Para 2.01 says exports and imports are free, except where they are regulated by the Policy as prohibited, restricted or exclusively traded through State Trading Enterprises (STEs). A free item may still be subject to conditions under other laws, such as food, drug, plant or standards laws.

In ITC(HS), the Indian Trade Clarification based on the Harmonised System. Para 2.02 says Schedule 1 gives the import policy and Schedule II the export policy. You need the correct eight-digit code first. Our Product Guide and HS Code Finder help you reach the chapter.

Para 2.08 says goods or services that are restricted can be imported or exported only under an authorisation or permission, or as set out in a notification or public notice.

DGFT may prohibit or restrict trade by notification on specified grounds, which Para 2.07 lists. They include critical shortages of food, public health and national security. The Policy also has specific prohibitions, for example on trade with certain named entities and countries, and on gift imports with listed exceptions (Para 2.26).

Para 2.09 says that if an import requires an authorisation, only the Actual User may import, unless DGFT dispenses with that condition.

Under Para 2.10 it can set the description, quantity and value, the Actual User condition, an export obligation, minimum value addition, minimum price, a bank guarantee, legal undertaking or bond, and the validity period.

No. Para 2.13 says it is not a right. DGFT or the Regional Authority may refuse it or decline to renew it. The application fee in Appendix 2K is generally non-refundable (Para 2.11).

Para 2.12 allows pre-arrived goods to be cleared against a later authorisation, but that facility is not available for restricted items unless DGFT allows it.

Para 2.25 says bona fide samples of restricted items need no authorisation, except for defence and security items, seeds, bees and new drugs.

Para 2.14 says violating authorisation conditions, missing an export obligation or failing to pay what is due can lead to action under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992, and the entity can be placed on the Denied Entity List.

Yes. Send us the product and the destination or origin. We will tell you the code, the policy status and the papers to arrange, before you commit.