If you don’t know “What is SCOMET”, then let us tell you SCOMET refers to the ‘Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipments and Technologies’. These items have both military and civilian applications. The exports of the items listed on the SCOMET list are regulated by the Foreign Trade Policy. The exporter is required to obtain SCOMET License from DGFT, Ministry of Corporate Affairs before exporting the SCOMET Items.
Categories Under SCOMET List 2024
The government has prepared a detailed list of the items that falls under the SCOMET category. Any person engaged in the export of these items is required to obtain SCOMET Certificate. Below is the detailed category wise SCOMET items list:
Category 0 Nuclear materials, Nuclear-Related Other Materials, Equipment and Technology
- 0A Prescribed Substances
- 0A1 Source Material
- 0A2 Special Fissionable Material
- 0A3 Other Materials
- 0B Prescribed Equipment
- 0C Technology
Category 1: Toxic chemical agents and other chemicals
- 1A Prohibited chemicals, related technology and software
- 1B Chemicals permitted only to States party to the Chemical Weapons Convention
- 1C Chemicals permitted also to States not party to the Chemical Weapons Convention
- 1D Other Chemicals
- 1E Other Chemicals
Category 2: Micro-organisms, toxins
- 2A Bacteria, related technology and software
- 2B Fungi, related technology and software
- 2C Parasites
- 2D Viruses, related technology and software
- 2E [Reserved]
- 2F Toxins, related technology and software
- 2G Plant pathogens, related technology and software
- 2H Genetic Elements and Genetically-modified Organisms, related technology and software
Category 3: Materials, Materials Processing Equipment and related technologies
- 3A Materials
- 3A1 Special materials
- 3A2 Structural materials
- 3A3 Rocket propellants and constituent chemicals
- 3A4 High explosives
- 3A5 Stealth materials
- 3B Materials processing and production equipment, related technology and specially designed components and accessories therefor.
- 3C [Reserved]
- 3D Chemical and biomaterial manufacturing and handling equipment and related technology and software
Category 4: Nuclear-related other equipment and technology, not controlled under Category 0
- 4A Equipment, assemblies, components including test and production equipment
- 4B Equipment, assemblies, components including test and measurement equipment usable in development of nuclear explosive devices
- 4C Technology
Category 5: Aerospace systems, equipment, including production and test equipment, related technology and specially designed components and accessories therefore.
- 5A Rocket systems
- 5A1 Systems
- 5A2 Production and test equipment
- 5A3 Technology
- 5B Unmanned aerial vehicles
- 5C Avionics and navigation systems
- 5D [Reserved]
- 5E Micro-light aircraft and powered ‘hang-gliders’
Category 6
- Munitions List
Category 7
- 7A [Reserved]
- 7B [Reserved]
- 7C [Reserved]
- 7D [Reserved]
- 7E [Reserved]
Category 8
Special Materials and Related Equipment, Material Processing, Electronics, Computers, Telecommunications, Information Security, Sensors and Lasers, Navigation and Avionics, Marine, Aerospace and Propulsion
Validity of SCOMET License in India
The validity of SCOMET license is 24 months. But it can be extended for up to 6 months. Further, the maximum extension of up to 1 year is permitted after revalidation by the DGFT regional office after obtaining approval from DGFT headquarters.
