DGFT SCOMET Rules 2026: GAER Validity Extended to 3 Years and New Export Eligibility
DGFT has introduced seven amendments to Chapter 10 of HBP 2023, effective immediately. The changes mainly concern certification requirements, GAER validity and post-shipment reporting.
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Indian exporters dealing with controlled goods and technologies now have more flexibility under the SCOMET export authorisation rules. Through the update, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has expanded certain authorisation facilities to eligible 4-Star and 5-Star Status Holders.
The notice also extends the validity of General Authorisation for Export after Repair in India (GAER) from one year to three years and revises post-shipment reporting requirements.
These changes affect exporters using the Stock and Sale, GAER, GAET and GAEIS procedures under Chapter 10 of the Handbook of Procedures (HBP), 2023.
For businesses researching SCOMET export authorisation 2026, the DGFT SCOMET notification 2026 helps clarify which certification and reporting conditions have changed.
What Has Changed Under DGFT SCOMET Rules 2026?
DGFT has introduced seven amendments to Chapter 10 of HBP 2023, effective immediately. The changes mainly concern certification requirements, GAER validity and post-shipment reporting.
SCOMET stands for Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment and Technologies. These include certain sensitive goods and technologies that may have both civilian and strategic applications. Their export is regulated under India's foreign trade and export-control framework.
Earlier, specified SCOMET authorisation procedures required Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) certification. Under the revised provisions, eligible exporters can use a valid 4-Star or 5-Star Status Holder Certificate as an alternative to the specified AEO certification.
The amendment also increases GAER validity to three years and introduces quarterly reporting deadlines.
The major changes are explained below.
| HBP 2023 provision | Earlier requirement | Revised requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Para 10.10(c)(vii) - Stock and Sale | AEO certificate for the specified OEM/EMS/CM cases | AEO certificate or valid 4-Star/5-Star Status Holder Certificate |
| Para 10.12(D)(A)(m) - GAER | AEO plus ICP compliance | AEO or valid 4-Star/5-Star certificate, plus ICP compliance |
| Para 10.12(D)(B)(5) - GAER | AEO plus ICP compliance | AEO or valid 4-Star/5-Star certificate, plus ICP compliance |
| Para 10.15(I)(1)(b)(vi) - GAET | CBIC AEO T2 certification | CBIC AEO T2 certification or valid 4-Star/5-Star Status Holder Certificate |
| Para 10.15(II)(1)(b)(vi) - GAEIS | CBIC AEO T2 certification | CBIC AEO T2 certification or valid 4-Star/5-Star Status Holder Certificate |
| Para 10.12(D)(A)(e) - GAER | Validity of one year; post-reporting within 30 days from export | Validity of three years; post-shipment reports within 30 days from the end of each quarter |
| Serial No. 4 under Para 10.17 - GAER | One-year validity and reporting within 30 days of export | Three-year validity and reporting within 30 days from the end of each quarter |
The changes apply to specific provisions under paragraphs 10.10, 10.12, 10.15 and 10.17 of HBP 2023.
An important distinction is that DGFT has expanded the accepted certification options, not removed the need for SCOMET authorisation. Exporters must still satisfy the other conditions applicable to their goods and export activities.
Who Can Benefit from the Revised SCOMET Export Authorisation Rules?
The amendment is particularly relevant to exporters holding valid 4-Star or 5-Star Status Holder Certificates under the Foreign Trade Policy 2023.
For qualifying businesses, these certificates can now serve as alternatives to AEO certification under the specified SCOMET procedures. This may be useful for established exporters that already hold the required DGFT recognition but do not have the particular AEO certification mentioned in the earlier provisions.
The revised eligibility conditions may benefit:
- Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs): Businesses covered by the amended Stock and Sale or relevant GAER provisions can assess whether their Status Holder Certificate meets the revised certification condition.
- Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) providers: Eligible businesses involved in the specified Stock and Sale arrangements may use the alternative certification option.
- Contract Manufacturers (CMs): The amendment to paragraph 10.10(c)(vii) provides an additional certification route in the relevant manufacturing context.
