DGFT Automates Free Sale and Commerce Certificates to Simplify Export Procedures

Free Sale and Commerce Certificate A Free Sale and Commerce Certificate (FSC) confirms that the listed product is freely sold/manufactured in India and can support exporters when such certification is required in overseas markets. Under the Foreign Trade Policy framework, DGFT issues FSCs for eligible products, including items not covered under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 .  Manual Processing → Automated Processing The major change is in how the certificate is issued . Earlier: Exporter submits application → DGFT Regional Authority scrutinises and verifies it → Certificate issued after processing. Now: Exporter submits application online → System checks eligibility and applicable parameters → Eligible application can be automatically issued an FSC without routine manual scrutiny .  This rule-based process is designed to reduce avoidable manual intervention and speed up certificate issuance. Some Applications Will Still Be Checked Manually Automation does not mean that every application will be approved automatically. Applications that: require additional verification, or do not satisfy the automated-processing parameters can still be forwarded to the concerned DGFT Regional Authority (RA) for manual processing. Even some automatically approved applications may later be flagged for review under the system's risk-management parameters .  Faster and More Predictable Export Certification The automated system is expected to: reduce processing time, lower exporters' compliance burden, reduce unnecessary manual intervention, make certificate issuance more transparent and predictable, and retain verification for applications that require closer scrutiny.