DGFT Eliminates Physical Duty Payment Challans for Export Obligation Discharge Certificate Applications

New Delhi: In a significant step towards improving the ease of doing business, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has abolished the requirement for exporters to submit physical duty payment challans while applying for Export Obligation Discharge Certificates (EODCs).

The latest reform is part of the government's broader initiative to digitise trade-related services and streamline compliance procedures for exporters. Under the revised process, applicants will no longer be required to furnish hard copies of duty payment challans as supporting documents during the submission of EODC applications.

Instead, the verification of duty payments will be carried out through digital records and integrated government systems, reducing manual intervention and speeding up the processing of applications.

The DGFT said the change is expected to minimise paperwork, improve transparency and make the application process more efficient for exporters operating under various export promotion schemes.

Export Obligation Discharge Certificates are issued after exporters fulfil the obligations prescribed under schemes such as the Advance Authorisation Scheme and other export incentive programmes administered by the DGFT. The certificates serve as proof that the exporter has met the required export commitments.

Industry stakeholders have welcomed the decision, saying it will reduce documentation requirements, lower compliance costs and accelerate approvals. The reform is also expected to reduce administrative delays arising from the submission and verification of physical documents.

The move aligns with the government's vision of creating a paperless and technology-driven trade ecosystem. Over the past few years, the DGFT has introduced several digital initiatives, including online licensing, electronic certificates and integrated trade facilitation services, to improve the efficiency of India's foreign trade administration.

Trade experts believe the latest measure will particularly benefit small and medium exporters by reducing procedural complexities and enabling faster clearance of applications.

The DGFT's decision is expected to strengthen India's export facilitation framework while supporting the country's objective of enhancing global trade competitiveness through digital governance.