| |
|
|
EPCG License
The EPCG (Export Promotion Capital Goods) Scheme is a Government of India initiative designed to promote export-oriented production by facilitating the import of capital goods at concessional or zero customs duty, subject to prescribed export obligations. Administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), the scheme supports technology upgradation, enhances productivity and global competitiveness, and reduces the overall cost of capital investment for eligible exporters. By encouraging the adoption of modern technology and efficient production systems, the EPCG Scheme contributes to sustainable industrial growth and strengthens India's export potential.
-
-
-
What Is EPCG Scheme?
The EPCG (Export Promotion Capital Goods) Scheme is a concessional import scheme that enables eligible exporters to import capital goods at reduced or zero customs duty, subject to fulfilment of prescribed export obligations. Under the scheme, businesses can import machinery, equipment, and technology required for production at preferential rates, thereby reducing the overall cost of capital investment.
By facilitating access to advanced technology and modern equipment, the EPCG Scheme helps enhance productivity, improve global competitiveness, reduce production costs, and strengthen the export performance of Indian industries.
Key Characteristics
- Expert Assessment: Evaluation of capital goods and import requirements in line with the applicable export obligations.
- Concessional Customs Duty: Import of eligible capital goods at zero or concessional customs duty, subject to prescribed conditions.
- Defined Export Obligation: A specific export obligation must be fulfilled within the stipulated timeframe as prescribed under the scheme.
- Cost & Technology Benefits: Reduced capital investment and production costs, along with improved access to advanced machinery and technology.
- Streamlined DGFT Process: Application, amendments, and related approvals can be managed efficiently through the DGFT online portal.
- Compliance & Monitoring: Regular monitoring of export performance, documentation, and compliance to ensure timely fulfilment of the prescribed export obligations.
Why the EPCG Scheme is Important
The EPCG Scheme plays a vital role in strengthening India's export competitiveness and supporting industrial growth. Its key benefits include:
Reduces Production Costs
Enables eligible exporters to import capital goods at concessional or zero customs duty, helping reduce overall manufacturing and investment costs.
Promotes Technology Upgradation
Facilitates access to advanced machinery, equipment, and technology, enabling businesses to modernize operations and improve productivity.
Enhances Global Competitiveness
Helps exporters reduce production costs and improve product quality, enabling them to compete more effectively in international markets.
Stimulates Export Growth
Encourages higher export performance by reducing the financial burden associated with acquiring modern capital goods and technology.
Boosts Industrial Investment
Creates a favorable environment for investment in modern manufacturing infrastructure and technology, supporting long-term industrial development.
Improves Cash Flow
Reduces the upfront customs duty burden on eligible
Industries Covered Under the EPCG Scheme
The EPCG Scheme is applicable across a wide range of export-oriented industries, enabling eligible businesses to import advanced capital goods and technology at concessional or zero customs duty, subject to prescribed export obligations.
- Pharmaceuticals: Facilitates the import of advanced machinery, equipment, and technology for pharmaceutical manufacturing and drug production.
- Electronics: Supports the acquisition of sophisticated equipment and production systems for manufacturing electronic products, components, and devices.
- Automotive: Enables manufacturers to procure modern capital goods for vehicle and automotive component production, improving efficiency, quality, and productivity.
- Textiles & Apparel: Supports the import of state-of-the-art machinery for textile processing, fabric production, garment manufacturing, and related activities.
- Chemicals: Facilitates access to specialized machinery and advanced equipment for chemical processing, manufacturing, and production.
- Industrial Machinery: Supports manufacturers across diverse industries by enabling access to modern machinery, equipment, and technology required for efficient industrial production.
How to Avail Benefits Under the EPCG Scheme
The process of obtaining and utilizing benefits under the EPCG Scheme involves the following key steps:
Initial Consultation
Assess the applicant's eligibility, proposed capital goods, export potential, and applicable export obligations, either with a DGFT advisor or through the relevant DGFT guidelines.