Consequences of Export Without SCOMET License in India
As stated earlier, products in the SCOMET item list cannot be exported without having a valid SCOMET license otherwise it can lead to the following consequences:
- Suspension of the Import Export Code (IEC)
- Imprisonment for up to 5 years that can be extended for life along with the fine
- Fine of minimum Rs. 3 lakhs that may extend up to Rs. 20 lakhs or 5 times the value of items exported
SCOMET Licensing Authorities
The licensing authorities for SCOMET depend upon the category of the product and 3 agencies have been authorized for the same i.e., the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and the Department of Defense Production (DDP). Here are the licensing authorities for different categories of SCOMET items:
- DGFT: Categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8
- DDP: Category 6
- DAE: Category 0
Documents Required to Get SCOMET License in India
The following are the different documents required for SCOMET license:
- KYC documents
- Address proof
- Certificate of incorporation or registration
- Import Export Code
- End-to-End User Certificate (EUC) of all the companies that are engaged in the product supply chain
- Aayat Niryat Form (ANF-1)
- Purchase orders obtained from the companies engaged in the product’s supply chain
- Technical specifications in detail relating to the SCOMET export items
- Contract document
- DGFT’s letter of permission for the SCOMET product
- End-to-end user certificate (EUC)
- Bills of Entry for SCOMET products that were shipped in the previous year into the destination country
Specified Format for the End User Certificate (EUC)
The Handbook of Procedures encompasses specific EUC formats that should be used by the exporters depending upon the type of products and permission:
- Appendix-2S(i) – Export of SCOMET items under categories 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8
- Appendix-2S(ii) – Application for a specific SCOMET authorization for the export of SCOMET items in Category 1
- Appendix-2S(iii) – Application for a ‘Stock and Sale’ SCOMET authorization for the export of all SCOMET items
- End User Certificate (EUC) from the foreign buyer, if it is different from the end user
- End User Certificate (EUC) from the consignee, if it is different from the end-user and foreign buyer
- End User Certificate (EUC) from other intermediaries, if any
- End User Certificates (EUC) from consignee, foreign buyer and end-user shall reflect the logical flow of items
SCOMET License Procedure
Here is the detailed process for SCOMET license:
- The exporter shall visit the DGFT home page and register himself.
- Prepare and file a new application for SCOMET license.
- Provide the necessary business details including contact details, details regarding supply and shipping, destination country, export details etc.
- Select the relevant jurisdictional authority and provide requisite details relating to the SCOMET item.
- Provide other relevant information including file details, quantity details and bank details.
- Upload all the relevant documents required for processing of the application and submit the same.
- All the requests for the export of SCOMET items will be reviewed and verified by the Inter-Ministerial Working Group (IMWG) of DGFT. The group is chaired by the Additional Director General of Foreign Trade.
- Once the application request is approved by the IMWG, the exporter shall receive a license letter for securing the SCOMET exporter authorisation from the DGFT’s regional office or zonal office.
Key Parameters for Evaluation of SCOMET Certificate Application
Following are some of the key parameters considered for the purpose of evaluating the SCOMET registration application:
- Credentials of end user including the veracity of the declarations of end use, integrity of the transmission of the SCOMET item from supplier to end user and the potential of the item or technology
- Controls over export imposed by the receiving country
- The probability that the exported item may end up in the hands of non-state actors, terrorists or terrorist organisations
- Evaluation of the end use of items
- The aim and capabilities of the recipient state’s weapon programs
- Applicability of the agreements signed by India to the export licensing agreement
Also, Check "Key Registrations to Start an Import Export Business in India"
How Exim Advisory Can Help?
Being one of the most experienced SCOMET License Consultant, let us tell you before begin exporting the SCOMET items, it is mandatory to apply for SCOMET license. With a comprehensive SCOMET registration process in place, it is important to engage experts to seamlessly complete the registration exercise. Here’s how the Exim Advisory can help in this regard:
- Determination of the category and sub-category of your SCOMET item
- Gathering of all the necessary documents in support of the SCOMET registration application
- Preparation and filing of the application for SCOMET registration
- Assistance in ensuring that you fulfil all the evaluation criteria for SCOMET registration
- Resolution of objections and queries raised by the registration authorities
- Liaising with the SCOMET registration authorities
- Ensuring timely and accurate post registration compliances
- Timely renewal of SCOMET registration ensures uninterrupted business operations
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the full form of SCOMET?
A: SCOMET means ‘Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipments and Technologies’. It is basically a list of items, the exports of which require SCOMET license.
Q: Is SCOMET registration mandatory?
A: Yes. If you are engaged in the export of any item mentioned in the SCOMET list, then SCOMET license online is mandatory.
Q: What is the validity of the SCOMET license?
A: SCOMET registration is valid for a period of 24 months that can be extended for further 6 months. However, the extension of 1 year is permissible upon revalidation by the DGFT regional office and after approval from DGFT headquarters.
Q: What if I fail to obtain SCOMET registration for export?
A: In case you fail to obtain SCOMET registration for export, then it can lead to suspension of your Import Export Code (IEC) along with the levy of significant fines and penalties, including imprisonment.