Goyal sets 31 March 2027 deadline for online trade approvals

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has directed officials to complete the digitisation of trade approvals and records by 31 March 2027 so that exporters and importers can access services from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) without routine office visits from 1 April. The deadline covers licence and permit applications, controlled export approvals and historical records held by DGFT regional offices across India.

Goyal announced the timetable on 4 November 2026 at the virtual inauguration of Vanijya Bhawan and Udyog Bhawan in Jaipur. Jaipur is the first state capital to bring the Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s departments and affiliated offices together at one location. Goyal called for similar centres in other state capitals to help businesses obtain trade and investment advice.

Which DGFT services fall under the March deadline?

Goyal directed officials to move the full application process online, including approvals for exports of Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment and Technologies (SCOMET). He also asked DGFT regional authorities to digitise past records and called on the departments to simplify their forms and procedures.

Where officials need to inspect an original document, Goyal proposed dedicated counters with computers at office entrances. Staff could check the original and upload it during the same visit. He also encouraged wider use of self-certification.

Which trade documents can exporters already obtain online?

Exporters can already use the DGFT portal to apply for and receive approvals under the Advance Authorisation and Export Promotion Capital Goods schemes, as well as status holder certification. Businesses can also raise grievances with officials by video through the ministry’s Jan-Sunwai service.

Certificates of origin offer a practical example of how the process has changed. Electronic filing became compulsory for non-preferential certificates on 1 January 2025. The system allows several authorised employees to work under one Importer Exporter Code, sign applications electronically and request corrections to certificates already issued. Exporters can also obtain certificates for goods of foreign origin being re-exported through India by providing documentary evidence from the country of origin.

In September 2026, DGFT added a link that allows eligible exporters to submit certificate applications directly from their accounting or business management software. An exporter can transfer data already held in its own system, track the application and receive the certificate. The facility covers both preferential certificates, which support claims for tariff concessions under trade agreements, and non-preferential certificates used for customs and other trade requirements.

How will the Jaipur centre support businesses?

The ministry has approximately 500 offices across 46 organisations. Goyal said most offices would come under the plan to share premises. He asked the Department of Commerce and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade to coordinate services so that a business approaching one centre could obtain help from across the ministry.

For a manufacturer seeking export guidance, the proposed arrangement would provide access to a specialist even if the relevant organisation has no officer stationed locally. Goyal directed centres to offer video links to officials elsewhere and to provide additional counters according to local demand. As licensing moves online, he wants staff at the centres to devote more time to helping businesses develop exports, access investment support and expand operations.