What we execute under Advance Authorisation
- SION-based Advance Authorisation applications where standard norms already exist
- Ad-hoc norms fixation through the Norms Committee where no SION is notified
- Annual Advance Authorisation for status holders with repeat input requirements
- Invalidation letters and Advance Release Orders for domestic sourcing of inputs
- Licence amendments — quantity, value, port, ITC-HS line and validity extension
- Export obligation monitoring with consignment-wise consumption records
- Redemption / EODC filing with Appendix-4H, shipping bills and e-BRC reconciliation
- Bond and bank guarantee execution at customs, and its cancellation after redemption
Who should use Advance Authorisation
The scheme suits manufacturer-exporters with a repeatable bill of materials and a predictable export order book — engineering, pharmaceuticals and bulk drugs, speciality chemicals, textiles, auto components and food processing units are the most frequent users. Merchant exporters can also apply when tied to a supporting manufacturer named in the application.
If your imported input content is high but export volumes are irregular, EPCG or a duty drawback route often works out better. We compare the three before recommending a licence, because switching later means fresh norms and a fresh obligation clock.
Where Advance Authorisation files go wrong
- Wastage percentage claimed above the notified SION, triggering a Norms Committee reference mid-licence
- Inputs imported against the wrong ITC-HS line, blocking customs clearance
- Export obligation period lapsing without an extension application
- Third-party exports claimed without the exporter's name endorsed on the shipping bill
- Redemption filed without complete Appendix-4H consumption data or e-BRC realisation proof
- Bank guarantee left uncancelled for years after the obligation was actually met
Eligibility checklist
- Manufacturer-exporter status, or merchant exporter tied to a named supporting manufacturer
- Active IEC and RCMC from the relevant Export Promotion Council
- GST registration and, for norms fixation, a chartered engineer certificate on input consumption
- Documented bill of materials with input-output ratio and wastage justification
- Past export performance where an Annual Advance Authorisation is sought
- Digital signature token for the authorised signatory on the DGFT portal
Our process, step by step
- 01Scheme comparison: we assess your bill of materials and order book against Advance Authorisation, EPCG and drawback, and recommend the cheapest compliant route.
- 02Norms check: we verify whether a notified SION covers your product; if not, we prepare the ad-hoc norms application with technical justification.
- 03Filing: application submitted on the DGFT portal with correct ITC-HS classification, annexures and chartered engineer certification.
- 04Post-issue support: bond and bank guarantee execution at the port, invalidation letters for domestic sourcing, and amendments as orders change.
- 05Obligation tracking: consignment-wise import and export register with alerts before the export obligation period ends.
- 06Redemption: EODC filed with Appendix-4H, shipping bills and e-BRCs, followed through to bank guarantee cancellation.