The DGFT restricted items list contains products that cannot be freely imported or exported and require prior authorisation from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade under India’s Foreign Trade Policy.
A Delhi-based electronics importer once approached us after his shipment was held at Nhava Sheva port for three weeks. The reason was simple but costly: a wireless module imported along with routers fell under DGFT restricted goods, and no prior authorisation had been obtained. Storage charges piled up, buyers backed out, and the entire transaction turned into a loss
This scenario is far more common than businesses admit.
The DGFT restricted items list plays a critical role in India’s import-export ecosystem. It determines which products can move freely and which require government permission. Ignoring these rules doesn’t just delay shipments—it exposes businesses to penalties, confiscation, and long-term compliance risks.
The authority behind these regulations is the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, operating under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry. DGFT frames and enforces India’s Foreign Trade Policy to balance economic growth with national interest.
Understanding DGFT restrictions is no longer optional. It is foundational compliance for every importer and exporter.
Under India’s foreign trade framework, restricted items are goods that cannot be freely imported or exported and require prior approval or authorisation from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).
In simple terms, these are products that the government allows to be traded only under controlled conditions, after evaluating factors such as national interest, safety, and regulatory compliance.
As per the DGFT Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) and ITC (HS) Classification, restricted items are:
They are not banned, but they are regulated.
DGFT places products under the “Restricted” category to:
Restrictions also help India meet its international treaty obligations and manage trade imbalances.
| Category | Description | DGFT Approval Required |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Goods allowed without limitation | No |
| Restricted | Allowed only with DGFT licence | Yes |
| Prohibited | Completely banned from trade | Not permitted |
| STE | Traded only through State Trading Enterprises | Indirect |
This classification is HS code–specific, meaning two similar-looking products may fall under different categories depending on their technical specifications.
If your product is classified as restricted under DGFT, you must obtain authorisation before shipment. Importing or exporting first and applying later is treated as non-compliance and can lead to penalties, confiscation, or IEC suspension.
Understanding whether an item is restricted is the first and most critical step in DGFT compliance.
The DGFT restricted items list is not a single downloadable list with product names. Restrictions are applied HS-code wise under the ITC (HS) classification issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade.
Below is a category-wise practical breakdown to help importers and exporters quickly assess risk and compliance requirements.
Items regulated due to environmental and health risks.
DGFT Control Purpose: Environmental protection, public safety, treaty compliance.
Frequently restricted due to security and spectrum regulations.
Common Requirement: DGFT authorisation + WPC/MeitY clearance.
Restricted to protect domestic agriculture and biosecurity.
DGFT Control Purpose: Biosecurity, food safety, farmer protection.
Closely regulated for public health reasons.
High-risk goods linked to national security.
Special Category: Often covered under SCOMET regulations.
Controlled under environmental and wildlife laws.
DGFT Control Purpose: Wildlife conservation and international compliance.
Export restrictions depend on domestic availability.
Restricted to conserve natural resources.
Export allowed only under conditions.
Highly sensitive exports.
Typically Requires: SCOMET export authorisation.
Protected under heritage laws.
Export Objective: Preservation of national heritage.
For any importer or exporter, checking the DGFT restricted items list category-wise is only the first step. Final compliance depends on HS classification, end-use, quantity, and policy conditions.
The DGFT restricted items list is not a fixed catalog published as a simple PDF of product names; rather, it is HS code–based, tied to India’s ITC (HS) classification and regularly updated through DGFT notifications and policy amendments.
Importers and exporters must constantly refer to the DGFT portal and the most recent updates to accurately determine whether their products are restricted and what conditions apply.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) updates the restricted items list through:
These updates are published on the DGFT portal Notifications page and reflect the latest Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) requirements.
The most recent notifications (2024–2025) show several policy condition amendments for restricted item categories and import/export rules.
These notifications, tied to HS codes in the ITC (HS), are the legal reference for traders to determine the latest status.
| Notification | Category | Change / Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Amendment of Import Policy Condition for ATS-8 (Chapter 29) | Restricted chemicals | Import conditions updated in 2025. |
| Roasted Areca Nuts (ITC HS 20081920) | Agricultural product | Imported subject to revised policy condition. |
| Import Policy Conditions for Urea (HS 31021010) | Fertilisers | Conditions amended March 2025. |
| Import Policy Condition for Platinum (HS 7110) | Precious metals | Policy updated Mar 2025. |
| Policy Conditions for Refrigerant & Chemical Products (Various HS) | Environmental goods | Amended early 2025. |
| Export Policy Amendments for Animal By-Products | Export restrictions | Updated Sep 2025. |
| Extensions of Import Periods for Pulses (e.g., Yellow Peas) | Food & agriculture | Several extensions to free import period. |
Note: These amendments often affect whether an item remains restricted, moves to a free category, or carries new conditions for import/export. The exact implications depend on the specific HS code.
The DGFT introduced restrictions that require certain imports only through designated ports (e.g., Nhava Sheva) for specific product categories. This is part of streamlined inbound trade control measures.
Import of roasted areca nuts below a specific price point (₹351/kg) was restricted by the DGFT to protect domestic growers. Exemptions apply for SEZ/EOU units under certain schemes.
