DGFT Norms Fixation Documents Required: Complete Checklist for Exporters

Key Takeaways

• DGFT norms fixation determines the permitted input quantities for producing export products under applicable export promotion schemes.

• Exporters should prepare product specifications, manufacturing details, input-output consumption data and supporting technical evidence.

• The documents required depend on whether the application concerns ad-hoc norms fixation, existing SION norms or a norms-related amendment.

• Accurate consumption calculations and product descriptions help reduce clarification requests.

• Advance Authorisation applicants should verify the applicable DGFT Handbook of Procedures and application requirements before submission.

• Incomplete technical documents or inconsistent declarations can delay processing by DGFT and the relevant Norms Committee.

Introduction

Exporters applying for Advance Authorisation may face difficulties when standard input-output norms do not adequately cover their export product or manufacturing process. In such cases, DGFT norms fixation may be required to establish the permitted quantity of inputs against the export product.

One of the most important parts of this process is preparing the correct supporting documents. Missing technical specifications, unclear consumption calculations or inconsistent product descriptions can lead to queries and delays.

This guide explains the DGFT norms fixation documents required, the information exporters should prepare, and practical steps to improve the completeness of an application in 2026.

What Is DGFT Norms Fixation?

DGFT norms fixation establishes the input quantities and wastage, where applicable, permitted for producing specified export products under the Advance Authorisation framework.

The application for fixation, modification or revision of Standard Input Output Norms (SION) is made through ANF-4B. DGFT’s online Norms Customer Portal supports the application process and technical review.

DGFT Norms Fixation Documents Required

The following checklist covers the principal information and supporting records exporters should prepare. The exact requirements may vary according to the application type, product and applicable DGFT procedure.

1. Basic Business and Registration Documents

Keep the following details ready:

• Import Export Code (IEC) and updated IEC profile

• GST registration details

• Valid Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC), where applicable

• MSME, IEM or other industrial registration details, where applicable

• Factory or manufacturing premises address

• Branch code and intended port of registration for imports

• Authorised signatory details and Aadhaar e-Sign or Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

The DGFT portal checks the applicant’s IEC status and requires an authorised user with e-Sign capability. Its ANF-4B workflow also captures registration, GST and industrial registration details.

2. Export Product Technical Specifications

Prepare a detailed description of the finished export product, including:

• Commercial and technical product name

• ITC (HS) code

• Material composition and grade

• Dimensions, weight and technical characteristics

• Unit of measurement (UOM)

• Proposed export quantity

• FOB/FOR value, as applicable

• Product drawings, specifications or technical datasheets, where relevant

These details help establish the relationship between the export product and the inputs claimed in the application.

3. Imported Input Details

For each proposed input, prepare:

• Input name and description

• ITC (HS) code

• Grade, composition and technical specifications

• Quantity required per unit of export product

• Total input quantity required

• Unit of measurement

• Import source and CIF value

• Purpose and use of the input in manufacturing

• Details of any invalidated quantity, where applicable

ANF-4B captures input descriptions, classification, quantity, import value and the purpose or utility of each input.

4. Production and Consumption Data

Production and consumption records are among the most important supporting documents.

Prepare:

• Production data for the preceding three financial years

• Input consumption data for the same period

• Quantity of finished products manufactured

• Quantity of each raw material consumed

• Consumption per unit of production

• Manufacturing process details

• Reconciliation between production and raw material consumption

DGFT’s ANF-4B guidelines specify production and consumption data for the preceding three financial years, duly certified by a Chartered Accountant, Cost Accountant or jurisdictional Excise Authority, as applicable.

Where the applicant uses a supporting manufacturer, coordinate with that manufacturer to obtain the relevant records and certification.

5. Chartered Engineer Certificate and Technical Evidence

A Chartered Engineer certificate is an important part of the supporting documentation for applicable norms fixation cases.

DGFT’s ANF-4B guidelines call for a Chartered Engineer certificate certifying raw material import requirements as per Appendix 4K of the Handbook of Procedures. Technical details may also be required under Appendix 4E.

