What is Advance Authorisation on repeat basis?
Advance Authorisation on repeat basis is a facility under the Advance Authorisation scheme under which a subsequent Advance Authorisation can be obtained against input-output norms already ratified by the DGFT Norms Committee, without the norms being fixed or ratified afresh, subject to the applicable conditions and validity of the ratified norms.
As per Para 4.12(v) of the Handbook of Procedures (HBP) 2023, an Advance Authorisation on repeat basis should be filed under the “Ad hoc Norms Fixed” category with the concerned Regional Authority (RA).
Further, since decisions of the Norms Committees are available as minutes on the DGFT website, as per Para 4.12(vi) of HBP 2023, other applicants of Advance Authorisation may also obtain Authorisations based on such ratified norms on repeat basis during the validity of those norms, subject to the exclusions specified in that provision.
Therefore, an exporter does not necessarily have to undergo a fresh norms-fixation exercise every time an Advance Authorisation is required for a product for which applicable norms have already been ratified and remain valid.
Who it suits: the repeat-basis facility is particularly useful for exporters who manufacture and export the same or similar products regularly and require repeated Advance Authorisations against established input-output norms.
Have ratified norms from an earlier Authorisation? Book a free consultation and our DGFT team will assess whether they fit your next export order.
WhatsApp 91004 44999Key facts about repeat basis
- Scheme: repeat basis is a facility within the Advance Authorisation scheme and is not a separate Advance Authorisation licence category.
- Governing provisions: Para 4.12(v) and 4.12(vi) of HBP 2023.
- Administering authority: the Advance Authorisation application is processed by the concerned DGFT Regional Authority. The applicable input-output norms may have been ratified by the DGFT Norms Committee.
- Core benefit: where valid and applicable ratified norms are available, the applicant does not have to seek fresh norms fixation/ratification for every subsequent Advance Authorisation.
- Ad hoc norms: where ad hoc norms have already been ratified by the Norms Committee and are available for use on repeat basis, a subsequent applicant can apply against those norms, subject to the conditions of Para 4.12(vi) of HBP 2023.
- Validity of specified ratified norms: as per Public Notice No. 07/2026-27 dated 5 May 2026, norms ratified by the Norms Committee on or after 1 April 2015 in respect of Advance Authorisations obtained under Para 4.07 are valid up to 31 March 2028, subject to the conditions and exclusions specified in Para 4.12(vi) of HBP 2023.
- Availability to other applicants: other applicants can also apply for Advance Authorisation based on such ratified norms on repeat basis during their validity.
- Important exclusions: Para 4.12(vi) of HBP 2023 does not apply to applications relating to items listed in Appendix 4P or to ad hoc norms where the Norms Committee has expressly specified that such norms shall not be applicable to other applications.
- Import validity: the normal validity period for import under an Advance Authorisation is 12 months from the date of issue of the Authorisation. One revalidation for 12 months is permitted in accordance with Para 4.39 of HBP 2023, subject to the applicable conditions.
- Export Obligation period: the normal Export Obligation period is 18 months from the date of issue of the Advance Authorisation, subject to the specific provisions and extensions permitted under HBP.
Important 2026 update: validity of ratified ad hoc norms
A significant change was introduced through Public Notice No. 07/2026-27 dated 5 May 2026, which amended Para 4.12(vi) of HBP 2023.
- Ratified on or afterNorms ratified by any Norms Committee on or after this date, for an Advance Authorisation obtained under Para 4.07 of HBP 2023
- Public Notice 07/2026-27Amends Para 4.12(vi) of HBP 2023
- Valid up toOther applicants may obtain Advance Authorisations based on such ratified norms on repeat basis during this validity
However, this facility is not available:
- For applications relating to items listed in Appendix 4P
- Where the Norms Committee has expressly specified in an ad hoc norms decision that the norms shall not be applicable to other applications
Check the decision, not the history. Exporters should check the actual Norms Committee decision and not rely solely on the fact that a similar Advance Authorisation was issued previously.
Ask us to checkEligibility
An exporter can seek an Advance Authorisation on repeat basis where the proposed Authorisation can be issued against already-ratified and valid input-output norms. This may be applicable in two situations:
Your own ratified norms
The applicant has previously obtained an Advance Authorisation against norms ratified by the Norms Committee.
Norms ratified in another case
Applicable ratified norms are available in the DGFT Norms Committee records and can be used by other applicants during their validity.
Where to check whether norms have already been ratified
- DGFT website
- Services
- Advance Authorisation / DFIA
- Ad-hoc Norms
In this context, the applicant should verify
- The export product covered by the proposed Authorisation
- The applicable ITC(HS) classification and description
- The input-output relationship covered by the ratified norms
- The quantity and nature of inputs permitted
- The wastage, wherever applicable
- The validity of the ratified norms
- Whether the relevant Norms Committee decision contains any restriction on use by other applicants
- Whether the product or input falls under any exclusion specified under Para 4.12(vi)
Hence the applicant should ensure that the proposed Authorisation is covered by the applicable ratified norms.