Organic sugar, previously under restriction, now has an annual export ceiling of 50,000 tonnes, easing licence requirements while still controlling volumes.
DGFT clarified that certain silver import restrictions do not apply to export-oriented units and SEZ entities, supporting export continuity for jewellery and precious metal products.
Amendments to SCOMET (Strategic, Controlled, and Military End-Use Trade) lists affect many restricted export items, especially dual-use technologies, chemicals, and defence components. Specific licensing is required for these categories
For any business dealing with DGFT restricted goods, obtaining a DGFT licence (authorisation) is not a procedural formality—it is a legal precondition. Without a valid licence, import or export of restricted items is treated as a violation under India’s foreign trade laws.
The licensing framework is administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP).
A DGFT licence is compulsory in the following situations:
The licence must be obtained before shipment. Post-facto approval is generally not accepted.
DGFT issues different types of authorisations depending on the nature of trade and goods involved:
| Licence Type | Typical Validity |
|---|---|
| Import Licence | 12 to 24 months |
| Export Licence | As specified in approval |
| SCOMET Licence | Case-specific |
A DGFT licence authorises:
It does not:
In practice, DGFT licensing is where most businesses struggle due to:
A licence application is assessed not just on paperwork, but on policy intent and risk assessment.
For Indian importers and exporters, checking whether a product is restricted under DGFT is a compliance-critical step. The status is determined HS-code wise, not by product name or trade description. A small classification error can turn a routine shipment into a violation.
Below is a practical, field-tested method used by compliance professionals.
Everything under DGFT starts with the correct HS code.
Common mistake: Using a general HS code instead of a technically accurate one.
Once the HS code is identified, check its policy status under ITC (HS) using the official tools of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade.
Each HS code will show one of the following:
If marked Restricted, DGFT authorisation is mandatory before import or export.
Many businesses stop at the word “Restricted” and miss the conditions below it.
Look for:
Some items are restricted only if used for a particular purpose.
DGFT frequently modifies restrictions through:
An item that was “Free” last year may now be Restricted due to:
Always cross-check the HS code against the latest DGFT notifications
If you are exporting:
Check whether the item falls under SCOMET (Strategic, Controlled, Military End-Use Trade) categories. These require separate DGFT authorisation, even if the item appears non-sensitive commercially.
| Document | Why DGFT Needs It |
|---|---|
| IEC Certificate | Confirms legal eligibility to import/export |
| DGFT Application Form | Captures HS code, quantity, value, and end-use |
| Product Technical Details | Validates HS classification and restriction scope |
| End-Use Declaration | Ensures restricted goods are not misused |
| Commercial Invoice / Contract | Establishes transaction authenticity |
The DGFT restricted items compliance process is a structured, policy-driven workflow designed to ensure that sensitive goods are imported or exported only under controlled and justified conditions. For businesses, understanding this process in advance helps avoid delays, licence rejections, and shipment holds.
The process is administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and is entirely pre-shipment in nature.
Before any application is filed:
Once restriction is confirmed, prepare a complete and consistent document set, including:
Once submitted, the application receives a DGFT file number for tracking.
DGFT evaluates the application for:
If DGFT raises a query:
Delayed or weak responses can result in rejection without further hearing.
If approved, DGFT issues a restricted item authorisation
Licence specifies:
After approval:
A DGFT licence does not override other regulatory laws and must be used exactly as issued.
| Stage | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Classification & document prep | 5–10 days |
| Application filing | 1–2 days |
| DGFT review & queries | 3–6 weeks |
| Final approval | 4–8 weeks |
| Cost Component | Amount (Indicative) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| DGFT Licence Application Fee | ₹500 – ₹1,000 per application | Depends on licence type and scheme |
| Amendment / Modification Fee | ₹200 – ₹500 | Applicable if changes are requested |
| Duplicate Licence Fee | ₹200 | If original authorisation is lost |
| Late Submission / Revalidation | Case-specific | Subject to DGFT discretion |
DGFT issues licences with a clearly defined validity period, mentioned on the authorisation itself.
| Licence Type | Standard Validity | Key Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Import Licence (Restricted Items) | 12–24 months | Valid only for approved HS code, quantity & importer |
| Export Licence (Restricted Items) | As specified | Often linked to quotas or policy windows |
| SCOMET Licence | Case-specific | Shorter validity for high-risk items |
| Conditional / Quota-Based Licence | Policy-driven | Valid only during notified period |
DGFT does not provide automatic renewal of restricted item licences.
Renewal or revalidation may be considered when:
Importing or exporting DGFT restricted goods without prior authorisation is treated as a serious violation under India’s foreign trade laws. The consequences go far beyond a simple fine and can disrupt business operations for months—or even permanently—depending on the severity.
All enforcement actions are initiated under the framework administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), in coordination with Customs authorities
Penalties are imposed under:
Non-compliance is viewed as unauthorised trade, not a clerical error.
| Violation | Possible Financial Impact |
|---|---|
| Import/export of restricted goods without licence | Heavy fines (value-linked) |
| Misdeclaration to bypass restriction | Higher penalties + investigation |
| Repeated non-compliance | Escalating fines |
In many cases, penalties can be multiple times the value of the goods involved.
