DGFT Digitizes Appendix 4H Submission for Advance Authorization & DFIA Schemes

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Dated: 17.06.2025

DGFT Digitizes Appendix 4H Submission for Advance Authorization & DFIA Schemes

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued Trade Notice No. 21/2024-25, dated 17 October 2024, introducing the electronic submission of Appendix 4H certificates. This initiative is aligned with the Government of India’s digital trade facilitation agenda and aims to streamline redemption processes under the Advance Authorization (AA) and Duty-Free Import Authorization (DFIA) schemes.

What is Appendix 4H?

Appendix 4H is a critical compliance document that details the consumption and stock of duty-free imported or domestically sourced raw materials used in the manufacturing of exported goods under AA and DFIA schemes. It needs to be certified by designated authorities like Chartered Accountants, Cost Accountants, Company Secretaries, or Chartered Engineers.

Key Highlights of the Trade Notice

1. Full Digital Workflow for Appendix 4H

Exporters can now fill, forward, and attach the digitally signed Appendix 4H certificate entirely through the DGFT portal.
Certifying Authorities can electronically sign the document using Aadhaar e-sign or Digital Signature Certificates (DSCs).

2. Seamless Exporter Workflow

Exporters prepare draft Appendix 4H forms online.
These are forwarded to Certifying Authorities using their DGFT registration number.
Once verified and signed, the system auto-attaches the certificate to the online redemption application.
Exporters can track and download signed certificates under the “Repository” section.

3. Certifying Authority Workflow

Authorities register on the DGFT portal under the ‘Certifying Authority’ category.
They can view, edit, approve, or reject Appendix 4H drafts in real-time.
All records are stored and accessible for verification by DGFT Regional Authorities.

Benefits of the New System

100% Paperless Compliance Reduces physical documentation and expedites the redemption process.
Time Efficiency Faster turnaround on certification and DGFT application processing.
Transparency and Accountability Tracks all submissions and decisions made by certifying professionals.
System Integration Automatically links 4H certificates to export authorization schemes (AA/DFIA).

Learning and Support

DGFT has provided a User Guide and FAQs under the “Learn” section of its website.
Outreach programs are planned with certifying institutes to enhance understanding and adoption.
Support is available via DGFT’s helpdesk, toll-free numbers, and email (dgftedi@nic.in).

Final Takeaway

With the digital rollout of Appendix 4H certification, DGFT has taken a pivotal step toward automated, efficient, and compliant foreign trade procedures. This initiative not only enhances the ease of doing business but also bolsters the government’s efforts to bring accountability and uniformity to India’s export-import documentation system.

In case you face any issues related to Indirect Tax-Customs, GST, Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), Arbitration matters and Central Licensing and related advisory matters in India then please feel free to get in touch with SJ EXIM Services.

We offer Legal advice and litigation support in matters related to Indirect Tax-Customs, FTP, other Indirect Tax matters & Arbitration law, all sorts of Central licensing and related matters. Come and explore the new way of doing business with us!

Source: DGFT

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