The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Department of Commerce, has extended its special drive for the issuance of Export Obligation Discharge Certificates (EODCs) under the Advance Authorisation (AA) and Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) schemes.
The extension, announced through Trade Notice will now remain in force until May 31, 2026.
The decision to extend the special drive follows the notable success achieved during its initial phase conducted between March 1 and March 31, 2026. During this period, DGFT Regional Authorities collectively issued a total of 11,791 EODCs, reflecting a concerted administrative effort to address long-pending cases.
Out of the total EODCs issued, 7,518 pertained to Advance Authorisation cases, while 4,273 were issued under the EPCG Scheme. This substantial disposal has led to a marked reduction in the regular pendency of EODC applications, encouraging the authorities to continue the momentum.
The extended drive will primarily focus on clearing older pending applications, particularly those that have remained unresolved for extended durations. Special emphasis will also be placed on deficient applications where processing has been delayed due to incomplete documentation or lack of timely responses from authorization holders.
Additionally, cases where closure has been held up due to pending clarifications or missing submissions will be actively pursued during this extended period. The move is expected to bring greater efficiency and closure to legacy cases that have long burdened both exporters and the administration.
DGFT has urged exporters and authorization holders to actively participate in the extended drive by taking necessary steps to facilitate faster disposal of their cases. Stakeholders have been advised to review the status of their pending EODC applications and promptly submit any pending documents or clarifications.
They are also encouraged to respond to deficiency communications within prescribed timelines and engage with the concerned Regional Authorities through facilitation interactions, including initiatives such as “Jan Sunwai,” wherever organized. This collaborative approach is expected to significantly enhance the effectiveness of the drive.
Notification Details
Trade Notice No.34/2026-27
Date: 01/04/2026
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