Where do I apply for an import license for restricted items?

Applications are submitted online through the DGFT Import Management System using the applicable ANF 2M process and the prescribed supporting documents.

Import License for Restricted Items

Q: How do I find the DGFT restricted items list?

Visit the official DGFT website at https://www.dgft.gov.in/ and check the ITC (HS) import policy for your product. Search using the relevant 8-digit ITC (HS) code to confirm its current status and applicable conditions.

Q: Can I import multiple products under one authorization?

Multiple restricted items may be included in a single application, provided the items are eligible and all applicable requirements are satisfied. The authorization covers only the items approved by DGFT.

Some goods cannot enter India freely. They need permission from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) first. This permission is called import authorization of restricted items. Without it, your cargo can be held at the port, and you may face penalties and storage costs. We help importers check their product, prepare documents, file ANF 2M, follow up with ministries and get the license issued. Our team handles the full process so that you can focus on your business.

At a Glance

Detail	Information
Service	Import License for Restricted Items
Issuing authority	DGFT (Headquarters, New Delhi)
Application form	ANF 2M, filed online on the DGFT portal
Basic requirement	Valid Importer Exporter Code (IEC)
Application fee	0.1% of CIF value (₹1 per ₹1,000); minimum ₹500, maximum ₹1,00,000
Validity	18 months from date of issue
Revalidation	Possible on merit for 6 months after expiry
Who can import	The actual user of the goods

What Is Import Authorization of Restricted Items?

Under India's Foreign Trade Policy, goods fall into four import groups:

Prohibited items: Normally not allowed to be imported.

Restricted items: Allowed only with an authorization or as per a public notice.

State Trading Enterprise (STE) items: Allowed only through designated government agencies.

Free items: Can be imported without any license.

Restricted items sit in the second group. The government restricts them for reasons such as safety, health, environment, security, or protection of small local producers. An import license for restricted items is the written permission that allows you to bring such goods into India. It is issued by DGFT after checking your application and, in many cases, getting a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the concerned ministry. You can check whether your product is restricted by looking at its 8-digit ITC (HS) code in the policy schedule.

How to Check the DGFT Restricted Items List

The DGFT restricted items list is public. Follow these steps:

Visit the DGFT website (dgft.gov.in).

Go to Regulatory Updates, then Import, Export and SCOMET Policy.

Open Restricted Items Details.

Search with your 8-digit ITC (HS) code.

Read the policy condition written against the item.

The list changes from time to time. Always check the latest notification before you place an order with your overseas supplier.

Recent Policy Changes (Real Examples)

DGFT updates the import policy through notifications. A few recent examples:

Articles of Platinum (ITC HS 71141920): Moved from "Free" to "Restricted" under DGFT Notification No. 58/2025-26.

Items under CTH 2843: Moved from "Free" to "Restricted" under Notification No. 19/2025-26, dated 17 June 2025.

Palladium, Rhodium and Iridium alloys: Import is "Restricted" when the alloy contains more than 1% gold by weight (Notification No. 18/2025-26).

Plain silver and unstudded silver jewellery (CTH 7113): Placed under the restricted category in September 2025, after a sharp rise in imports.

A product that was "Free" last month can become "Restricted" today. A shipment booked before such a change can get stuck if the right license is not in place. Our team tracks these notices so that you do not miss them.

Common Products That Need an Import License

Restricted items cover many sectors. Some common examples are:

Second-hand capital goods, such as used desktop computers, air conditioners and diesel generating sets

Refurbished or re-conditioned spare parts of personal computers and laptops

Second-hand goods other than capital goods

Electronics and IT goods covered under the Compulsory Registration Order, 2012 (unregistered or non-compliant products are prohibited)

Certain precious metal articles and alloys

Certain chemicals

Selected agricultural items, such as some pulses

This is only a sample. The DGFT restricted items list is the final source for your product.

Who Can Apply for Restricted Import Authorization Issued by DGFT?

Individuals: Individuals holding a valid Importer Exporter Code (IEC) can apply, subject to product-specific eligibility conditions.

Proprietorship Firms: Proprietorship businesses engaged in import activities can apply if they meet the applicable requirements.

Partnership Firms and LLPs: Registered partnership firms and Limited Liability Partnerships can apply with a valid IEC.

