Ad-hoc norms are specific Input-Output norms for an export product for which there is no SION (Standard Input Output Norms).

Norms Committee is the Committee in the DGFT for endorsing the Input Output norms that are notified by the Director General of Foreign Trade.

There are 7 Norms Committee looking after various groups of products under Norms Fixation.

There are cases where norms have not been notified by the DGFT or where the applicant wants to get their ad-hoc norms fixed before making an application for Advance Authorization. This is called as Norms Fixation.

No, Norms Fixation is not required for EPCG Scheme.

Yes. Norms Fixation will not be required in these cases:

1. If the exporter applies for Advance Authorisation License against which SION Norms exist.
2. If the exporter applies for Self Ratification of SION Norms. An exporter can apply for Self Ratification only if the exporter has a 2 Star Export House Status Holder Registration or an AEO T2 Registration applicants.

No. EPR registration and Norms Fixation are not related at all. EPR Registration is compulsory if importing a product in plastic packing.

Yes, Norms Fixation will be required for AEO T1 registered companies. Only AEO T2 registered companies have self-ratification of Norms and hence only AEO T2 registered companies can avoid fixation of Norms.

No, LMPC (Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities) Registration is not directly related to Norms Fixation under DGFT. Norms Fixation deals with determining the quantity of raw materials required to produce a unit of export product, while LMPC governs labeling and packaging compliance for goods sold in India. However, if the importer also sells packaged commodities domestically, LMPC Registration would be needed separately for those products.

While Norms Fixation focuses on establishing input-output ratios for export manufacturing under DGFT schemes, EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) ensures environmental accountability for waste management. Both are independent processes — but an exporter or manufacturer who imports materials under Advance Authorisation or EPCG and also deals in plastic, electronic, battery, or tyre products must comply with EPR regulations in addition to fulfilling export obligations under Norms Fixation.

An AEO T1 (Authorised Economic Operator – Tier 1) certified company enjoys faster Customs clearance, reduced document scrutiny, and priority handling, which indirectly supports the Norms Fixation process. Since AEO T1 exporters are considered low-risk, their applications for Ad-hoc Norms or SION Norms ratification at DGFT are processed more efficiently, improving credibility and reducing delays in obtaining Advance Authorisations.

With AEO T2 status, companies receive enhanced Customs facilitation such as deferred duty payment, direct port delivery, and reduced physical inspections. This helps exporters demonstrate a strong compliance framework to DGFT during the Norms Fixation process, which can lead to faster approval of Ad-hoc Norms and streamlined verificationof technical data and production processes.

AEO T3, being the highest level of Customs recognition, reflects a company’s robust internal controls, compliance reliability, and international credibility. DGFT and Customs authorities are more likely to trust the input-output data and manufacturing process submissions of AEO T3 companies, which can expedite Norms Fixation approvals and minimize post-verification requirements. It enhances both procedural ease and the company’s reputation in export facilitation.

Norms Fixation is an integral part of the Advance Authorisation Scheme. When no SION (Standard Input Output Norms) exist for a particular export product, an exporter must apply for Ad-hoc Norms Fixation to determine the eligible quantity of inputs required for manufacturing. DGFT then approves these norms, enabling the exporter to import raw materials duty-free under Advance Authorisation. Hence, Norms Fixation is the foundation for duty exemption eligibility.

In the EPCG (Export Promotion Capital Goods) Scheme, Norms Fixation is not mandatory, but the concept of input-output correlation still applies. Exporters importing capital goods under EPCG must achieve a specific export obligation linked to the duty saved. Having well-defined norms for production helps in maintaining accurate export records and demonstrating compliance during EPCG redemption or EODC filing. Therefore, understanding norms ensures transparency in both Advance Authorisation and EPCG operations.