Restricted Items Import / Export Licence, Fully Managed by Experts
Get a DGFT authorisation to import or export goods marked “Restricted” in ITC(HS) — handled end to end. We confirm the item’s policy status and conditions, build the justification, file ANF-2M or ANF-2N on the DGFT portal and manage every deficiency letter until the authorisation is issued.
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Restricted Items Import / Export Licence in brief
Who it applies to, what it costs, how long it takes and which law governs it — before the details.
Goods marked “Restricted” in the ITC(HS) Schedule I (Import) or Schedule 2 (Export) can be imported or exported only against an authorisation issued by DGFT under the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992 and the Foreign Trade Policy 2023. Applications are filed online only on dgft.gov.in — ANF-2M for import and ANF-2N for export — and are considered on merits by the EXIM Facilitation Committee (EFC), often with comments from the technical ministry. Under the Handbook of Procedures, an import authorisation for restricted items is valid for 18 months and an export authorisation for restricted (non-SCOMET) goods for 24 months, unless specified otherwise.
- Professional Fee
- Custom quote
- Governing Law
- FT(D&R) Act 1992 & FTP 2023
- Validity
- 18 m import · 24 m export
- Mode
- Fully Online
- Authority
- DGFT (EFC)
- Forms
- ANF-2M / ANF-2N
- Platform
- dgft.gov.in
- Prerequisite
- Valid IEC
- Act
- FT(D&R) Act, 1992
- Framework
- FTP 2023 & HBP
- Forms
- ANF-2M / ANF-2N
- Authority
- DGFT (EFC)
- Platform
- dgft.gov.in
- Last Reviewed
- 23 Sep 2026
What Is Restricted Items Import / Export Licence?
A quick, plain-language explanation before the details.
Some goods are not freely importable or exportable. For these “Restricted” items, DGFT must first approve the trade, specifying the item, quantity, value and conditions. That approval is the import or export authorisation (licence).
Section 3 of the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992 empowers the Central Government to regulate imports and exports. The ITC(HS) Schedules classify each item as Free, Restricted or Prohibited. Restricted items need an authorisation under the FTP 2023 and the Handbook of Procedures, applied for online in ANF-2M (import) or ANF-2N (export).
Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry. Applications are considered by the EXIM Facilitation Committee (EFC), with inputs from the concerned technical or administrative ministry where required.
Import authorisation for restricted items: 18 months. Export authorisation for restricted (non-SCOMET) goods: 24 months. DGFT or the EFC may specify a shorter or longer period; revalidation is possible on merits.
Is This Service Right for You?
Ideal for
- Importers of items shown as “Restricted” in ITC(HS) Schedule I
- Exporters of items restricted under ITC(HS) Schedule 2
- Manufacturers importing restricted inputs for their own production
- Importers of second-hand or refurbished goods needing authorisation
- Suppliers to government, defence or police departments
- Traders facing a newly notified import or export restriction
You may need this if
- Your ITC(HS) code shows the policy as “Restricted”
- Customs has held goods for want of a DGFT authorisation
- A DGFT notification has just restricted your product
- You need an import quantity backed by a proper justification
- Your existing authorisation is about to expire and needs revalidation
- You received a deficiency letter on a pending application
Not sure if you need this?
Talk to an Expert →Why Is a Restricted Items Licence Essential?
For Restricted goods, the authorisation is the legal permission to trade. Without it, Customs cannot clear the goods. Here is why it matters.
Talk to a DGFT Licensing Expert →Legal Permission to Trade
Restricted items can be imported or exported only against a DGFT authorisation — trading without one breaches the FT(D&R) Act and the import / export policy.
Customs Clearance
Customs checks the authorisation against the Bill of Entry or Shipping Bill. Missing or mismatched licences hold goods at the port.
Quantity & Value Control
The authorisation fixes item, quantity and CIF value — a well-justified application gets you the quantity your operations actually need.
Avoid Penalties & Confiscation
Unauthorised imports or exports of restricted goods can lead to confiscation, penalties under the Customs Act and action under the FT(D&R) Act.
Technical Ministry Comments
Many restricted items need comments from a technical ministry. A clear, complete application avoids repeated back-and-forth.
Buyer & Supplier Confidence
A valid DGFT authorisation reassures overseas suppliers, buyers and banks that the trade is compliant.