Application Submission
Register on the DGFT portal and submit the EPCG application with details of the proposed capital goods, import requirements, and applicable export commitments.
Documentation & Data Compilation
Prepare and compile the necessary technical, commercial, and financial documents, including product specifications, supplier quotations, manufacturing details, and supporting information related to export capability.
DGFT Review & Authorization
The DGFT reviews the application and supporting documents in accordance with the applicable EPCG provisions. Upon approval, an EPCG Authorization is issued specifying the permitted capital goods, applicable conditions, and prescribed export obligation.
Import & Implementation
After obtaining the authorization, eligible capital goods can be imported in accordance with the scheme's conditions. The authorization holder must use the imported goods for the intended purpose and comply with the applicable requirements.
Export Obligation Fulfilment
The authorization holder must fulfil the prescribed Export Obligation (EO) within the stipulated period and maintain appropriate records and supporting export documentation.
Monitoring & Compliance
Regular monitoring of imports, exports, documentation, and compliance ensures timely fulfilment of the export obligation and facilitates the eventual closure of the EPCG authorization with the DGFT.
Why Kelular
Kelular Consulting is a team of
experienced professionals with in-depth knowledge of
EPCG (Export Promotion Capital Goods) Scheme
procedures, DGFT regulations, and export-import
compliances. We assist businesses in obtaining
an EPCG Authorisation for the import of
eligible capital goods at applicable concessional or zero
customs duty, subject to fulfilment of the prescribed
Export Obligation.
Our team provides end-to-end support,
from assessing eligibility and preparing documentation
to filing the application, obtaining the EPCG
Authorisation, managing amendments, and completing the
required export obligation and closure formalities.
How Can Kelular Consulting Help?
-
EPCG Eligibility Assessment:
We evaluate your business, capital goods, and export
requirements to determine eligibility under the EPCG
Scheme.
-
Application Preparation & Filing:
Assistance in preparing and submitting the EPCG
application through the DGFT portal.
-
Documentation Support:
Guidance in preparing invoices, technical
specifications, declarations, and other documents
required for the application.
-
Export Obligation Guidance:
Assistance in understanding and planning the export
obligation applicable to the EPCG Authorisation.
-
DGFT Query Handling:
Support in responding to deficiencies, clarifications,
and queries raised by DGFT.
-
Amendment Support:
Assistance with permitted amendments to EPCG
Authorisations based on business requirements.
-
Redemption & EODC:
Assistance with preparation and submission of documents
for fulfilment of export obligation and obtaining the
Export Obligation Discharge Certificate
(EODC).
-
Clubbing & Closure:
Guidance and support for eligible clubbing of EPCG
Authorisations and completion of closure formalities.
-
Post-Licence Compliance:
Guidance on maintaining the required records and
complying with the conditions associated with the EPCG
Authorisation.
Why Choose Kelular Consulting?
-
DGFT & EPCG Expertise:
Strong understanding of the EPCG Scheme, Foreign Trade
Policy, and DGFT procedures.
-
End-to-End Assistance:
Support throughout the EPCG lifecycle—from application
and issuance to export obligation fulfilment and
closure.
-
Accurate Documentation:
We help ensure that applications and supporting
documents are properly prepared and aligned with
DGFT requirements.
-
Export Obligation Expertise:
Practical guidance to help businesses plan, monitor,
and fulfil their export obligations within the
prescribed period.
-
Professional Coordination:
Assistance with DGFT communication, deficiencies,
amendments, and application follow-up.
-
Compliance-Focused Approach:
We help clients understand the conditions and
procedural requirements associated with EPCG
Authorisations.
-
Industry-Oriented Support:
Our team considers your specific business operations,
capital goods requirements, and export profile while
providing practical solutions.
Your Trusted Partner for EPCG Authorisation
With Kelular Consulting, you receive
professional guidance and comprehensive support to
obtain, manage, fulfil, and close EPCG
Authorisations efficiently while staying aligned
with DGFT requirements.
