SCOMET License Under DGFT – Mandatory for Controlled Item Exports

India regulates the export of dual-use goods that may be used for both military and civilian applications, much like many other nations. Exporting certain products without prior authorization is prohibited because they are on the SCOMET list. Before engaging in any such transaction, exporters must get an SCOMET license, as mandated by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), to ensure compliance.

What is SCOMET?

SCOMET stands for Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment, and Technologies. It refers to a list of dual-use items—those that can be used for both civilian and military purposes—that are regulated by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under India’s export control framework.

SCOMET Item Categories

Export-controlled commodities are categorized by the DGFT into many groups:

1. Category 0 – Nuclear Materials

2. Category 1 – Toxic Chemicals and Precursors

3. Category 2 – Microorganisms and Toxins

4. Category 3 – Material, Materials Processing

5. Category 4 – Nuclear-related Items

6. Category 5 – Aerospace Systems, Equipment

7. Category 6 – Electronics, Computers, Telecommunications

8. Category 7 – Navigation, Sensors, Marine

9. Category 8 – Miscellaneous (including robotics, AI)

10. Category 9 – Special Designated Items

Exporting these sensitive or dual-use goods requires stringent government regulation and approval via the SCOMET license.

SCOMET License Application Process

An exporter must submit a SCOMET license application to DGFT to export goods specified in the SCOMET schedule. Below is a summary of the essential steps:

1. Log in to the DGFT portal – https://dgft.gov.in

2. Navigate to "SCOMET Application" under the Services section

3. Choose the appropriate category and fill in the item details

4. Upload mandatory documents such as:

• IEC Code

• Purchase Order or End Use Certificate

• Technical specifications

• Manufacturing authorization (if applicable)

5. Pay the application fee

6. Submit the application for scrutiny by the DGFT and inter-ministerial panel

7. Receive the license upon approval

Timeline: SCOMET licenses typically take 30–45 working days for processing.

SCOMET License DGFT – Who Must Apply?

If your business deals in controlled or dual-use goods, you must apply for a SCOMET license through DGFT, especially for:

• Nuclear equipment or materials

• Military-grade electronics

• Aerospace and avionics systems

• Chemicals or biological agents

• Cybersecurity tools and high-end software

Even if the item is intended for peaceful or commercial purposes, exporting it without a license could lead to penalties, seizure, or blacklisting.

New Process for Updated SCOMET Module

By 2024, DGFT's revised online module will have brought the SCOMET licensing procedure up to date. Important improvements consist of:

• End-to-end digital application submission and tracking

• Auto-generated acknowledgments and reminders

• Integration with ICEGATE and other export control authorities

• Improved user dashboard for managing multiple licenses

• Updated SCOMET List with real-time changes

This digitization improves transparency, reduces processing time, and ensures better coordination among ministries for fast approvals.

Why SCOMET Matters

SCOMET regulation helps India:

• Comply with international export control regimes (like MTCR, Wassenaar Arrangement)

• Prevent misuse of sensitive items

• Strengthen national and global security

Who Regulates SCOMET Exports in India

In India, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) is the primary regulatory authority responsible for overseeing and controlling the export of SCOMET items, which include sensitive goods such as special chemicals, organisms, materials, equipment, and technologies that have dual-use (civilian and military).

Exporters dealing with these items must obtain prior authorization (a SCOMET license) from the DGFT before proceeding with any international shipment. The objective is to prevent the misuse of sensitive technologies and to comply with international obligations under export control regimes such as:

• Wassenaar Arrangement (WA)

• Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR)

• Australia Group (AG)

• Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)

Other Key Stakeholders Involved:

• Inter-Ministerial Working Group (IMWG): Reviews complex or high-risk SCOMET applications.

• Ministry of External Affairs (MEA): Involved in cases with geopolitical or diplomatic sensitivity.

• Department of Atomic Energy (DAE): Approves nuclear-related item exports.

• DRDO / Ministry of Defence: Reviews military or defense-related technologies.

• Indian Customs (ICEGATE): Monitors compliance at ports during actual export clearance.

End-User Restrictions on SCOMET Item Exports

When exporting items listed under the SCOMET (Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment and Technologies) list, it's not just the product that’s scrutinized—the end-user and end-use are equally important. The Government of India, through the DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade), imposes strict end-user restrictions to ensure sensitive items are not diverted for illegal or unauthorized purposes.

These controls are especially relevant for items that could be used in:

• Weapons of mass destruction (WMD) development

• Military or nuclear programs

• Terrorist or sanctioned entities

Final Thought

The privilege of exporting sensitive commodities is accompanied by responsibility. To guarantee that your exports are safe, legal, and recognized across the world, a SCOMET license under DGFT is an essential compliance requirement.

Also, Checkout: CDSCO Online Registration