DGFT proposes to suspend 544 Standard Input Output Norms unused for three years; comments invited within 15 days: Trade Notice No. 26/2026-27
After reviewing utilisation of Standard Input Output Norms, DGFT has listed 544 SIONs that were not used under the Advance Authorisation or DFIA schemes in the last three financial years and proposes to suspend them. Trade and industry may send comments, with reasons for retaining any SION, within 15 days of the trade notice dated 7 September 2026.
Key facts
- In force
- Proposal; comments within 15 days of 7 September 2026
- Who it affects
- Advance Authorisation and DFIA holders, exporters using SIONs, Export Promotion Councils, Commodity Boards
- What it is
- Comments invited
- Section
- Foreign Trade
- Published
- 7 September 2026
In 30 seconds
- Trade Notice No. 26/2026-27 is dated 7 September 2026.
- 544 SIONs, listed in the Annexure, remained unutilised under the Advance Authorisation / DFIA schemes during the last three financial years.
- DGFT proposes to suspend all 544.
- Comments, with supporting information, may be submitted within 15 days from the date of issue of the trade notice.
- After the 15 days and consideration of comments, the SIONs may be suspended; late comments may not be considered.
हिंदी में सार
DGFT ने Trade Notice 26/2026-27 (7 सितंबर 2026) से बताया है कि 544 Standard Input Output Norms पिछले तीन वित्त वर्षों में Advance Authorisation / DFIA योजनाओं में इस्तेमाल नहीं हुए, इसलिए इन्हें निलंबित करने का प्रस्ताव है। व्यापार जगत 15 दिन के भीतर अपनी टिप्पणी भेज सकता है और किसी SION को बनाए रखने का कारण व उपयोग का ब्योरा दे सकता है। यह अभी प्रस्ताव है, अंतिम निर्णय नहीं।
What DGFT proposes
By Trade Notice No. 26/2026-27 dated 7 September 2026, DGFT has informed exporters, Export Promotion Councils, Commodity Boards and its Regional Authorities that it has reviewed the utilisation status of Standard Input Output Norms (SIONs). The review found that 544 SIONs remained unutilised under the Advance Authorisation (AA) / Duty-Free Import Authorisation (DFIA) Schemes during the last three financial years.
In view of this prolonged non-utilisation, the Directorate proposes to suspend the 544 SIONs. This is a proposal, not a decision: the trade notice invites comments first.
Which SIONs are on the list
The Annexure to the trade notice is a one-page list headed “List of proposed SIONs to be suspended”. It gives only the SION numbers, not the export products. The numbers span several product-code series — entries begin with the letters A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K and M — with the A-series forming the largest part of the list. Exporters need to look up their own SION number in the Annexure.
How to respond
| Point | What the trade notice says |
|---|---|
| Who can comment | The trade and other concerned stakeholders, including exporters, importers, Export Promotion Councils, industry associations and other interested parties |
| Time limit | Within 15 days from the date of issuance of the trade notice (dated 7 September 2026) |
| What to include | Comments/views with relevant supporting information or documents, if any |
| For retaining a SION | Stakeholders may specifically indicate the reasons for continued retention of any SION, with details of actual or proposed utilisation under the AA/DFIA Schemes, wherever applicable |
| Late comments | Comments received after the stipulated period may not be considered |
What happens next
Upon expiry of the 15 days, and after due consideration of the comments received, the 544 SIONs may be suspended. The trade notice does not say from what date a suspension would take effect, or how an Advance Authorisation would be dealt with for a product whose SION is suspended.
What exporters should do
- Check the Annexure for the SION numbers you use or intend to use under Advance Authorisation or DFIA.
- If one of them is listed and you want it retained, write to DGFT with the reasons and with details of actual or proposed utilisation, along with supporting documents.
- The trade notice is issued by the Deputy Director General of Foreign Trade, whose email is given in it as saurabh.goyal@gov.in.
Questions and answers
Have the 544 SIONs been suspended?
Not by this trade notice. Trade Notice No. 26/2026-27 dated 7 September 2026 proposes the suspension and invites comments. It says the SIONs may be suspended after the 15-day period and due consideration of the comments received.
Why does DGFT want to suspend them?
A review of utilisation showed that these 544 SIONs remained unutilised under the Advance Authorisation / Duty-Free Import Authorisation Schemes during the last three financial years.
How can an exporter ask for a SION to be retained?
By submitting comments to the Directorate within 15 days of the trade notice, indicating the reasons for continued retention of the SION with details of actual or proposed utilisation under the AA/DFIA Schemes, and supporting documents if any.
Where is the list of SIONs?
In the Annexure to the trade notice, headed “List of proposed SIONs to be suspended”. It lists the SION numbers only.
Published 7 September 2026. Updated 5 October 2026. This report is for general information and is not professional advice. Read the source document before acting on it.