Under the EPCG (Export Promotion
Capital Goods) Scheme, eligible
exporters can import a wide range of
capital goods required for
pre-production, production, and
post-production activities at
zero customs duty, subject to applicable
conditions.
Eligible capital goods may include:
-
Machinery and equipment
-
Components and spare parts
-
Tools and dies
-
Jigs and fixtures
-
Production and processing equipment
-
Computer systems and software required
for production or related processes
Important:
Second-hand or used capital goods
are generally not permitted for
import under the EPCG Scheme.
The EPCG (Export Promotion Capital
Goods) Scheme is available to
eligible manufacturer exporters,
merchant exporters tied to supporting
manufacturers, and service providers.
To apply under the EPCG Scheme, the applicant
should generally:
-
Be a manufacturer exporter,
merchant exporter with a supporting
manufacturer, or an eligible
service provider.
-
Hold a valid Importer Exporter
Code (IEC) issued by DGFT.
-
Have a valid GST registration
(GSTIN), wherever applicable.
-
Comply with the Export Obligation
and other conditions prescribed
under the Foreign Trade Policy and
applicable EPCG provisions.
The EPCG Scheme covers a wide range of
sectors, subject to the exclusions,
conditions, and restrictions specified
under the prevailing Foreign Trade Policy
and related DGFT regulations.
Under the EPCG (Export Promotion
Capital Goods) Scheme, the
authorization holder is required to fulfil
an Export Obligation (EO) equivalent
to 6 times the duties, taxes, and cess
saved on the capital goods imported
under the scheme.
The total Export Obligation must
generally be fulfilled within 6 years
from the date of issue of the EPCG
Authorization.
Additionally:
-
50% of the total Export
Obligation must be fulfilled
within the first 4 years.
-
The remaining 50% must
be fulfilled during the
remaining 2 years.
-
Export obligations must be fulfilled
in accordance with the
applicable DGFT provisions and
conditions of the EPCG Authorization.
In simple terms:
Import capital goods under EPCG →
save applicable duties → undertake exports
worth 6 times the duty saved
within the prescribed period.
Yes. The Export Obligation (EO)
period under the EPCG Scheme can be
extended beyond the prescribed
period of 6 years, subject to the applicable
DGFT provisions and payment of the prescribed
composition fee.
-
The Regional Authority (RA)
may grant an extension of the Export
Obligation period for
up to 2 additional years.
-
In exceptional cases,
further extension may be considered by
DGFT Headquarters,
subject to applicable conditions.
-
The application for extension should be
submitted before the expiry of
the original Export Obligation period.
-
The extension is subject to
approval by the competent
authority and payment of the applicable
composition fee.
Important:
Exporters should apply for an extension well
before the expiry of the EPCG obligation
period to avoid non-compliance and potential
consequences under the Foreign Trade Policy.
If the Export Obligation (EO)
under the EPCG Scheme is not fulfilled
within the stipulated period, the
authorization holder may be required to:
-
Pay the customs duties saved
on the imported capital goods, along
with the applicable interest
as prescribed by the Customs authorities.
-
Face penalties and other
actions in accordance with
the applicable provisions of the
Foreign Trade Policy and
Rules.
-
Have the Bank Guarantee (BG),
wherever furnished, invoked
or encashed by the concerned authority,
subject to the applicable terms and
conditions.
Important:
Timely monitoring and fulfilment of the
Export Obligation is essential to avoid
additional financial liability, penalties,
and other compliance consequences under
the EPCG Scheme.
EODC (Export Obligation Discharge
Certificate) is a certificate
issued by the DGFT after
the EPCG Authorization holder has
successfully fulfilled the prescribed
Export Obligation and
submitted the required supporting documents
for verification.
The EODC serves as official confirmation
that the Export Obligation under the
EPCG Authorization has been fulfilled
and, subject to the terms of the
authorization, the holder has
no further Export Obligation
liability under that EPCG
Authorization.
In simple terms:
Fulfil Export Obligation
→ Submit supporting documents
→ DGFT verification
→ EODC issued
→ EPCG obligation discharged.
|
|
|
|
|