Private and Public Limited Companies: Companies involved in importing restricted goods can submit applications as per DGFT guidelines.

Institutions and Organizations: Eligible institutions and organizations can apply, depending on the nature of the restricted product.

Actual Users: Applicants importing goods for their own use, manufacturing, or business operations may qualify where the applicable policy requires actual-user status.

IEC-Linked Applicants: Applicants must have a valid IEC linked to the DGFT portal and comply with the relevant import policy conditions.

Note: Eligibility varies according to the restricted item and applicable Foreign Trade Policy provisions. Applicants should verify the specific conditions before applying for authorization.

Documents Required for Restricted Import Authorization Issued by DGFT

The following documents are generally required when applying for a Restricted Import Authorization from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT):

Importer Exporter Code (IEC): A valid IEC linked to the DGFT portal.

Application Form: Duly completed ANF 2M form, where applicable.

Application Fee Receipt: Proof of payment of the prescribed application fee.

Authorization Letter or Board Resolution: Proof that the authorized person can submit the application on behalf of the firm or company.

PAN Card: PAN details of the applicant or business entity, as applicable.

Identity Proof: PAN or Aadhaar details of the authorized signatory, as required.

MSME Certificate: Udyam Registration Certificate, if applicable.

Pro Forma Invoice or Purchase Order: Details of the goods proposed to be imported.

Technical Specifications: Product descriptions, technical details, model numbers, or specifications of the restricted goods.

NOC or Supporting Certificate: No Objection Certificate or approval from the relevant department, if required.

Product-Specific Documents: Additional documents required under the applicable DGFT import policy or conditions for the restricted item.

Important: The exact document checklist depends on the product and the applicable import policy. Documents in a regional language should be accompanied by an appropriate translation and the original document, as required by the relevant authority. Verify the current ANF 2M requirements on the official DGFT portal before applying.

Step-by-Step Process to Get a DGFT Import License

Obtaining a Restricted Import Authorization from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) involves checking the product's import status, preparing the required documents, submitting an online application, and responding to any queries raised by the authorities. Follow the steps below to understand the process.

Step 1: Check Whether the Product Is Restricted

Identify the product's ITC (HS) code and check its import status under India's current Foreign Trade Policy. The code helps determine whether the product is freely importable, restricted, prohibited, or subject to specific conditions. If the product falls under the restricted category, you may need authorization from DGFT before importing it.

Step 2: Review the Applicable Import Policy Conditions

Once you confirm that the product is restricted, review the conditions applicable to its import. Check whether the policy requires actual-user status, a No Objection Certificate (NOC), approval from a technical ministry, or any other specific permission. These requirements vary depending on the product.

Step 3: Prepare the Required Documents

Collect the documents needed to support your application. These may include your IEC, completed ANF 2M application, pro forma invoice or purchase order, technical specifications, authorization letter, and proof of fee payment. Keep any product-specific approvals ready to avoid delays during application review.

Step 4: Log In to the DGFT Portal

Visit the official DGFT website and log in using your registered credentials. Ensure that your Importer Exporter Code (IEC) is valid, updated, and linked to your DGFT account. If necessary, complete the relevant IEC profile updates before proceeding.

Step 5: Open the Restricted Import Application

Navigate to the Import Management System and select the applicable option for applying for restricted import authorization. Complete the relevant application form, generally ANF 2M where applicable, and verify that you have selected the correct product category.

Step 6: Enter Product and Import Details

Fill in the application with accurate information about the proposed import. This generally includes the ITC (HS) code, product description, quantity, country of origin, supplier details, and CIF value (Cost, Insurance and Freight), as applicable. Ensure that the information matches your supporting documents and proposed import transaction.

Step 7: Upload Documents and Pay the Application Fee

Upload the required documents in the prescribed format and complete the online fee payment, where applicable. Review the application carefully before submission, checking the product details, quantities, values, and supporting attachments. Save the application reference number and payment confirmation for future correspondence.

Step 8: DGFT Reviews the Application

After submission, DGFT examines the application and supporting documents to determine whether the request satisfies the relevant import policy conditions. Depending on the product, the application may be referred to the concerned technical ministry or department for examination or recommendations.

