between ANF 2O(a) & ANF 2O(b)?
ANF 2O(a) is for standard SCOMET export authorization applications. ANF 2O(b) is used specifically when applying for a GAICT (Global Authorisation for Intra-Company Transfers) of SCOMET items.
Can I export multiple products under a single SCOMET authorisation?
Yes, but only for the items specifically listed in the authorization. You cannot add unlisted items to an existing authorization.
What is the validity of a SCOMET authorisation?
A SCOMET authorization is valid for 24 months from the date of issuance. It can be revalidated for a maximum of 1 additional year through the DGFT regional office.
Is transfer of authorization possible for SCOMET?
No. SCOMET authorizations are non-transferable under the Foreign Trade Policy.
What modifications am I allowed to request for against an issued Authorisation?
You may request to add new items, decrease the quantity of listed items, or modify the unit of measurement (UOM).