The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has proposed the suspension of 544 Standard Input Output Norms (SIONs) that have remained unutilized under the Advance Authorisation (AA) and Duty-Free Import Authorisation (DFIA) schemes. This has been notified through Trade Notice No. 26/2026-27 dated 07 September 2026.
· What Are the Proposed Changes?
DGFT reviewed the utilization status of all existing Standard Input Output Norms (SIONs). During the review, DGFT identified 544 SIONs that no exporter used during the last three financial years.
· Key Highlights
- 544 SIONs proposed for suspension
- Norms remained unutilized for the last three financial years
- Applicable under Advance Authorisation (AA) and Duty-Free Import Authorisation (DFIA) schemes
- Stakeholders invited to submit comments within 15 days
- Reasons for retention and supporting documents can be submitted
- Final decision will be taken after reviewing feedback
· What Should Exporters Do?
Exporters, importers, Export Promotion Councils and industry associations should carefully examine the complete list of 544 SIONs.
If a listed SION is relevant to a company’s products or export plans, the stakeholder should consider submitting comments within the prescribed period. The representation should clearly explain why the SION should continue to be retained and provide relevant details supporting its continued usefulness.
Where applicable, exporters should provide information regarding past utilization, existing business requirements, proposed export plans and actual or proposed use under AA/DFIA schemes. Supporting documents can make the representation more meaningful and help DGFT assess the practical relevance of the norm.
· Conclusion
The proposed DGFT suspension of 544 SIONs is aimed at reviewing and streamlining norms that have remained unutilized. However, exporters and other stakeholders should carefully check whether any proposed SION is relevant to their current or future business requirements.
Where continued retention is necessary, stakeholders should submit a clear representation with appropriate reasons and supporting details within the prescribed 15-day consultation period.
DGFT Trade Notice: No. 26/2026-27
Date: 07 September 2026
Official DGFT Trade Notice No. 26/2026-27
Dated: 07 September 2026