📄 Abeyance Cases
DGFT EXIM
Abeyance cases in the context of India's Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) refer to export-import authorization, license, or scheme-related applications that have been temporarily put on hold by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) or concerned licensing authorities due to pending clarifications, incomplete documentation, policy reviews, or legal interpretations.
These cases remain under consideration and are neither rejected nor approved until specific issues are resolved or required actions are completed.
📌 What is an Abeyance Case?
When an application, license issuance, or export-import benefit claim cannot be processed further because of procedural gaps, pending clarifications, or policy-level issues, it is categorized as "kept in abeyance" by the DGFT or concerned authority.
Such cases are flagged with remarks like:
- "Case kept in abeyance"
- "Subject to policy review"
- "Pending document submission/clarification"
📑 Common Reasons for Abeyance
- Incomplete or incorrect documentation
- Pending clarifications from the applicant
- Norms Committee or Policy Review Committee decisions awaited
- Awaiting customs verification or technical scrutiny reports
- Pending interpretation or amendment of policy provisions
- Legal disputes or court rulings affecting the case outcome
⚙️ Process of Handling Abeyance Cases
1️⃣ Notification to Applicant
DGFT issues a deficiency or abeyance note specifying reasons and required actions.
2️⃣ Submit Clarification
The applicant is expected to respond within the stipulated time with requisite clarifications, revised applications, or additional supporting documents.
3️⃣ Follow-up & Liaison
Regular follow-ups with the concerned DGFT Regional Authority or Headquarters are often necessary to track the case status and expedite resolution.
4️⃣ Review & Decision
Once the pending issues are addressed, the authority reviews the case for final decision — approval, rejection, or further action.
📌 Importance of Resolving Abeyance Cases
Leaving cases in abeyance can delay critical benefits like:
- Advance Authorisations
- DFIA licenses
- Duty Drawback
- Export incentives under RoDTEP / RoSCTL
- EPCG or Star Export House certifications
Timely resolution ensures smooth business operations, uninterrupted export benefits, and compliance with policy requirements.
📞 How DGFT EXIM Can Help
At DGFT EXIM, we assist exporters and importers in:
- ✅ Identifying reasons behind abeyance cases
- ✅ Drafting precise clarifications, legal notes, and deficiency replies
- ✅ Coordinating with DGFT authorities for follow-ups and file movement
- ✅ Representing cases before Norms Committees or Policy Review Committees
- ✅ Strategically closing abeyance matters to secure timely approvals
If you have a pending case marked "kept in abeyance" or received a deficiency letter, contact our expert team to resolve it efficiently and protect your business interests.