- Telecommunication and information-security exporters: Qualifying businesses using GAET or GAEIS can rely on a valid 4-Star or 5-Star Status Holder Certificate as an alternative to the specified CBIC AEO T2 certification.
However, holding a Status Holder Certificate does not automatically permit the export of SCOMET items. Product classification, the intended transaction, the relevant authorisation procedure and other eligibility conditions must still be checked.
The amendment also does not abolish AEO certification. It simply accepts another form of recognised exporter certification under the identified provisions.
When comparing AEO certification for exporters with 4-Star and 5-Star Status Holder eligibility, businesses should check the exact authorisation provision rather than treating the two credentials as interchangeable for every purpose.
GAER Validity Extended to 3 Years: What Exporters Need to Know
One of the biggest changes under DGFT Public Notice No. 37/2026-27 concerns businesses that import SCOMET items into India for repair and subsequently export them.
Under the earlier rules, General Authorisation for Export after Repair in India (GAER) was valid for one year from the date of issue. DGFT has now extended this period to three years, subject to the prescribed conditions.
For eligible repair and re-export businesses, this means a longer authorisation period. It may help companies plan recurring repair-related export activities without having to obtain fresh authorisations as frequently because of expiry.
The change is particularly relevant to businesses managing long-term repair operations, where continuity of export authorisation is important.
The GAER validity extension 2026 is therefore relevant to exporters planning repeated repair and re-export work under an applicable authorisation.
What Has Changed in GAER Post-Shipment Reporting?
Along with the validity extension, DGFT has revised the reporting requirement.
Previously, post-shipment reporting under the amended provisions was required within 30 days from the date of each export. The revised rules require the prescribed reports to be submitted within 30 days from the end of each quarter.
Exporters should therefore align their reporting arrangements with the revised deadline and ensure that relevant shipment information is available for submission.
Under the revised GAER post-shipment reporting requirements, businesses should use the end of the relevant quarter when tracking the prescribed submission deadline.
The three-year validity period does not remove continuing compliance requirements. Businesses must follow the terms of their GAER authorisation, including applicable reporting and Internal Compliance Programme (ICP) conditions.
The notification also does not clearly mention that all previous GAER authorisations are automatically renewed. Businesses having any authorization are advised to verify the expiration period and DGFT guidelines before assuming the extension of the validity period.
How Will the New SCOMET Rules Affect Indian Exporters?
The latest DGFT SCOMET rules 2026 may reduce certain procedural difficulties for eligible businesses, particularly those already recognised as 4-Star or 5-Star Status Holders.
For these exporters, the amendment provides another way to meet specified certification requirements. Businesses that previously needed the relevant AEO certification for a particular procedure may now be able to use an existing valid Status Holder Certificate instead.
The extension of GAER validity may also make export planning easier for eligible businesses undertaking repair and re-export activities. A longer authorisation period can offer greater continuity, while quarterly reporting may allow companies to organise shipment information around a defined reporting cycle.
However, the changes should not be treated as a general relaxation of India's export-control rules. Businesses must still pay attention to three important areas:
- SCOMET classification: Goods and technologies must be assessed against the applicable SCOMET control list to determine their export requirements.
- Authorisation conditions: Exporters must comply with the relevant procedure, including restrictions relating to the goods, transaction and overseas recipient.
- Continuing compliance: ICP requirements, prescribed reports and other applicable conditions remain important even after an authorisation is issued.
The amendment provides procedural flexibility, but it does not guarantee approval, lower licensing costs or unrestricted exports.
| Export activity or business category | Relevant SCOMET procedure | Key compliance point to review |
|---|---|---|
| OEM/EMS/CM Stock and Sale activities | Stock and Sale | AEO or valid 4-Star/5-Star certificate |
| Repair and re-export activities | GAER | Certification, ICP, validity and reporting |
| Eligible telecommunication exports | GAET | CBIC AEO T2 or valid 4-Star/5-Star certificate |
| Eligible information-security exports | GAEIS | CBIC AEO T2 or valid 4-Star/5-Star certificate |
What Should Exporters Check Before Applying for SCOMET Authorisation?