Step 9: Respond to Deficiencies or Additional Queries

If the reviewing authority identifies missing documents, inconsistent information, or other deficiencies, you may receive a query or deficiency communication. Review the points raised and submit the required clarification or documents through the prescribed channel within the specified time.

Step 10: Application Consideration by the EFC

Where applicable, the Exim Facilitation Committee (EFC) considers the application on a case-by-case basis. Its assessment may take into account the product category, import policy conditions, technical recommendations, end use, and other relevant factors. Approval is not automatic and depends on the applicable rules and the merits of the application.

Step 11: Receive the Import Authorization

If the application is approved, DGFT issues the restricted import authorization through the prescribed system. Check the authorization for the approved product, quantity, value, validity period, and any additional conditions. Ensure that the authorization is valid and available before the goods arrive at customs for clearance.

Important Points to Remember

1. Online application: Restricted import applications have been processed through DGFT's online Import Management System since 22 March 2021, subject to the applicable procedure.

2. Incomplete applications: Applications with deficiencies may be returned for correction. The stated 90-day correction period should be verified against the current procedure and the specific communication issued by DGFT.

3. Authorization before import: Obtain the required authorization before importing the restricted goods and presenting them for customs clearance.

4. Product-specific requirements: Processing, approvals, and document requirements may vary depending on the ITC (HS) code and applicable policy conditions.

Note: Always check the latest DGFT notifications and online application instructions before filing, as procedures and requirements may change.

Fees for Import License for Restricted Items

Type	Fee
New authorization	₹1 per ₹1,000 of CIF value (0.1%)
Minimum fee	₹500
Maximum fee	₹1,00,000
Amendment	Basic ₹200 (more if the CIF value is increased)
Revalidation	₹500

Example: If your import value is ₹20,00,000, the fee is ₹2,000. If your value is ₹5,00,00,000, the fee is capped at ₹1,00,000. Fees are set by DGFT and can change. We confirm the current fee at the time of filing. Our professional charges are separate and are shared upfront.

Validity, Amendment and Revalidation

1. Validity: An import authorization for restricted items is valid for 18 months from the date of issue.

2. Amendment: You can change items, quantity, value or unit of measurement on an issued license. This is allowed only until the import validity period ends.

3. Revalidation: If the license expires before you finish importing, it can be revalidated on merit for six months from the date of expiry. A fee waiver is allowed for the delay period in some cases, or for six months, whichever is less.

Applying early is important. We set reminders so that your license does not lapse in the middle of a shipment.

Cases Where a License Is Not Needed

Some imports of restricted items are allowed without authorization:

Samples: Genuine technical and trade samples of restricted items do not need a license. The exceptions are defense or security items, seeds, bees and new drugs.

R&D units: Government-recognized R&D units can import restricted items (except live animals) without authorization for research work.

Re-import of Indian-origin goods: Goods returned for repair, exhibition or rejection may remain "Free" under certain policy conditions.

Special categories: Hotels, restaurants, travel agents and tour operators can get restricted items against an authorization based on the recommendation of the Director General, Tourism.

These rules have conditions. Please confirm before shipping.

Customs Clearance Against the Authorization

The license should be obtained before the goods arrive at the port.

If goods have already arrived but are not cleared, they can be warehoused first. They can then be cleared for home consumption against an authorization issued later.

Importing restricted goods without a license can lead to seizure, penalty or confiscation under customs law.

Timeline for DGFT Restricted Import Authorization

DGFT Restricted Import Authorization may take approximately 2–6 weeks, depending on the product category, document completeness, and additional approvals required.

Document Preparation: 1–3 working days

Online Application: 1 working day

Application Review: 3–7 working days (indicative)

Additional Approvals and Final Decision: 1–4 weeks or longer, if required

Note: These are indicative estimates, not official processing timelines. Apply before the goods arrive at customs.

Our Import Authorization Services

We offer a complete service package. You can choose the full package or only the part you need.

1. Product and Policy Check

We confirm the ITC (HS) code of your product and its current import policy. We also check for conditions such as "actual user only" or NOC needs.

2. Document Preparation

We prepare and review all papers before filing, so that the application is complete the first time.

3. ANF 2M Filing

We fill and submit the ANF 2M form DGFT requires, on the DGFT portal, with accurate item details, quantity, unit and CIF value.

