Ad-Hoc Norms Fixation for Advance Authorisation: Complete DGFT Process 2026

Key Takeaways

• Ad-Hoc Norms Fixation applies when no Standard Input Output Norms (SION) exist for your export product.
• Applications are filed in Form ANF-4B with the concerned Norms Committee (NC) at DGFT Headquarters.
• DGFT operates seven sector-wise Norms Committees, now under stricter fortnightly review cycles.
• Norms ratified under Para 4.07 (self-declaration) are valid for 3 years from ratification.
• Prior-fixed ad-hoc norms under Para 4.06 are valid for one authorisation, extendable by up to 2 years.
• A searchable ad-hoc norms database lets exporters use existing norms on a “No Norm Repeat” basis, skipping fresh NC approval.
• Incomplete consumption data and missing chartered engineer certification are the most common causes of delay.

Introduction

Not every export product has a Standard Input Output Norm (SION) notified by DGFT. When that happens, exporters cannot simply apply for Advance Authorisation off a ready-made template — they need the input-output ratio determined specifically for their product.

This is where Ad-Hoc Norms Fixation comes in. It is the mechanism DGFT uses to work out exactly how much raw material, packaging, or consumable input is genuinely needed to manufacture one unit of your export product — and it directly decides how much duty-free import benefit you can claim.

In 2026, with DGFT tightening Norms Committee timelines and pushing more of this process online, understanding the correct route matters more than ever for importers, exporters, and manufacturers relying on Advance Authorisation.

Main Content

What Is Ad-Hoc Norms Fixation?

Advance Authorisation can be issued on three bases:

• Notified SION (published in the Handbook of Procedures)
• Self-declaration under Para 4.07 of HBP
• Applicant-specific fixation by the Norms Committee under Para 4.06 of HBP

When your product has no SION, DGFT either issues the authorisation on self-declared norms (later ratified by the NC) or requires prior fixation by the NC before you apply. Both routes fall under what the trade commonly calls “Ad-Hoc Norms Fixation.”

Who Needs This?

• Manufacturer exporters producing goods with no notified SION
• Merchant exporters sourcing from such manufacturers
• Exporters wanting to use additional or non-standard inputs beyond an existing SION
• Businesses in emerging product categories not yet covered by DGFT’s norm database

Eligibility Requirements

• Valid Importer-Exporter Code (IEC)
• Genuine export product with a clear manufacturing process
• Production and consumption data for the past 3 years (for norms based on actual usage)
• Willingness to submit an undertaking to abide by the Norms Committee’s final decision

Step-by-Step DGFT Process (2026)

1. Check the ad-hoc norms database first. DGFT maintains a searchable database of ad-hoc norms already fixed under Para 4.07. If your item description, wastage claim, and validity match an existing entry, you can apply on a “No Norm Repeat” basis — no fresh NC approval needed.
2. File Form ANF-4B with the concerned Norms Committee if no matching norm exists. Online filing auto-routes your application to the correct sector-wise NC.
3. Submit supporting documents — consumption data, manufacturing process details, and (where applicable) an independent chartered engineer’s certification.
4. NC scrutiny. The committee examines technical data; cases flagged by DGFT’s Risk Management System go through manual validation, and the NC may call for Department of Revenue inputs or a physical factory audit.
5. Apply for Advance Authorisation (Form ANF-4A) — this can run in parallel with norms fixation under Para 4.07, or after norm ratification under Para 4.06.
6. Authorisation issued, subject to fulfilling export obligation as per the ratified or self-declared norms.

Documents Required

• IEC certificate
• ANF-4B application
• Manufacturing process flowchart
• Past consumption/production data
• Chartered engineer certificate (where required)
• Undertaking to abide by NC’s decision

Validity Periods

Latest 2025–26 Updates

DGFT has strengthened the Norms Committee system with institutionalised fortnightly meeting cycles, priority disposal of long-pending applications, and time-bound finalisation of meeting minutes — all aimed at cutting authorisation timelines, particularly for MSME exporters.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying without first checking the existing ad-hoc norms database
• Submitting incomplete or inconsistent consumption data
• Missing chartered engineer certification where mandated
• Assuming self-declared norms don’t need eventual NC ratification

Featured Snippet Answer

Ad-Hoc Norms Fixation is the DGFT process used to determine input-output ratios for export products that have no notified Standard Input Output Norms (SION). Exporters apply via Form ANF-4B to the concerned Norms Committee, which fixes or ratifies the norm before or alongside Advance Authorisation issuance under HBP Para 4.06/4.07.

 FAQs

Q1. What is the difference between SION and Ad-Hoc Norms?
SION is a pre-notified, standard input-output ratio published by DGFT. Ad-hoc norms are fixed case-by-case by the Norms Committee when no SION exists for a product.

Q2. Which form is used for Ad-Hoc Norms Fixation?
Form ANF-4B is filed with the concerned Norms Committee at DGFT Headquarters.

Q3. How long is an ad-hoc norm valid?
Norms ratified under Para 4.07 on or after 1 April 2023 are valid for 3 years; prior-fixed norms under Para 4.06 are valid for one authorisation, extendable by 2 years.

Q4. Can I apply for Advance Authorisation before norms are fixed?
Yes. Under Para 4.07, self-declared norms allow parallel processing of Advance Authorisation while ratification is pending.

Q5. Is chartered engineer certification always mandatory?
It is required for certain categories of applications, particularly those involving fixation of norms alongside the Advance Licence application.

Q6. What is the “No Norm Repeat” basis?
If an existing ad-hoc norm in DGFT’s searchable database matches your item description and wastage claim, you can use it directly without fresh Norms Committee approval.

Q7. How many Norms Committees does DGFT have?
DGFT currently operates seven sector-wise Norms Committees, each handling specific product categories.

 Conclusion

Ad-Hoc Norms Fixation is often the deciding factor in how smoothly — and how profitably — your Advance Authorisation application moves through DGFT. Getting the documentation, data, and route right the first time avoids months of back-and-forth with the Norms Committee.

CTA

A V International has guided importers and exporters through DGFT norms fixation and Advance Authorisation filings for over 35 years. If your export product doesn’t have a notified SION, our team can assess the right route, prepare your ANF-4B application, and manage the process end-to-end. Get in touch with A V International to start your Ad-Hoc Norms Fixation filing today.

Written By

Akash Bhangare
Having more than 10 years of experience in EPR Compliance, Legal Metrology, DGFT Regulations, and Import Export Consulting Services in India.
Associated with A V International, a company with over 35 years of expertise in Environmental Compliance, EPR Registrations, Licensing, and Regulatory Approvals.