Free Sale and Commerce Certificates to be issued automatically on the DGFT portal: Trade Notice No. 24/2026-27
DGFT is enabling automated issuance of Free Sale and Commerce Certificates (FSC) on its portal, moving from manual verification by Regional Authorities to a rule-based, system-driven workflow. Applications that need verification may still go to the Regional Authority, and some auto-approved ones may be flagged for review later.
Key facts
- In force
- Trade notice dated 31 August 2026
- Who it affects
- Exporters applying for Free Sale and Commerce Certificates, Export Promotion Councils, DGFT Regional Authorities
- What it is
- New facility
- Section
- Foreign Trade
- Published
- 31 August 2026
In 30 seconds
- Trade Notice No. 24/2026-27 is dated 31 August 2026.
- Free Sale and Commerce Certificates are issued under paragraph 2.34 of the Handbook of Procedures for items not covered under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940.
- Eligible applications will be considered for automatic issuance in accordance with the prevailing framework.
- Applications requiring verification, or not meeting the automated parameters, may continue to go to the Regional Authority for manual processing.
- Certain auto-approved applications may later be flagged to the Regional Authority for review under risk management parameters.
हिंदी में सार
DGFT ने Trade Notice 24/2026-27 (31 अगस्त 2026) से बताया है कि Free Sale and Commerce Certificate अब DGFT पोर्टल पर स्वचालित रूप से जारी किए जाएँगे। पात्र आवेदन सिस्टम से अपने-आप मंज़ूर होंगे; जिन आवेदनों में जाँच ज़रूरी है वे पहले की तरह Regional Authority के पास जाएँगे। कुछ स्वतः-मंज़ूर आवेदन बाद में जोखिम मानकों के तहत समीक्षा के लिए भी भेजे जा सकते हैं।
Before and now
On online application, the file is routed to the concerned Regional Authority for manual analysis, verification and approval, which involves substantial processing time.
Eligible applications are considered for automatic issuance on the DGFT portal; others may still be routed to the Regional Authority.
What DGFT has announced
By Trade Notice No. 24/2026-27 dated 31 August 2026, addressed to exporters, Export Promotion Councils, trade and industry associations and DGFT Regional Authorities, DGFT has said that the automated issuance of Free Sale and Commerce Certificates (FSC) is being enabled on the DGFT portal, subject to applicable conditions.
What the certificate is
The trade notice explains that, in accordance with paragraph 2.34 of the Handbook of Procedures (HBP), the Directorate issues Free Sale and Commerce Certificates to exporters for items not covered under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940.
How it worked so far
At present, when an exporter applies online, the file is routed to the concerned Regional Authority (RA) for manual analysis, verification and approval. The trade notice itself says this involves substantial processing time.
What changes
The automation is described as being in line with paragraph 1.04(d) of the Handbook of Procedures, 2023, which envisages phased implementation of a rule-based, system-driven workflow with a risk-based management approach. The key features listed are:
| Type of application | What happens |
|---|---|
| Eligible applications | Considered for automatic issuance in accordance with the prevailing framework |
| Applications requiring verification, or not meeting the automated processing parameters | May continue to be routed to the concerned Regional Authority for manual processing |
| Certain auto-approved applications | May subsequently be flagged to the concerned Regional Authority for review under the system’s risk management parameters |
The stated effect of the trade notice is a transition from manual verification to a system-driven workflow, to enable seamless, paperless processing and expedited turnaround times for trade and industry.
What the trade notice does not say
It does not set out the parameters that decide whether an application is eligible for automatic issuance, and it does not give a processing time for either route. It refers only to “the prevailing framework” and “applicable conditions”.
What exporters should do
- Continue to apply online on the DGFT portal for a Free Sale and Commerce Certificate for items not covered under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940.
- Expect that an application may be issued automatically, or routed to the Regional Authority if it needs verification.
Questions and answers
What is a Free Sale and Commerce Certificate?
As per the trade notice, it is a certificate DGFT issues to exporters under paragraph 2.34 of the Handbook of Procedures, for items not covered under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940.
Will every application now be approved automatically?
No. Eligible applications are considered for automatic issuance. Applications requiring verification, or those not meeting the automated processing parameters, may continue to be routed to the concerned Regional Authority for manual processing.
Can an automatically issued certificate be reviewed later?
Yes. The trade notice says certain auto-approved applications may subsequently be flagged to the concerned Regional Authority for review under the system’s risk management parameters.
Where is the application made?
Online on the DGFT portal, where the automated issuance is being enabled.
Published 31 August 2026. Updated 9 October 2026. This report is for general information and is not professional advice. Read the source document before acting on it.