4. Ministry NOC Coordination

We follow up with the technical ministry or department when an NOC or comment is needed.

5. Deficiency Handling

If DGFT raises a query, we prepare the reply and upload the required papers within the time limit.

6. EFC Follow-Up

We track your file until it is placed before the Exim Facilitation Committee (EFC) and the license is issued.

7. Amendment and Revalidation

We update items, quantity or value, and we extend the validity when it is allowed.

8. Customs Guidance

We guide you on the bill of entry, warehousing and clearance against the license.

What Is the ANF 2M Form DGFT Requires?

ANF 2M (Aayaat Niryaat Form 2M) is the application form for import authorization of restricted items. The matching form for export of restricted items is ANF 2N.

The form asks for:

Importer details and IEC

Item description and 8-digit ITC (HS) code

Quantity and unit of measurement

Country of origin

CIF value in Indian rupees and foreign currency

Purpose of import and end use

Proof of application fee payment

Even a small mistake in the form can cause a query or a rejection. A correct form saves weeks of back-and-forth.

Why Choose PSR Compliance?

DGFT-focused team: We handle restricted item permissions, IEC, SCOMET, EPCG, Advance Authorization and related work.

Policy tracking: We monitor each DGFT notice and trade notice.

Error-free filing: Documents are checked before submission to reduce queries.

Single point of contact: One manager is assigned to your case.

Clear communication: You get status updates at every stage.

Wider support: Customs, logistics and compliance help is available under one roof.

Industries We Support

Electronics and IT hardware

Machinery and capital goods

Chemicals and pharmaceuticals

Jewellery and precious metals

Food and agri commodities

Hospitality and tourism

Research and educational institutions

DGFT Import Authorization

Start Your Import Authorization Today

Do not risk a stuck shipment. Share your product name and HS code, and our team will confirm the policy status and the documents you need.

Get professional assistance with DGFT application filing, ANF 2M documentation, and applicable NOC requirements. We help you understand the process and address documentation gaps to support a smoother application.

Contact PSR Compliance today to discuss your restricted import authorization requirements and prepare for your import with greater confidence.

CONTACT OUR TEAM

Call Us +91 8796104190 Email Us support@psrcompliance.com

Written by

Advocate Rajkumar

Indian Taxation ( GST and Income Tax)

10+ Years Experience

Advocate Rajkumar has over 10 years of experience in Indian taxation, with a focus on tax-related matters and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

A DGFT import license, officially called an import authorization for restricted goods, is permission issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) to import goods classified as restricted under the applicable import policy.

Restricted items can generally be imported after obtaining the required authorization and meeting applicable conditions. Prohibited items are not permitted for import unless a specific exception or exemption applies.

Visit the official DGFT website and check the ITC (HS) import policy for your product. Search using the relevant 8-digit ITC (HS) code to confirm its current status and applicable conditions.

Applications are submitted online through the DGFT Import Management System under Services → Import Management System → Import Authorization for Restricted Imports → Apply for New Authorization, using the applicable ANF 2M process.

Yes. Applicants generally need a valid Importer Exporter Code (IEC) and must meet the applicable DGFT requirements to submit an application.

A restricted import authorization is generally valid for 18 months from the date of issue. Revalidation for six months may be considered on merit by the competent authority, subject to the applicable rules.

Yes, multiple restricted items may be included in a single application, provided the items are eligible and all applicable requirements are satisfied. The authorization covers only the items approved by DGFT.

DGFT grants the authorization through the applicable process. The Exim Facilitation Committee (EFC) may consider or advise on applications where required.

Amendments may be possible through the prescribed DGFT procedure, subject to the nature of the requested change, applicable fees, and approval by the competent authority.

Sample imports are not automatically exempt from authorization requirements. The rules depend on the product, its intended use, and the applicable import policy. Confirm the requirements for your specific item before shipping it.

Do not assume that goods can be cleared using an authorization obtained after arrival. The authorization must comply with applicable import rules and validity requirements. Check the relevant policy before shipping the goods to India.

Processing time depends on the product category, completeness of the application, and whether additional approvals or clarifications are required. Applicants should allow sufficient time before shipment, as DGFT does not guarantee the same processing period for every application.

Import Authorization of Restricted Items – DGFT Import License

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