SCOMET Export License (Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment & Technologies)

What is SCOMET?

SCOMET stands for Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment and Technologies. This is India's national export control regime for dual-use goods and technologies — items that have both legitimate civilian applications and potential military or WMD (Weapons of Mass Destruction) applications. India maintains the SCOMET list as part of its commitments to international non-proliferation regimes including the Wassenaar Arrangement, the Australia Group, the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), and the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

The SCOMET list is published by DGFT under Appendix 3 of Schedule 2 to the ITC(HS) Classification of Export & Import Items. Exporting any item on the SCOMET list without a valid SCOMET export licence from DGFT is a serious violation of India's Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act and can result in criminal prosecution.

Categories of SCOMET Items

  • Category 0: Nuclear materials, facilities, and equipment
  • Category 1: Toxic chemical agents and precursors (Chemical Weapons Convention related)
  • Category 2: Micro-organisms and toxins (Biological Weapons Convention related)
  • Category 3: Materials and material processing equipment with dual-use potential
  • Category 4: Nuclear-related equipment, assemblies, and components
  • Category 5: Aerospace systems, rockets, UAVs, and related equipment
  • Category 6: Advanced materials (carbon fibre, composites, ceramics)
  • Category 7: Electronics, computers, and information security technology
  • Category 8: Sensors, lasers, and directed energy weapons
  • Munitions List: Arms, ammunition, and military equipment

When is a SCOMET Export Licence Required?

A SCOMET export licence is required before any export of an item falling under the SCOMET list, regardless of the country of destination or end-use. Even if the buyer is a legitimate civilian company, the licence is mandatory. Certain items also trigger a catch-all clause — if you have reason to believe an item may be used for WMD purposes, you must seek clarification from DGFT before export.

Our SCOMET Licence Services

  1. SCOMET Classification Review: We review your product's technical specifications and HS code to determine if it falls under the SCOMET list — this is the critical first step, as many exporters are unaware their products are controlled.
  2. End User Certificate (EUC) Drafting: A mandatory End User Certificate from the foreign buyer is required with every SCOMET licence application. We assist in drafting the EUC in the correct DGFT format.
  3. SCOMET Licence Application: Filing of the SCOMET export licence application on the DGFT portal with complete technical documentation, product brochure, buyer information, and EUC.
  4. Inter-Ministerial Coordination: SCOMET licences are reviewed by multiple ministries (MEA, DRDO, DAE, MHA). We coordinate with all relevant authorities to facilitate timely approval.
  5. Export Under SCOMET Licence: Guidance on Customs procedures for exporting under a SCOMET licence — correct Shipping Bill declaration and documentation.
  6. Post-Export Reporting: Mandatory post-export reporting to DGFT on the use of the SCOMET licence is required. We handle this compliance on your behalf.

Frequently Asked Questions – SCOMET

Q: How do I know if my product is on the SCOMET list?

The SCOMET list is published in the Appendix 3 of Schedule 2 of ITC(HS). It lists controlled items by technical description and HS code. However, classification is not always straightforward — the descriptions are technical and require expert review. Samarth EXIM provides a SCOMET classification opinion for your product.

Q: What is the penalty for exporting SCOMET items without a licence?

Penalties are severe: fines up to 5 times the value of goods, blacklisting from future exports, and criminal prosecution under the FTDR Act with imprisonment up to 5 years. Non-compliant exports can also damage India's international trade relationships. It is critical to seek SCOMET clearance before any shipment.

Q: How long does a SCOMET export licence take?

Due to the inter-ministerial review process, SCOMET licences typically take 3–6 months. For Category 0 and Category 1 items, the process may take longer due to the sensitivity of the items involved. We recommend starting the process as early as possible.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is an IEC (Importer Exporter Code) and why is it mandatory in India?

An Importer Exporter Code (IEC) is a 10-digit identification number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. It is the primary business identification number required for any person or business engaged in import or export of goods and services.

IEC is mandatory because no import or export can be made without it (unless specifically exempted under the Foreign Trade Policy). It is required for Customs clearance, DGFT scheme applications, and receiving or making foreign trade payments through banks.

What are the main documents required for import-export in India?

Key documents for import-export operations in India include:

  • Shipping Bill (for exports) or Bill of Entry (for imports) — filed with Customs for clearance.
  • Commercial Invoice cum Packing List — details of goods, quantity, value, and packaging.
  • Bill of Lading / Air Waybill — transport document issued by the carrier.
  • Certificate of Origin (COO) — certifies the country of origin, needed for FTA benefits and some import requirements.
  • IEC Code — the importer/exporter identification number.
  • GST Invoice / LUT — for GST compliance on exports.
  • FSSAI Certificate — for food and agricultural imports.
  • BIS Certificate / NOC — for products under mandatory BIS certification.

What does DGFT do and why is it important for importers and exporters?

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) is the apex government body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry responsible for formulating and implementing India's Foreign Trade Policy (FTP). Its key roles include:

  • Issuing and managing Importer Exporter Codes (IEC)
  • Administering export incentive schemes: Advance Authorisation, EPCG, RoDTEP, RoSCTL, SEIS
  • Granting export licences for restricted and SCOMET items
  • Issuing import licences for restricted items
  • Recognising Star Export Houses (status holders)
  • Fixing Standard Input Output Norms (SION)

Every Indian exporter and importer must interact with DGFT at some point — whether for obtaining an IEC, applying for export incentives, or seeking licences for restricted goods.

How can I find out if my product requires a special import licence in India?

India's import policy is classified under the ITC(HS) Classification of Export and Import Items published by DGFT. Every item has an import policy designation:

  • Free: Can be imported without any licence.
  • Restricted: Requires a specific import licence from DGFT before import.
  • Prohibited: Cannot be imported under any circumstances (e.g., beef in some categories).
  • Canalised: Can only be imported by government-designated agencies.

You can check the policy on the DGFT website by your ITC(HS) code, or contact Samarth EXIM for a free preliminary import policy check for your specific product.

What is the difference between Advance Authorisation and EPCG scheme?

Both are export promotion schemes under India's Foreign Trade Policy, but they serve different purposes:

  • Advance Authorisation (AA): Allows duty-free import of raw materials and inputs that are physically used in manufacturing export goods. The export obligation is the value of goods exported. Applicable before production.
  • EPCG (Export Promotion Capital Goods): Allows duty-free import of capital goods (machinery, equipment, tools) used in production of export goods. The export obligation is 6 times the duty saved, over 6 years.

They can be used together — EPCG for capital goods and Advance Authorisation for input materials — giving double duty savings on both machinery and raw materials.

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