DGFT Public Notice 51 dated 6th March 2026, Automatic EOP extension

DGFT Public Notice 51 dated 6th March 2026, Automatic EOP extension

Public Notice No. 51/2025-26
Dated: 6th March 2026

Subject:

Extension in the Export Obligation period of specified Advance Authorisations and EPCG Authorisations till 31.08.2026 – regarding

In view of the prevailing geopolitical developments affecting global trade and logistics, and with a view to facilitating exporters, the Director General of Foreign Trade, in exercise of the powers conferred under paragraphs 1.03 and 2.04 of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023, as amended from time to time, hereby makes the following amendments in the Handbook of Procedures, 2023.

2. Amendments in Handbook of Procedures (HBP) 2023

The following sub-paragraphs are added in the Handbook of Procedures, 2023:

4.40 (i)
Notwithstanding the provisions contained in Para 4.40 of the Handbook of Procedures (HBP), 2023, in respect of all Advance Authorisations (including Annual Requirement Authorisations and Special Advance Authorisations) where the Export Obligation Period (EOP) is expiring between 01.03.2026 and 31.05.2026, the Export Obligation Period shall be automatically extended till 31.08.2026.

5.13 (f)
Notwithstanding the provisions contained in Para 5.13 of the Handbook of Procedures (HBP), 2023, in respect of EPCG Authorisations, where the block-wise Export Obligation period is expiring between 01.03.2026 and 31.05.2026, the block-wise EO period shall be automatically extended till 31.08.2026.

5.16 (f)
Notwithstanding the provisions contained in Para 5.16 of the Handbook of Procedures (HBP), 2023, in respect of EPCG Authorisations, where the overall Export Obligation period is expiring between 01.03.2026 and 31.05.2026, the EO period shall be automatically extended till 31.08.2026.

3. Conditions

1. The above extension shall be in addition to other extensions permissible under the Handbook of Procedures 2023.

2. No separate application or payment of composition fee shall be required for the above automatic extension.

3. In cases where an exporter has already obtained extension after payment of composition fee, the composition fee paid shall not be refunded.

4. Customs authorities shall allow exports accordingly, and the same shall be verified by the concerned Regional Authority at the time of issuance of EODC or closure of the Authorisation.

Effect of this Public Notice

Due to global geopolitical developments affecting international shipping routes and supply chains, the Export Obligation period for specified Advance Authorisations and EPCG Authorisations expiring between 01.03.2026 and 31.05.2026 has been automatically extended up to 31.08.2026 without payment of composition fee.