SCOMET Policy for the export of drones/ UAVs: DGFT Invites Public Comments

"With the aim of simplifying the policy of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)/Drones under the SCOMET list, a draft policy amendment of the Category 5B of the SCOMET List and the General Authorization for Export of Drones/UAVs (Excluding Software and Technology) for specific types of drones/UAVs is proposed. The same is being circulated for the public/industry comments and feedback," the DGFT said.

Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment, and Technologies (SCOMET) items are dual-use items that can be used for both civilian and military applications. The export of items on the SCOMET list is governed by India's Foreign Trade Policy. To export SCOMET, the exporter must obtain a licence from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Commerce.

Category 5B relates to unmanned aerial vehicles, including cruise missiles, target drones, and reconnaissance drones, and related equipment and specially designed components.

As per the policy, SCOMET authorization will not be required for the export and/or re-export of UAVs, including drones, remotely piloted air vehicles, and autonomous programmable vehicles, not specified under SCOMET Categories/sub-categories 3D013, 5B (a) & (b), 6A010, and 8A912. The vehicle shall be capable of a range equal to or less than 5 km and deliver a payload of not more than 5 kg (excluding the software and technology of these items).

Comments on the draft policy and GAED procedure are invited and may be sent to scomet-dgft@nic.in by September 15, 2022.

Dated: 30.08.2022

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