Simple, Transparent Pricing
Custom quote for your case
Fees depend on your business type and scope. Get a clear, itemised quote upfront — no hidden professional charges, government fee billed at actuals.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility checklist
- A valid, active IEC with an updated ANF-1 profile
- The exact ITC(HS) code and its current policy condition
- Technical specifications, quantity and CIF value of the item
- A clear justification for the import or export
- Industry-specific licences where the policy calls for them
- A DSC or Aadhaar e-sign for online submission
Everything You Need. One Professional Team.
Policy Status Check
Confirm whether the item is Free, Restricted or Prohibited and what conditions apply.
Route Advice
Advise whether ANF-2M, ANF-2N or another DGFT route applies to your case.
IEC & Profile Update
Make sure your IEC and ANF-1 profile are current before filing.
Justification Drafting
Prepare a clear justification backed by production, consumption or contract data.
Online Application
File the application on dgft.gov.in with all attachments and e-sign.
Deficiency Replies
Respond to DGFT deficiency letters and technical ministry queries.
Authorisation Delivery
Hand over the issued authorisation and explain its conditions.
Revalidation & Amendments
Handle revalidation, amendment and closure where needed.
What You’ll Receive
What Documents Are Required for a Restricted Items Licence?
Requirements are grouped by applicant identity, item details and justification. Exact attachments depend on the item. Keep clear scans (PDF/JPG) ready — everything is collected securely over WhatsApp or email.
Applicant Identity
Who is applying- Import Export Code (IEC) and updated ANF-1 profile
- PAN, GSTIN and constitution proof
- Industrial registration — Udyam, IEM or licence where relevant
- Details of proprietor / partners / directors
Item & Trade Details
What is being traded- ITC(HS) code, description and technical specifications
- Quantity, unit and CIF value in rupees and foreign currency
- Country of origin / destination and port
- Proforma invoice, purchase order or export contract
Justification & Past Use
Why it is needed- Detailed justification for the import or export
- Past imports under earlier licences, if any
- CA-certified production and consumption data where required
- Item-specific proofs — e.g. drug licence, end-user certificate
Online only
Applications are filed only online on dgft.gov.in. DGFT states that no paper or scanned copies of ANF-2M are to be submitted to its offices.
Item-specific attachments
ANF-2M asks for extra details by item type — for example drug manufacturing licence and CA-certified data for bulk drugs, residual life for machinery, or an end-user certificate for government supplies.
90-day deficiency window
If DGFT rejects an application as incomplete, deficiencies must be cured within 90 days, failing which it is deemed withdrawn (HBP para 2.05).
Fee as per Appendix 2K
The application fee, payment mode and exemptions are set out in Appendix 2K of the Handbook of Procedures and paid online at actuals.
Don’t have all the documents?
We’ll identify what your case needs →How to Get a Restricted Items Licence (Step by Step)
The application is filed online on the DGFT portal and considered on merits.
Consultation & policy check
We confirm the ITC(HS) code, its policy status and every condition attached to it.
IEC & profile review
We check your IEC and ANF-1 profile are active and updated with the right documents.
Document & justification
Collect item details and supporting proofs, and draft a clear justification for the committee.
Online application
File ANF-2M or ANF-2N on dgft.gov.in, pay the fee and e-sign.
EFC review & queries
We track the file through the EXIM Facilitation Committee and answer deficiency letters.
Authorisation issued
On approval, DGFT issues the authorisation. We explain its conditions and validity.
How Long Does a Restricted Items Licence Take?
| Stage | Expected Time |
|---|---|
| Policy check, IEC review & document collection | Depends on document readiness |
| Online application on dgft.gov.in | Filed after documents are complete |
| EFC consideration, ministry comments & issue | Subject to DGFT processing |
Restricted-item applications are decided on merits by the EXIM Facilitation Committee, and many need comments from a technical ministry, so timelines vary by item. Complete applications with a clear justification move fastest. Deficiency letters pause the clock until you respond.
Key Dates — At a Glance
| Frequency | What Is Due |
|---|---|
| Per Shipment | Quote the authorisation in the Bill of Entry / Shipping Bill · Stay within the authorised quantity and value · Keep shipment-wise utilisation records |
| Before Expiry | Track the 18-month / 24-month validity · Seek revalidation from DGFT on merits if needed · Plan shipments so goods clear within validity |
| Event-Based | Apply for amendment if item or port details change · Update IEC within 30 days of any change · Comply with any actual-user or end-use conditions |
| Ongoing | Track DGFT notifications changing policy status · Update the ANF-1 profile at least once a year · Retain records for Customs and DGFT audits |
Dates are indicative and may change with government notifications. Our team tracks every deadline so you never miss a filing.
