DGFT Introduces Seven New SIONs for Chemical and Allied Products Under Advance Authorisation

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued Public Notice No. 23/2026-27 dated 3 August 2026, introducing seven new Standard Input Output Norms (SIONs) under the Chemical and Allied Products (Product Group ‘A’). These additions cover pharmaceutical formulations, specialty chemicals, and ophthalmic solutions, providing predefined input-output norms for exporters seeking benefits under the Advance Authorisation Scheme.

The notification aims to reduce processing time, eliminate uncertainty in norm fixation, and enable Regional Authorities to approve eligible Advance Authorisation applications without referring every case to the Norms Committee.

What Are Standard Input Output Norms (SIONs)?

Standard Input Output Norms (SIONs) specify the quantity of inputs permitted for manufacturing a specific export product under the Advance Authorisation Scheme.

These norms help exporters by:

  • Standardizing input consumption
  • Simplifying Advance Authorisation approvals
  • Reducing documentation and processing delays
  • Ensuring uniformity across Regional Authorities

DGFT Notification: Seven New SIONs Added

The latest notification introduces the following SION numbers under Chemical and Allied Products (Product Group ‘A’).

A-3708 – Theophylline (Anhydrous)

Export Product:

  • Theophylline (Anhydrous)

Permitted Import Item:

  • Cyano Acetic Acid 70%

A-3709 – PLAOBES 6 mg/ml Pen Liraglutide Injection

Export Product:

  • PLAOBES 6 mg/ml Pen Liraglutide Injection

Permitted Import Item:

  • Liraglutide

A-3710 – Lumefantrine

Export Product:

  • Lumefantrine

Permitted Import Items include:

  • 9H Fluorene
  • Di N Butylamine
  • Sodium Borohydride
  • Para Chloro Benzaldehyde
  • Di Methyl Formamide

A-3711 – Meropenem 500 mg Powder for Solution for Injection or Infusion

The norm specifies the permissible quantity of:

  • Meropenem and Sodium Carbonate (Sterile Bulk)

for manufacturing each vial containing 500 mg equivalent of Meropenem Anhydrous.

A-3712 – Meropenem 1000 mg Powder for Solution for Injection or Infusion

The notification also prescribes input norms for manufacturing:

  • Meropenem 1000 mg Injection

using Sterile Bulk Meropenem and Sodium Carbonate.

A-3713 – Meropenem 2 gm Powder for Solution for Injection or Infusion

Separate input norms have also been fixed for:

  • Meropenem 2 gm Injection

using the prescribed sterile bulk input.

A-3714 – Ophthalmic Solution (Eye & Ear Drops)

For ophthalmic solutions:

  • Export Product: Eye & Ear Drops
  • Import Item: Relevant Bulk Drug(s)

The notification states that the content of the bulk drug will be as specified in the Drug Manufacturing Licence (DML).

Why This Notification Matters

The introduction of these SIONs provides greater certainty for exporters in the pharmaceutical and chemical sectors.

Key benefits include:

Faster Advance Authorisation Approval

Regional Authorities can approve eligible applications directly where these norms apply.

Reduced Processing Time

Applications no longer require referral to the Norms Committee for these products.

Greater Uniformity

Uniform norms reduce variations in approvals across different Regional Authorities.

Easier Compliance

Predefined input-output ratios simplify documentation and planning for exporters.

Industries Likely to Benefit

The notification is particularly relevant for businesses engaged in:

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Manufacturers exporting injectable medicines and ophthalmic formulations can benefit from predefined norms.

Chemical Manufacturers

Producers of specialty chemicals covered under the notification gain easier access to Advance Authorisation.

Export-Oriented Units

Companies regularly importing inputs for export production can expect smoother authorisation processing.

Note:

The DGFT has clarified that these seven new SIONs enable Regional Authorities to grant Advance Authorisation directly in eligible cases without referring individual applications to the Norms Committee. This is intended to reduce processing time while ensuring uniformity in the fixation of norms.

Conclusion

With the introduction of SION Nos. A-3708 to A-3714, the DGFT has expanded the list of standardized norms available under the Advance Authorisation Scheme for Chemical and Allied Products. The notification supports faster approvals, greater consistency, and reduced administrative burden for exporters dealing with eligible pharmaceutical formulations and specialty chemicals. Businesses exporting these products should review the newly prescribed norms and assess their applicability before submitting future Advance Authorisation applications.

Notification Reference:

DGFT
Public Notice No. 23/2026-27
03/08/2026

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