The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has extended the Export Obligation period for specified export promotion schemes until 31 August 2026 in response to prevailing geopolitical developments that are affecting global shipping routes, logistics corridors and international supply chains. The step is intended to provide operational flexibility to exporters facing disruptions arising from changes in trade and logistics. The extension is automatic and does not require individual applications.

Through Public Notice No. 51/2025-206 issued on six March 2026, the DGFT provided for automatic extension of the Export Obligation period or block-wise fulfilment period for Advance Authorisations, including Advance Authorisation for Annual Requirement and Special Advance Authorisation, as well as for Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) Authorisations. The measure applies where the Export Obligation period is expiring between one March 2026 and 31 May 2026. The extension is additional to existing provisions under the Foreign Trade Policy and the Handbook of Procedures.

Exporters will not be required to submit separate applications or pay composition fees to avail the benefit under the Public Notice, and the relief is intended to reduce compliance burdens during the disruption. Regional authorities of the DGFT will verify compliance with Export Obligation requirements at the time of issuance of the Export Obligation Discharge Certificate, closure or regularisation of the authorisation. Customs authorities have been informed to permit exports in accordance with the revised timelines.

The announcement reflects the Government's continuing commitment to support exporters and to ensure that temporary global disruptions do not adversely affect India’s export performance or obligations under export promotion schemes. The automatic extension is designed to maintain continuity of export operations while preserving the regulatory framework for later verification and regularisation. Exporters are expected to cooperate with authorities during the discharge and closure processes.