Can your next Authorisation go on repeat basis?
Answer seven questions built from the points above. It is a starting point, not advice for your specific case.
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When repeat basis may not apply
Repeat basis should not be treated as an automatic facility merely because the applicant has obtained an Advance Authorisation for the product in the past. A fresh norms exercise may become relevant where the proposed application involves an input-output relationship that is not covered by the applicable ratified norms.
Examples include:
- A new input that is not covered by the existing norms
- A different input-output ratio
- An export product not covered by the existing norms
- A change in the nature or specification of the input which takes it outside the scope of the ratified norms
- An ad hoc norms decision containing a specific restriction on its applicability to other applicants
In such cases, the applicant should examine whether another norms route is available:
Benefits: procedural, not an extra duty benefit
The principal benefit of repeat basis is procedural rather than an additional customs-duty benefit. Where the proposed Authorisation can be issued against existing valid ratified norms, the exporter can avoid undertaking a fresh norms-fixation/ratification exercise for the same norms.
No fresh norms-fixation exercise
The applicant need not approach the Norms Committee again for fixation of norms that are already ratified and valid for the proposed Authorisation.
Reduced norms-fixation documentation
The applicant does not have to repeat the entire norms-fixation exercise merely because another Advance Authorisation is required against the same applicable norms.
No repeat Norms Committee examination
If Para 4.12(v) of HBP 2023 is applicable, further Authorisations can be obtained against the ratified norms without subsequent ratification by the Norms Committee.
Quicker issuance of Authorisation
Exporters with recurring export orders for products covered by established norms can avoid repeating the norms-fixation process for each Authorisation.
Greater predictability
The applicant can refer to an existing Norms Committee decision rather than having the same input-output relationship examined afresh, subject to the validity and applicability of the norms.
What repeat basis does not mean
- A reduction in customs duty beyond the benefits otherwise available under Advance Authorisation
- Automatic approval of every subsequent application
- Exemption from the normal Advance Authorisation conditions
- Permission to use inputs outside the ratified norms
- Exemption from Export Obligation or other post-licensing compliance requirements
Repeat basis in practice: a chemical exporter’s second order
How one ratification can serve the next Authorisation, and how another eligible exporter may use the same norms.
Case profile: a manufacturer-exporter of a chemical product
A manufacturer-exporter manufactures a particular chemical product and obtains an Advance Authorisation under the applicable provisions.
- 1First Authorisation
Norms ratified
The input-output norms for the product are subsequently ratified by the DGFT Norms Committee.
- 2New export order
Another Authorisation needed
The exporter later receives another export order for the same product and requires another Advance Authorisation.
- 3Repeat basis
Apply against the ratified norms
If the applicable ratified norms are still valid and cover the proposed export product and inputs, the exporter can apply for the subsequent Advance Authorisation on repeat basis against those norms. The exporter does not have to seek fresh ratification of the same norms merely because a new Authorisation is being applied for.
- 4Regional Authority
Processed against the ratified norms
The application would be processed by the concerned Regional Authority against the applicable ratified norms.
Similarly, another eligible exporter may also be able to apply against the same ratified norms during their validity, provided the conditions of Para 4.12(vi) of HBP 2023 are satisfied and the norms are not subject to an exclusion or specific restriction.
This is the illustrative example from our brief, not an actual client case.
Documents and information required
The exact documents required may depend on the nature of the application and the applicable Advance Authorisation procedure. The applicant should therefore rely on the documents prescribed for the online ANF 4A application and any additional documents required by the Regional Authority. The following may generally be relevant:
Application
- ANF 4A application for Advance Authorisation
- Declarations/undertakings prescribed under the Advance Authorisation procedure
Registrations
- Importer Exporter Code (IEC) details
- Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC), wherever applicable
Product and inputs
- Details of the proposed export product
- Details of inputs proposed to be imported/procured duty-free
Norms reference
- Reference to the relevant Norms Committee decision/ratified norms
- Relevant Norms Committee minutes/order or the applicable SION, as the case may be
- Details of the earlier Authorisation, where relying on norms previously ratified in your own case
Commercial documents
- Export order/proforma invoice or other supporting commercial documents, wherever applicable
Supporting manufacturer
- Details relating to the supporting manufacturer, where applicable
Keep any additional documents or information called for by the Regional Authority ready. The Regional Authority may require clarification or supporting information wherever necessary for processing a particular application.
How it works
Ten steps from identifying the norms to closing the Authorisation, grouped into four stages.
Check the norms
Before you fileIdentify the applicable normsIdentify the SION or Norms Committee-ratified norms applicable to the proposed export product and inputs.
Verify validityCheck whether the norms are still valid for use on repeat basis. For ad hoc norms covered by the amended Para 4.12(vi) of HBP 2023, the validity should be checked against the 31 March 2028 validity provision and the relevant Norms Committee decision.
Check applicabilityVerify that the export product is covered, the inputs are covered, the proposed input-output relationship is covered, and no exclusion or specific restriction applies.
