What is SCOMET
SCOMET is the list of chemicals, organisms, materials, equipment and technologies that India controls for export because of their dual-use or strategic sensitivity, in line with international export control regimes. If an item you export falls under any SCOMET category, you need a specific export authorisation from DGFT before it can leave India — regardless of the item's value or destination.
Who needs it
- Exporters of chemicals, materials or equipment that fall under a SCOMET category
- Businesses transferring technology or technical know-how covered by the control list
- Exporters of certain electronics, software or components with dual civilian/strategic use
Documents Required
- IEC (Import Export Code)
- Technical specification sheet or datasheet of the item
- End User Certificate from the overseas buyer
- End-use undertaking
- Classification justification mapping the item to the relevant SCOMET list entry
- Prior export history for the item, if any
Process
- Classify the item against the categories and entries in the SCOMET list.
- Obtain an End User Certificate from the overseas buyer confirming the intended use.
- File the application with the Inter-Ministerial Working Group (IMWG) through the DGFT portal.
- The application goes through technical and security review by the IMWG.
- Authorisation is granted — as a general licence or an individual/global licence depending on the item and destination — sometimes with specific conditions attached.
- Export within the licence validity period and retain records for end-use compliance.
FAQs
Not sure if my item is SCOMET-controlled?
You can file a classification or no-objection query with DGFT to confirm whether your item falls under a SCOMET category before you export.
How long does approval take?
Timelines vary widely depending on the item's sensitivity and the extent of Inter-Ministerial Working Group review required [TODO: confirm from policy docs].
Is there a general licence option?
Yes. For specified low-sensitivity items and destinations, DGFT offers general authorisations that let exporters skip case-by-case approval for each shipment.
