About this business scheme
The Export Promotion Capital Goods Scheme helps businesses import capital goods at zero customs duty. Open to applicants aged 18 to 80, it has no application deadline. Apply online through the DGFT portal.
The Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) Scheme aims to boost India’s manufacturing competitiveness. It allows businesses to import capital goods needed for production without paying customs duty.
This scheme is managed by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It supports manufacturers and service providers in enhancing their export capabilities.
By facilitating the import of essential machinery and equipment, the scheme helps improve the quality of goods and services produced in India. This, in turn, strengthens India’s position in global trade.
Benefits at a glance
| Scheme name | Export Promotion Capital Goods Scheme (EPCG) |
|---|---|
| Launched by | Ministry Of Commerce And Industry |
| Department | Directorate General of Foreign Trade |
| Launch year | 2022 |
| Benefit | The Export Promotion Capital Goods Scheme helps businesses import capital goods at zero customs duty. |
| Benefit type | Composite (cash plus goods or services) |
| Category | Business |
| Level / State | Central · All India |
| Official portal | dgft.gov.in (link at the end of this page) |
Key facts
| Scheme type | Central Sector Scheme |
|---|---|
| Scheme for | Infra |
| Application mode | Online |
| Last date | Ongoing (no last date notified) |
| DBT (direct bank transfer) | No |
| Age | 18 to 80 years |
Who can apply (quick check)
- 👤All genders
- 🎂Age 18 to 80 years
- 📝Online
Quick check from official data. Full conditions are in the Eligibility section.
What you receive
- Zero customs duty on capital goods imports.
- Exemption from Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) and Compensation Cess.
The benefits are available immediately upon approval of the EPCG authorization. There is no direct bank transfer involved.
Who qualifies
- Applicant must be aged between 18 and 80.
- Must have an active Importer Exporter Code (IEC).
- Must have paid customs duty on previous imports.
- Must be logged into the DGFT Customer Portal.
- E-Sign and Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) must be enabled.
Who is not eligible
- No exclusions are specified in the source.
Papers to keep ready
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Registration walkthrough
- Visit the DGFT portal.
- Log in with your credentials.
- Navigate to 'Services' and select 'EPCG'.
- Apply for an EPCG file number.
To check your application status, log in to the DGFT portal. You can also contact the DGFT office for assistance.
Important dates
| Launch / start | 01 Feb 2022 |
|---|
Real-life examples: are you eligible?
A quick way to gauge your eligibility: find the profile nearest to yours.
Example 1: A manufacturer aged 30 with an active IEC and previous imports is eligible because they meet all criteria. Example 2: A service provider aged 45 with an inactive IEC is not eligible because their IEC is not active.
- Not having an active IEC can lead to rejection.
- Incomplete documentation may cause delays.
- Failure to log in properly can result in application issues.
- Not enabling E-Sign and DSC before submission can lead to rejection.
- Incorrect details in the application can cause rejections.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main benefit of the EPCG Scheme?
The main benefit is the ability to import capital goods at zero customs duty.
Who can apply for the EPCG Scheme?
Manufacturers, merchant exporters, and service providers can apply.
How long do I have to fulfill the export obligation?
You have six years to meet the export obligation.
Is there a fee for applying?
There may be fees for amendments, but no application fee is mentioned.
Can I change my supporting manufacturer after applying?
Yes, you must inform the customs authority of any changes.
What happens if my IEC is inactive?
You cannot apply if your IEC is cancelled or suspended.
What is the validity period of the EPCG authorization?
The authorization is valid for 24 months from the date of issue.
Can I import restricted items under this scheme?
Yes, but you need approval from the Exim Facilitation Committee.
Submit your application yourself on the official portal; it costs nothing. Treat anyone demanding money to "get you approved" as a scam.
tsmpb.in is not affiliated with any government department. Apply only on the official portal and never pay anyone for an application.
First draft prepared with editorial AI tools; every fact verified against the official notification and rewritten by our team.
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