Prepare and file
ANF 4A applicationPrepare the application in ANF 4APrepare the Advance Authorisation application in ANF 4A with the applicable details and supporting documents.
Select the appropriate categoryWhere applicable, the application should be filed under the “Ad hoc Norms Fixed” category, as prescribed for further Authorisations against norms already ratified by the Norms Committee.
File the applicationSubmit the application online to the concerned DGFT Regional Authority.
Get the Authorisation
With the Regional AuthorityRespond to deficiencies, if anyIf the Regional Authority seeks clarification or additional documents, provide the required information and supporting documents.
Obtain the AuthorisationOnce the Regional Authority processes the application and the applicable conditions are satisfied, the Advance Authorisation is issued.
Use and close
Export Obligation and EODCComplete imports and exportsUse the Authorisation in accordance with its terms and conditions to fulfil the applicable Export Obligation within the prescribed period.
Apply for closureAfter fulfilment of the Export Obligation and other applicable conditions, apply for the relevant Export Obligation Discharge Certificate (EODC)/closure of the Authorisation.
How Kireeti Consultants can help
Kireeti Consultants assists exporters and manufacturers with Advance Authorisation on repeat basis applications using previously ratified norms. If you need an Advance Authorisation on repeat basis, book a free consultation with our DGFT team.
Eligibility check
Our DGFT team assesses your eligibility and whether an existing SION or ad hoc norms fit your requirement.
Documentation and application
We support you with documentation and prepare an accurate online application for submission.
Tracking through to closure
We track the Authorisation from the submission of the application to its closure, with guidance on Export Obligation (EO) compliance and EODC closure.
Repeat basis FAQs
No. “Repeat basis” does not provide any additional discount on customs duty or guarantee faster Customs clearance. The duty exemption available on imports is based on the Advance Authorisation scheme and the applicable Customs exemption provisions and is not an additional benefit arising from the Authorisation being obtained on repeat basis.
Similarly, Customs clearance of imports against an Advance Authorisation on repeat basis is subject to the normal Customs procedures, verification and conditions applicable to Advance Authorisation imports.
The main point to consider is not simply whether the product has changed, but whether the changed product and proposed inputs remain covered by the applicable ratified norms.
No. It is not mandatorily required for every repeat application; it may be necessary only where the circumstances or applicable requirements ask for it.
There is no prescribed limit on repeat Authorisations. Multiple further Authorisations may be obtained against the same ratified norms, provided the norms remain valid and the application otherwise satisfies the applicable Advance Authorisation requirements.
Yes, provided the norms fixed for your earlier Advance Authorisation have been ratified by the Norms Committee and are still valid. You may apply under the “Ad hoc Norms Fixed” route using the previously ratified norms.
No. Completion of Export Obligation on the earlier Authorisation is not, by itself, a condition for applying for a further Authorisation against the same ratified norms.
If the Regional Authority (RA) does not accept that the application qualifies for repeat basis, the applicant should establish that the proposed Advance Authorisation is covered by the previously ratified norms. The applicant may refer to the relevant Norms Committee minutes and demonstrate that the export product, inputs, input-output ratios and other relevant parameters are covered by the ratified norms and that the norms remain valid.
If the applicant considers that the RA has incorrectly rejected the repeat-basis claim, the applicant may seek a decision from the RA and pursue the applicable review/appeal remedy under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992 and the applicable DGFT procedures.
Yes. Repeat basis is available to both manufacturer exporters and merchant exporters, provided the merchant exporter is tied to a supporting manufacturer.
No. While ad hoc norms ratified by the Norms Committee are generally available for obtaining further Advance Authorisations on repeat basis during their validity, the facility is subject to certain exclusions. Repeat basis is not available for Authorisations involving items listed under Appendix 4P. It is also not available where the Norms Committee has expressly specified in its decision that the particular ad hoc norms shall not be applicable to other applications.
Yes. Another exporter can use norms that were ratified in someone else’s case, provided the norms are eligible for repeat-basis use.
On the DGFT website, go to Services → Advance Authorisation / DFIA → Ad-hoc Norms.
No. Repeat basis does not provide any additional customs-duty benefit. It is a procedural/norms-fixation facility, not an additional duty exemption. The customs-duty benefit comes from the Advance Authorisation itself.
Official DGFT and CBIC sources
- Handbook of Procedures 2023, Para 4.12(v): further Authorisations against norms already ratified by the Norms Committee (dgft.gov.in).
- Handbook of Procedures 2023, Para 4.12(vi), as amended by DGFT Public Notice No. 07/2026-27 dated 5 May 2026: validity of ratified norms up to 31 March 2028.
- Handbook of Procedures 2023, Para 4.39: revalidation of the import validity.
- Foreign Trade Policy 2023, Chapter 4: Duty Exemption and Remission Schemes.
This page gives general information on Advance Authorisation on repeat basis under FTP 2023 and HBP 2023. It is not legal advice. Rules change through DGFT public notices and Customs notifications, so confirm the current position for your case with us or on the official portals before acting.
