Implementation of Automated Processing for Free Sale and Commerce Certificates via DGFT Portal

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), operating under the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has rolled out a significant procedural upgrade to facilitate seamless international trade. Through the issuance of Trade Notice No. 24/2026-2027 dated August 31, 2026, the regulatory authority has announced the transition to an automated, system-driven mechanism for the issuance of Free Sale and Commerce Certificates (FSC).

This digitization initiative is primarily designed to expedite processing times, minimize the compliance burden on the exporting assessee, and foster a paperless regulatory environment. By integrating a risk-based management approach, the DGFT aims to strike a balance between rapid trade facilitation and necessary regulatory oversight.

Statutory Framework and Applicability

The issuance of Free Sale and Commerce Certificates is governed by specific procedural guidelines laid down by the foreign trade regulatory authorities.