SCOMET License Fees in India: Government Charges and Other Costs

The costs to get a SCOMET license in India start at ₹1,000 in government fees. The other factors include revalidation fees, amendment or correction fees, and review by a committee’s costs (if needed). There are other associated fees included too in getting the SCOMET (Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment, and Technologies) export authorization, like charges for DSC and professional fees (if hired). 

Suppose your uncle runs a factory in Pune that makes a chemical used in cough syrups. A company in another country wants to buy it. Some products produced in the factory may include items with elements that can be used to make explosives or other dangerous goods. India’s authorities check these products at the port before exporting them in the form of a SCOMET license. 

This guide explains what a SCOMET license costs, where the money goes, and how the process works.

What is the SCOMET License & What it Contains?

The full form of SCOMET is Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment and Technologies. It is India's official list of "dual-use" items, meaning things with a normal purpose that could also be misused for weapons. A drone that sprays pesticide on farms is a good example. It helps farmers, but in the wrong hands it could do harm.

Also called a SCOMET certificate or export authorisation, a SCOMET license is the written permission from the government to export such items legally. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (aka DGFT) under the Ministry of Commerce releases the list of these items.

The list of SCOMET licenses has nine categories, which are numbered from 0 to 8. They cover nuclear items, toxic chemicals, micro-organisms and toxins, aerospace systems, munitions, emerging technologies like advanced semiconductors, and electronics, telecom, and information security. Even software and technical details may need a SCOMET license along with the physical goods.

SCOMET License Fees: Government Charges

Good news: the official government fee is quite small. According to DGFT's Appendix 2K fee schedule, the charges are:

These amounts come from DGFT's published scale of application fees, and payment is made online. Keep in mind that the application fee is only a processing fee, so it is generally not refunded unless you paid too much, paid without applying, or paid by mistake while exempt. 

Fees can change, so always check the DGFT portal before paying.

What other costs should you expect?

Before applying, you need an Import Export Code (IEC), which has its own fee of ₹500. You also need a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) to sign your online forms, which you buy from a certified provider.

Then come the paperwork costs. You must collect End-Use-cum-End-User Certificates from your foreign buyer and others in the supply chain, and the original certificates must still be posted to the SCOMET Cell at DGFT Headquarters in New Delhi. Courier charges, translations, and preparing technical specifications all add up.

Finally, many companies hire a SCOMET license consultant like Agile Regulatory. The professional fee depends on how complex the product is, how many items are involved, and whether they need help figuring out the right category. Always ask for a written quote first.

The SCOMET license process is done online. You check your product against the list, make sure your IEC and DSC are working, and log into the DGFT portal. With this guide, you know the detailed procedure for the SCOMET License application.

Read More SCOMET License Validity & Renewal Guide

FAQs

How much is the SCOMET license fee in India?

The government charges ₹1,000 for a new application for an export license for SCOMET items. If your license is about to expire and you need more time, the first revalidation costs ₹500 and the second costs ₹1,000. These are only the official charges, so remember to budget separately for things like your DSC, courier costs, and any consultant fees.

Can I get my fee back if my application is rejected?

Usually not. DGFT treats the application fee as a processing fee, so it is refunded only if you paid more than the required amount, paid without actually applying, or paid by mistake while being exempt from the fee. 

Can I transfer my SCOMET license to another company?

No. SCOMET authorisations are issued to a specific exporter for specific items and cannot be transferred. If another company wants to export the same product, it must apply for its own license.