How to Check Whether Your Goods Are Free, Restricted or Prohibited for Import or Export in India

Before importing or exporting any product, one of the first things a business should check is its Import Policy or Export Policy.

A product may be freely importable or exportable, while certain goods may be subject to restrictions, licensing requirements or may be prohibited. Therefore, before placing an international order or shipping goods, it is important to check the applicable policy under the ITC (HS) classification.

Fortunately, this information can be checked through the DGFT website.

Step 1: Identify Your Product and ITC (HS) Code

First, identify the exact product you intend to import or export and determine the relevant ITC (HS) Code under which the goods are classified.

The correct classification is important because the Import Policy and Export Policy are specified against particular ITC (HS) Codes.

Before proceeding, ask yourself:

• What exactly is my product?

• What is its ITC (HS) Code?

• Which Chapter of the ITC (HS) classification covers my goods?

Once you have identified the relevant chapter, you can check the applicable policy.

Step 2: Visit the DGFT Website

Go to the official website of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

Navigate to:

Regulations → Import, Export and SCOMET Policy → ITC (HS) Based Import/Export Policy

This section provides access to the ITC (HS)-based Import and Export Policy.

Step 3: Click on “ITC (HS) Based Import/Export Policy”

After clicking on “Import, Export and SCOMET Policy”, select:

“ITC (HS) Based Import/Export Policy”

You will find the ITC (HS) classification arranged chapter-wise.

Locate the chapter in which your goods fall.

Step 4: Download the Relevant Chapter

Download the relevant chapter and search for the ITC (HS) Code or description of your goods.

Once you locate your product, check the corresponding Import Policy or Export Policy.

Step 5: Check Whether the Goods Are Free, Restricted or Prohibited

The policy will generally indicate whether the goods are Free, Restricted or Prohibited.

Free

If the policy is shown as Free, the goods may generally be imported or exported without a specific licence under the applicable ITC (HS) policy.

However, Free does not necessarily mean that there are no compliance requirements. Other applicable laws, approvals, standards, duties or regulatory requirements may still apply.

Restricted

If the goods are classified as Restricted, you cannot simply proceed with the import or export without complying with the applicable conditions.

You may be required to obtain an authorisation, licence or permission from the relevant authority before undertaking the transaction.

Always read the conditions specified against the particular ITC (HS) Code.

Prohibited

If the goods are classified as Prohibited, their import or export is generally not permitted under the applicable policy, subject to any specific exception or legal provision that may apply.

Don't Stop at “Free” or “Restricted”

One common mistake made by new importers and exporters is to look only at the policy status and stop there.

For example, seeing “Free” does not necessarily mean that you can import the product without fulfilling any other legal or regulatory requirement.

You should also check:

• The exact description of the goods;

• The applicable ITC (HS) Code;

• Policy conditions;

• DGFT notifications and amendments;

• Licensing or authorisation requirements;

• Product-specific conditions;

• End-use or other applicable conditions; and

• Requirements under other applicable laws and regulations.

The applicable policy can also change through subsequent notifications and amendments. Therefore, always verify the latest position before proceeding with an import or export transaction.

Need Help With Import/Export Licences, Procedures or Legal Requirements?

Not sure whether your product requires an import/export licence or authorisation?

Need help understanding the import procedure, DGFT requirements, applicable legal provisions or other compliance requirements?

Or do you simply have a miscellaneous import-export query and don't know where to start?

You don't have to figure it out alone.

Through adwisez, you can connect with experienced trade and regulatory experts, including experts with more than 33 years of experience and retired departmental officers, to discuss your specific query.

Whether your concern relates to:

• Restricted Import/Export Licences;

• DGFT authorisations;

• Import procedures;

• Export procedures;

• ITC (HS) classification;

• Customs requirements;

• Trade policy;

• Regulatory compliance;

• Documentation; or

• Any other import-export related query,

you can connect with the experts through Adwisez and get your query resolved in minutes.

Book a Consultation With an Expert

Start with a consultation where the expert can understand your specific issue and explain the applicable procedure, requirements and possible course of action.

If you require further professional assistance after the consultation, a separate quotation will be provided based on the scope of work.

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