DGFT Ends Physical Challans for EODC Applications
Digital Customs payment records to simplify authorisation closure under Advance Authorisation and EPCG schemes
- Physical duty challans no longer required for payments made from August 1.
- DGFT-ICEGATE integration enables direct verification of duty payments.
- New system aims to reduce processing time and compliance burden.
- MSME exporters are expected to benefit from reduced paperwork.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 10th Aug: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has removed the requirement for exporters to submit physical duty payment challans while applying for Export Obligation Discharge Certificates (EODC) under the Advance Authorisation and Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) Schemes.
The change applies to voluntary duty payments made on or after August 1, 2026. Exporters will now be able to access authenticated payment details through the DGFT Customer Portal and verify that the payments have been correctly mapped to the relevant authorisation.
The facility has been enabled through API-based integration between DGFT and ICEGATE, allowing Customs duty payment records to be transmitted electronically to DGFT’s EODC processing system.
The authenticated payment records will also be accessible to DGFT Regional Authorities through the Back Office, eliminating manual verification of payment particulars.
The move is expected to reduce paperwork, avoid unnecessary correspondence, improve data accuracy and shorten processing timelines. It will also reduce compliance costs and physical interface, particularly for MSME exporters managing closure formalities themselves.
DGFT has issued Trade Notice No. 15/2026-27 dated August 5, 2026, informing exporters and other stakeholders about the change.
Under the Advance Authorisation Scheme, exporters can import inputs duty-free for incorporation into export products, while the EPCG Scheme permits import of capital goods at concessional or zero customs duty against an export obligation.
Where an export obligation is not fully met, authorisation holders can regularise the case by paying the proportionate customs duty saved along with applicable interest before applying for an EODC. Previously, proof of such payment had to be submitted physically and verified manually by the Regional Authority.
