India's DGFT Introduces New Chemical SIONs and Exempts Low‑Value Exports from RCMC

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, issued a public notice on 3 August 2026 adding seven new Standard Input Output Norms (SIONs) for chemical and allied products (SION Nos. A‑3708 to A‑3714). The entries cover items such as theophylline, liraglutide injection, lumefantrine, and various bulk drug chemicals, and allow regional authorities to grant advance authorisations directly, shortening processing time.

Separately, on 20 July 2026 the DGFT released Trade Notice No. 14/2026‑27 proposing an amendment to Paragraph 2.57 of the Foreign Trade Policy 2023. The amendment would exempt export consignments with a free‑on‑board value of ₹10,000 or less from the requirement to obtain a Registration‑cum‑Membership Certificate (RCMC), except for items restricted under the ITC (HS). The move is aimed at easing compliance for small‑value exporters, especially those using postal, courier or e‑commerce channels, and invites stakeholder comments within ten days.