DGFT Extends Export Obligation Deadline To 31 Aug 2026
India’s export community has received a temporary relief after the Directorate General of Foreign Trade announced an extension in the Export Obligation Period (EOP) for select export authorisations in view of ongoing geopolitical disruptions affecting global trade and logistics.
Through a public notice issued on 6 March 2026, the DGFT has extended the export obligation period until 31 August 2026 for authorisations where the EOP or block-wise obligation was originally set to expire between 1 March 2026 and 31 May 2026. The move is intended to provide exporters additional time to fulfil their commitments amid continued supply chain uncertainties and market disruptions.
The extension applies to authorisations issued under schemes such as the Advance Authorisation Scheme, including Annual Requirement and Special Advance Authorisation, as well as the Export Promotion Capital Goods Scheme. These schemes allow exporters to import inputs or capital goods at concessional or zero duty, subject to the fulfilment of prescribed export obligations within a defined time frame.
According to the notification, eligible authorisations falling within the specified timeline will automatically qualify for the extension up to 31 August 2026, eliminating the need for exporters to submit separate applications for the relief.
Industry stakeholders view the decision as a pragmatic step that offers breathing space to exporters navigating volatile global demand, shipping delays and geopolitical uncertainties. The extension is expected to particularly benefit sectors with longer production cycles and complex supply chains, including textiles, engineering goods and chemicals, enabling them to meet export commitments without immediate compliance pressure.