Doing It Yourself vs TaxClue
Doing It Yourself
- Read the ITC(HS) policy conditions for your code alone
- Work out item-specific attachments for ANF-2M / ANF-2N
- Draft a justification that satisfies the committee
- Keep IEC and ANF-1 profile current
- Track the file and technical ministry comments
- Reply to deficiency letters within 90 days
- Risk rejection and re-filing delays
With TaxClue
- Expert confirms policy status and conditions
- Right form and attachments from day one
- Justification drafted with supporting data
- IEC and profile checked before filing
- File tracked through the EFC for you
- Deficiency letters answered on time
- Revalidation planned before expiry
Skip the guesswork.
Let an expert handle it →What happens next
Common Mistakes That Delay Your Application
TaxClue reviews your documents before filing to reduce avoidable errors.
What Compliance Applies After the Authorisation?
Per Shipment
- Quote the authorisation in the Bill of Entry / Shipping Bill
- Stay within the authorised quantity and value
- Keep shipment-wise utilisation records
Before Expiry
- Track the 18-month / 24-month validity
- Seek revalidation from DGFT on merits if needed
- Plan shipments so goods clear within validity
Event-Based
- Apply for amendment if item or port details change
- Update IEC within 30 days of any change
- Comply with any actual-user or end-use conditions
Ongoing
- Track DGFT notifications changing policy status
- Update the ANF-1 profile at least once a year
- Retain records for Customs and DGFT audits
Penalties & Consequences
What is at stake if you do not comply
- Goods detained or confiscated without a valid authorisation
- Penalties under the Customs Act and the FT(D&R) Act
- Application deemed withdrawn if deficiencies run past 90 days
- Authorisation lapses before shipment without revalidation
Regulatory Updates 2025–26
- Jul 2026: Handbook of Procedures Chapter 2 (July 2026 edition) retains 18-month validity for restricted import authorisations and 24 months for restricted non-SCOMET exports.
- 2026: DGFT continues to notify item-specific import restrictions with transition dates — check the latest ITC(HS) status before ordering.
Why Businesses Choose TaxClue
CA / CS Team
Qualified professionals with hands-on DGFT licensing and Customs experience.
Policy Precision
We read the ITC(HS) conditions for your exact code before filing.
Always Updated
We monitor DGFT notifications, public notices and EFC practice.
Fully Online
Everything over WhatsApp / email — no office visits required.
Transparent Fees
A clear quote upfront — government fees at actuals, zero hidden charges.
Post-Service Support
Guidance on utilisation, revalidation and amendments after issue.
Your Documents Deserve Professional Care
- Documents handled by professionals under confidentiality
- Access limited to the team working on your file
- Communication over secure digital channels
- Documents retained only as long as needed for compliance
Frequently Asked Questions
What are “Restricted” items under ITC(HS)?
Which form is used for restricted imports and exports?
Who decides a restricted-item application?
What is the validity of an import authorisation for restricted items?
What is the validity of an export authorisation for restricted goods?
Can an authorisation be revalidated?
What is the government fee?
Is an IEC mandatory?
What if my application is incomplete?
Does a restricted-item licence cover SCOMET items?
How is a restricted item different from a prohibited item?
Can a trader get an import licence for restricted items?
What happens if goods arrive without an authorisation?
Do policy changes affect an item’s status?
Can TaxClue handle the full application?
Official Sources & Legal References
Every regulatory detail on this page is drawn from primary law and official government sources. Verify them directly:
- DGFT — Import / Export AuthorisationOnline application for restricted import and export authorisations
- ANF-2M — Import of Restricted Items (reference form)Fields, item-specific details and declarations for restricted imports
- ANF-2N — Export of Restricted ItemsApplication form for export authorisation of restricted items
- Handbook of Procedures — Chapter 2Filing, incomplete applications, fee (Appendix 2K), validity and revalidation
- DGFT — Foreign Trade PolicyForeign Trade Policy 2023 and ITC(HS) policy framework
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Get Your Restricted Items Licence — Fully Managed
Expert-managed DGFT authorisation for restricted imports and exports — policy check, justification drafting, ANF-2M / ANF-2N filing and deficiency replies, end to end. Consultation, transparent fees, zero hidden charges.
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