The DGFT introduced and implemented a User-Friendly and Searchable Database of the Ad-hoc Norms fixed on 17^th July 2023 through Trade Notice 15/2023-24. As a part of this trade notice the DGFT also highlighted Para 4.12(vi) of the Handbook of Procedure (HBP) 2023, wherein it is stated that Norms ratified by any Norms Committee (NC) in the O/o DGFT on or after 01.04.2023 in respect of any Advance Authorisation obtained under paragraph 4.07 shall be valid for a period of 3 years from the date of ratification. However, the Norms ratified by any Norms Committee (NC) on or after 01.04.2015 in respect of any Advance Authorisation obtained under paragraph 4.07 of HBP, 2015-2020 shall also be valid further up to 31.03.2026.

To ensure facilitation of the same; the DGFT introduced an easy-to-use searchable Ad-hoc Norms database. This database allows searches based on the following criteria: –

• Export Item Description
• ITC(HS) Code of the Export Item(s)
• Import Item Description
• ITC(HS) Code of the Import Item(s)

This facility can be accessed by visiting the DGFT website and navigate to Services > Advance Authorisation/DFIA > Ad-hoc Norms. In case of any norms is found suitable and is valid as per HBP provisions then an applicant can apply for an Advance License under “No-Norm Repeat” basis without ratification required from the norms committee.

The DGFT has also launched a helpdesk wherein any queries related to the new searchable Ad-hoc norms database shall be raised.