Extended Validity of Ad-hoc Norms Under Foreign Trade Policy 2023

“Indirect Tax I Indirect Tax Litigation I Customs & FTP I Central Licensing I Arbitration I Advisory”

Dated: 06.05.2026

Extended Validity of Ad-hoc Norms Under Foreign Trade Policy 2023

The Government of India has issued a significant amendment regarding the validity of ad-hoc norms ratified by Norms Committees under the Foreign Trade Policy 2023. This update, published as Public Notice No.07 on May 5, 2026, aims to enhance ease of doing business for exporters by extending the validity period of these norms and clarifying eligibility criteria.

What Are Ad-hoc Norms and Why Are They Important?

Ad-hoc norms are specific standards ratified by Norms Committees (NC) within the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). These norms are crucial for exporters seeking Advance Authorisation under paragraph 4.07 of the Handbook of Procedures (HBP), as they determine the eligibility and requirements for repeat authorisations.

Key Amendment Highlights

Extended Validity Period
- Previously, norms ratified by any Norms Committee on or after April 1, 2015, were valid up to March 31, 2026.
- The new amendment extends this validity up to March 31, 2028, providing exporters with two additional years of continuity and predictability.
Eligibility for Advance Authorisation Applicants
- All decisions of the Norms Committees are published as minutes on the DGFT website.
- Any applicant for Advance Authorisation can apply and obtain authorisations based on these ratified norms on a repeat basis during their validity period.
Exclusions and Special Conditions
- The amendment does not apply to authorisations for items listed under Appendix 4P.
- It also excludes ad-hoc norms where the Norms Committee has expressly specified that such norms are not applicable for other applications.

Comparative Table: Old vs. New Provisions

Existing Para 4.12 (vi)	Amended Para 4.12 (vi)
Norms ratified by any Norms Committee (NC) in the O/o DGFT on or after 01.04.2023 in respect of any Advance Authorisation obtained under paragraph 4.07 shall be valid for a period of three years from the date of ratification. However, the Norms ratified by any Norms Committee (NC) on or after 01.04.2015 in respect of any Advance Authorisation obtained under paragraph 4.07 of HBP, 2015-2020 shall also be valid further up to 31.03.2026. Since all decisions of the Norms Committees are available in the form of minutes on the DGFT website, all other applicants of Advance Authorisation are also eligible to apply and get their authorisations based on such ratified norms on repeat basis during validity of these norms. This para is not applicable for authorisations applied for items listed under Appendix 4P.	Norms ratified by any Norms Committee (NC) in the O/o DGFT on or after 01.04.2015 in respect of any Advance Authorisation obtained under paragraph 4.07 shall be valid up to 31.03.2028. Since all decisions of the Norms Committees are available in the form of minutes on the DGFT website, all other applicants of Advance Authorisation are also eligible to apply and get their authorisations based on such ratified norms on repeat basis during validity of these norms. This para is not applicable for authorisations applied for items listed under Appendix 4P and to those ad-hoc norms in which Norms Committee (NC) has expressly specified that such norms shall not be applicable for other applications.

Existing Para 4.12 (vi)

Amended Para 4.12 (vi)

Norms ratified by any Norms Committee (NC) in the O/o DGFT on or after 01.04.2023 in respect of any Advance Authorisation obtained under paragraph 4.07 shall be valid for a period of three years from the date of ratification. However, the Norms ratified by any Norms Committee (NC) on or after 01.04.2015 in respect of any Advance Authorisation obtained under paragraph 4.07 of HBP, 2015-2020 shall also be valid further up to 31.03.2026. Since all decisions of the Norms Committees are available in the form of minutes on the DGFT website, all other applicants of Advance Authorisation are also eligible to apply and get their authorisations based on such ratified norms on repeat basis during validity of these norms. This para is not applicable for authorisations applied for items listed under Appendix 4P.

Norms ratified by any Norms Committee (NC) in the O/o DGFT on or after 01.04.2015 in respect of any Advance Authorisation obtained under paragraph 4.07 shall be valid up to 31.03.2028. Since all decisions of the Norms Committees are available in the form of minutes on the DGFT website, all other applicants of Advance Authorisation are also eligible to apply and get their authorisations based on such ratified norms on repeat basis during validity of these norms. This para is not applicable for authorisations applied for items listed under Appendix 4P and to those ad-hoc norms in which Norms Committee (NC) has expressly specified that such norms shall not be applicable for other applications.

Impact on Exporters

Continuity and Predictability: Exporters can rely on the extended validity of ratified norms, reducing uncertainty and facilitating long-term planning.
Lower Transaction Costs: The amendment streamlines the process for repeat authorisations, lowering administrative and compliance costs.
Ease of Doing Business: By making norms accessible and valid for a longer period, the government supports exporters in maintaining competitiveness and operational efficiency.

Conclusion

The extension of the validity period for ad-hoc norms ratified by Norms Committees under the Foreign Trade Policy 2023 is a positive step towards supporting exporters. It ensures greater continuity, predictability, and ease of doing business, while clarifying eligibility and exclusions for Advance Authorisation applicants.

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

Disclaimer

Handy Download:

DGFT Public NoticeDownload

Connect with us for more-

@ Team S J EXIM SERVICES, New Delhi, IN

CP: Ms. Shubhra Jha, Founder

Tel: +91-11-4999 2707 I +91-9999005693

Web: www.sjexim.services

EMAIL: operations@sjexim.services I shubhra@sjexim.services

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sjeximservices

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/90794255/admin/feed/posts/