Before submitting a SCOMET export license application or using an existing authorisation, businesses should review whether the new provisions apply to their operations.
The following checks can help exporters avoid confusion:
- Confirm whether the product falls under SCOMET controls. Review the technical characteristics of the goods or technologies against the applicable SCOMET list. Not every product described as industrial, electronic or technical is automatically controlled.
- Identify the correct authorisation procedure. Determine whether Stock and Sale, GAER, GAET, GAEIS or another applicable procedure covers the proposed export activity.
- Review Status Holder eligibility. Check whether the business has a valid 4-Star or 5-Star Status Holder Certificate and whether the amended certification alternative applies.
- Check ICP requirements. Businesses using the specified GAER arrangements must continue to meet the applicable ICP compliance condition.
- Review GAER validity and reporting. Check existing authorisation terms and ensure that the revised quarterly reporting requirement is followed where applicable.
- Verify applicable DGFT filing instructions. Application forms, supporting documents and approval conditions depend on the relevant authorisation category.
These steps can help businesses determine which requirements have changed and which continue to apply.
Exporters should also avoid assuming that a valid Import Export Code (IEC) or Status Holder Certificate replaces a required SCOMET export authorisation. These serve different regulatory purposes.
How Corpseed Can Help with SCOMET License and DGFT Compliance
Understanding SCOMET export requirements can be difficult when a business handles technical products, imported equipment or transactions involving multiple overseas customers. Choosing the correct authorisation procedure and preparing the required information are important parts of the export licensing process.
The recent DGFT amendments also make it necessary for eligible businesses to review whether their existing certifications can be used under the revised provisions.
Corpseed provides SCOMET license services to help businesses understand applicable export authorisation requirements and obtain professional assistance with documentation and regulatory applications.
Businesses looking for SCOMET export license consultancy or DGFT compliance services can first clarify the appropriate application route and documents for their proposed exports.
Depending on the business's requirements, Corpseed can assist with:
- SCOMET applicability assessment: Reviewing the proposed export activity and identifying relevant authorisation requirements.
- Eligibility review: Helping businesses understand the certification conditions that apply to the appropriate SCOMET procedure.
- Documentation support: Assisting with the preparation and organisation of information required for applications.
- DGFT application assistance: Supporting exporters with relevant regulatory filings and application-related queries.
- Compliance guidance: Helping businesses understand applicable reporting and authorisation conditions.
Businesses dealing with other restricted import-export activities can also explore Corpseed's DGFT license services for related licensing assistance.
Need Help with SCOMET Export Authorisation?
If your business is applying for a SCOMET license, reviewing GAER requirements or assessing eligibility under the revised DGFT rules, Corpseed can help you understand the relevant process and available support.
Book a Free Consultation with Corpseed to discuss your export licensing and compliance requirements.
Conclusion
DGFT notice introduces changes to SCOMET export authorisation procedures that are particularly relevant to eligible 4-Star and 5-Star Status Holders and businesses undertaking repair-related exports. The new certification alternatives may make specified authorisation procedures more accessible, while the three-year GAER validity period gives eligible exporters a longer period of authorisation.
The revised quarterly reporting requirement and continuing ICP conditions remain important. Exporters should review their eligibility, authorisation terms and reporting arrangements before acting under the amended rules.
For businesses requiring guidance on the applicable procedure, professional SCOMET export authorisation assistance can help clarify documentation and filing requirements.
About the Author
Mahek Sancheti
Content WriterMahek Sancheti, BAJMC graduate with a deep passion for writing. As a content writer, video content creator, creative content creator, and scriptwriter, I bring stories to life through words and visuals. I honed my skills by working with a prominent news agency, where I excelled in crafting compelling narratives and engaging content. Coming from a journalism and mass communication background I have skills to craft engaging narratives that captivate audiences. With a keen interest in writing and creativity, I aim to deliver impactful and meaningful content that resonates with diverse audiences.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahek-sancheti-837196212
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