A guide on how to get SCOMET License for an Export item list

In India, the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act of 1992 (and its updates) governs the export and import of goods. This law includes rules like the Export and Import Policy (Exim Policy), which is issued yearly by the Government of India. The Exim Policy outlines guidelines and conditions for trading goods internationally, and it also establishes licensing requirements for exports and imports. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) serves as the authority responsible for issuing these licenses.

What is SCOMET?

The SCOMET (Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment, and Technologies) List includes items, materials, and equipment that are regulated for export under the Foreign Trade Act of 1992 and the Export Control Order of 2002.

What is a SCOMET License?

A SCOMET license is permission given by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) to export certain items or provide specific services listed in the SCOMET List. This license is issued under the rules of the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992, and the Export (Control) Order, 2002.

Purpose of SCOMET Item list

The SCOMET list aims to control the export of items that can be used for both civilian and military purposes. This list includes items regulated for nuclear safety, anti-terrorism, chemical and biological warfare, and missile technology control.

Seven categories of items on the SCOMET list

Nuclear Non-Proliferation

Chemical and Biological Warfare

Missile Technology

Lasers and Sensors

Navigation and Avionics

Computing Equipment

Information Security

Each category of items on the SCOMET list has its own set of benefits.

Nuclear Non-Proliferation: The export of items on the SCOMET list helps to ensure that nuclear weapons and materials are not proliferated to other countries or non-state actors.

Chemical and Biological Warfare: The export of items on the SCOMET list helps to ensure that chemical and biological weapons are not proliferated to other countries or non-state actors.

Missile Technology: The export of items on the SCOMET list helps to ensure that missile technology is not proliferated to other countries or non-state actors.

Lasers and Sensors: The export of items on the SCOMET list helps to ensure that lasers and sensors are not proliferated

Navigation and Avionics: The export of items on the SCOMET list helps to ensure that Navigation and Avionics export items regulate the export of items.

Computing Equipment: The export of computing equipment items on the SCOMET list helps to ensure the proper flow of export and regulates the export of items.

Information Security: The export of Information Security items on the SCOMET list helps to ensure utmost security and evaluate/regulate thoroughly the export of items.

What are the benefits of having a SCOMET License?

There are several benefits of having a SCOMET license:

It helps promote the export of items on the SCOMET List.

A SCOMET license is required for the import of any goods that appear in the SCOMET list, which is released by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

The SCOMET list includes goods that are controlled for strategic, security, or other reasons.

Depending on the goods, a SCOMET license may be required for the import of goods falling under any of the four SCOMET categories – ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’, or ‘D’.

A SCOMET license is also required for the import of any SCOMET export item, regardless of its value.

The SCOMET license is valid for a period of one year from the date of its issuance and can be renewed annually.

A SCOMET license is obtained from the DGFT, which is a part of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

The license is required to be furnished at the time of import of the specified SCOMET goods.

What is the Procedure to get a SCOMET License?

The procedure to obtain a SCOMET license is as follows:

The applicant should first get the SCOMET List from the DGFT website.

The applicant should then identify the item he/she wants to export on the SCOMET List.

The applicant should then file an application for a SCOMET license on the DGFT website.

The DGFT will process the application and grant the license if everything is in order.

In Nutshell:

To export any item listed on the SCOMET List, exporters must get a SCOMET License from the DGFT. This license is necessary for items that are either restricted or prohibited. If you need help with the SCOMET license registration process, SKMC Global is here to guide you through each step, from advisory support to obtaining the license.