Depending on the product and application, supporting evidence may include:

• Manufacturing process flowchart

• Bill of materials

• Technical datasheets for raw materials

• Product composition reports

• Consumption calculations

• Wastage and process-loss calculations

• Supporting laboratory or technical reports, where relevant

These materials should explain how the proposed input quantities are derived. Do not claim a wastage percentage without supporting technical justification.

6. Wastage Justification

If wastage is claimed, prepare a calculation showing:

• Input quantity used

• Quantity incorporated into the finished product

• Process loss or unavoidable wastage

• Recoverable scrap or by-products, where relevant

• Wastage percentage claimed

• Technical justification for the claimed percentage

The ANF-4B form includes a dedicated wastage section for the claimed percentage and justification.

7. Export Performance and Supporting Records

Prepare export and deemed-supply information, including:

• Previous-year export details

• Shipping Bills or other relevant export evidence, where required

• Export product values and quantities

• Third-party exports, where applicable

• Supplies to SEZs, EOUs and other deemed-export categories, where applicable

• Details of relevant Advance Authorisations and prior authorisations

The ANF-4B workflow captures previous export and deemed-supply data, export product details and relevant authorisation information. Some information may be auto-populated from the IEC profile and should be verified before submission.

Step-by-Step DGFT Norms Fixation Process

1. Search existing norms: Check SION and the ad-hoc norms database for a matching product.

2. Confirm the application type: Determine whether fixation, modification or revision is required.

3. Prepare ANF-4B: Enter export product, input, quantity and value details.

4. Upload supporting records: Add the applicable production data, technical evidence and certificates.

5. Sign and submit online: Use the authorised e-Sign or DSC facility.

6. Monitor application status: Track the application and respond to requests for clarification through the DGFT portal.

DGFT introduced rule-based automation for ad-hoc input-output norms in 2024. Certain cases may still be referred for Norms Committee validation or review.

Featured Snippet Answer

DGFT norms fixation generally requires ANF-4B, export product and input specifications, three years of production and consumption data, applicable Chartered Accountant or Cost Accountant certification, a Chartered Engineer certificate, and wastage justification where claimed. Additional documents depend on the product, application type and current DGFT requirements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using an incorrect ITC (HS) code

• Submitting incomplete production or consumption data

• Providing input quantities without technical justification

• Claiming unsupported wastage

• Mismatching product descriptions across records

• Uploading unclear or incomplete certificates

• Failing to verify auto-populated portal information

• Ignoring DGFT clarification requests

FAQs

1. Which application form is used for DGFT norms fixation?

ANF-4B is used for fixation, modification or revision of SION under the applicable DGFT procedure.

2. Is a Chartered Engineer certificate required?

The applicable ANF-4B guidelines specify a Chartered Engineer certificate for certifying raw material import requirements as per Appendix 4K. Confirm the requirements for your specific application.

3. How many years of production data are required?

The ANF-4B guidelines specify production and consumption data for the preceding three financial years, with the required certification.

4. Can an exporter use existing ad-hoc norms?

Yes, where a previously fixed norm matches the export product, technical characteristics and relevant conditions. Confirm its applicability before relying on it.

5. Can incomplete documents delay norms fixation?

Yes. Missing data or supporting information can lead to clarification requests and may affect processing. Complete and consistent documentation is important.

6. Is the norms fixation process online?

Yes. DGFT provides an online ANF-4B application and Norms Customer Portal for submission and status tracking.

Conclusion

Preparing the correct DGFT norms fixation documents is essential for exporters seeking Advance Authorisation based on appropriate input-output norms.

The best approach is to verify existing norms first, prepare accurate technical specifications, reconcile production and consumption data, obtain applicable certifications and submit a complete ANF-4B application.

Requirements can vary by product and case, so always check the latest DGFT Handbook of Procedures and portal instructions before filing.

Need Professional Help With DGFT Norms Fixation?

A V International assists exporters with DGFT norms fixation, ANF-4B applications, Advance Authorisation documentation, technical-document coordination and export-import compliance.

Our team can help review your documents, identify gaps and organise supporting records before submission.

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.