Customs authorities may:
For time-sensitive or perishable goods, this often results in total commercial loss, even if later released.
DGFT has the power to:
Without a valid IEC:
This is one of the most damaging penalties for active traders.
In high-risk or wilful violation cases:
This usually applies to:
Even after penalties are settled, businesses often face:
DGFT maintains internal compliance records that influence future decision.
Dealing with DGFT restricted goods is rarely straightforward. Even experienced importers and exporters face delays, rejections, and compliance risks—not because rules are unclear, but because DGFT restrictions are technical, conditional, and policy-driven.
Below are the most common, real-world challenges businesses encounter while handling restricted items under the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).
This is the single biggest challenge in DGFT compliance.
Impact:
Wrong HS codes lead to licence rejection, shipment detention, or penalties.
DGFT restrictions are dynamic, not static.
Impact:
Shipments planned under old rules may become non-compliant overnight.
Restricted item licences undergo:
Even well-prepared applications can take weeks or months.
Impact:
Missed delivery timelines, contract penalties, and increased logistics costs.
DGFT evaluates why the restricted item is needed, not just what it is.
Impact:
Repeated queries, prolonged processing, or outright rejection.
Restricted goods often require parallel approvals from:
These approvals are interdependent and time-sensitive.
Impact:
One missing NOC can stall the entire DGFT licence process.
Handling DGFT restricted goods without expert support often looks manageable on paper—but in practice, it exposes businesses to delays, rejections, and compliance risks that directly impact cost and credibility. Professional advisory services exist to translate DGFT policy into executable trade decisions.
These services operate within the regulatory framework of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and focus on pre-emptive compliance, not damage control.
Restricted item compliance begins—and often ends—with HS code accuracy.
Professional advisors:
Experienced consultants understand:
Professional advisory covers:
Result:
Your internal teams stay focused on business, not bureaucracy.
Restricted item violations attract:
For items involving:
When dealing with DGFT restricted items, accuracy and timing matter more than speed. Silvereye Certifications focuses on first-time-correct compliance, not trial-and-error filings.
What sets us apart:When dealing with DGFT restricted items, accuracy and timing matter more than speed. Silvereye Certifications focuses on first-time-correct compliance, not trial-and-error filings.
What sets us apart:
Our consultants work specifically on DGFT restricted goods, including conditional imports, exports, and SCOMET-linked cases.
We identify the correct HS code and applicable restrictions based on technical specifications and current DGFT policy.
From eligibility assessment to DGFT portal filing and query handling, we manage the complete compliance cycle.
We continuously monitor DGFT notifications to ensure your application aligns with the latest Foreign Trade Policy.
Our process is designed to minimize rejections, shipment delays, and future compliance issues.
Compliance with the DGFT restricted items list is not a procedural checkbox—it is a strategic business requirement. For Indian importers and exporters, restricted goods sit at the intersection of policy, security, and commercial risk. One incorrect assumption, delayed licence, or missed notification can disrupt supply chains and damage long-term credibility.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade regulates restricted items with a clear objective: allow trade only when national interest, safety, and policy intent are protected. Businesses that treat DGFT compliance as an afterthought often pay the price through penalties, shipment detention, or loss of IEC.
On the other hand, organisations that build DGFT compliance into their trade planning benefit from predictable approvals, smoother customs clearance, and stronger confidence from buyers and regulators alike.
The DGFT restricted items list contains products that cannot be freely imported or exported and require prior authorisation from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade under India’s Foreign Trade Policy.
No. Restricted items are allowed only with a valid DGFT licence. They are different from prohibited items, which are completely banned.
You must check the HS code–wise classification under ITC (HS) on the DGFT portal and verify the latest policy conditions and notifications.
Yes. If an item is marked “Restricted” for import or export, DGFT authorisation is mandatory before shipment in both cases.
No. DGFT licences are pre-shipment approvals. Applying after shipment is treated as non-compliance and can attract penalties.
Approval timelines typically range from 4 to 8 weeks, depending on product sensitivity, documentation quality, and inter-departmental review.
Consequences may include monetary penalties, confiscation of goods, suspension of IEC, and legal action under the FTDR Act.
Yes. DGFT updates restrictions through notifications and public notices. An item that was free earlier may become restricted later, and vice versa.
Absolutely. DGFT restrictions are HS code–specific. Incorrect classification is the most common reason for licence rejection and customs detention.
Yes. Even small errors can lead to high losses. Professional advisory support helps ensure accurate classification, faster approvals, and reduced compliance risk, regardless of business size.
At Silvereye Certifications & Consulting Services Pvt. Ltd., we simplify compliance and certification processes, guiding you to achieve and maintain required industry approvals with complete trust.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: Silvereye Certifications is a private consulting firm. We do NOT issue government certificates, licenses, or official documents. We provide professional consulting services to help businesses navigate the application process for government certifications. All certificates and approvals are issued solely by the relevant government authorities.