Restricted goods for international shipping from India are items allowed for export with a licence, permit, or registration — distinct from prohibited goods which are banned outright. Major restricted categories: dual-use technology (DGFT SCOMET), wildlife and CITES species (Wildlife Crime Control Bureau), AYUSH and herbal exports (AYUSH ministry), narcotic precursors (Narcotics Control Bureau), dangerous goods batteries and chemicals (IATA DGR), food (FSSAI), and antiquities (ASI). Each requires a separate issuing authority and document set. Couriers cannot accept restricted shipments without valid permits attached.
Restricted vs prohibited
The distinction matters for every export decision:
- Prohibited: cannot be exported at all — currency notes above limits, ivory and CITES Appendix I species, narcotics, certain printed materials. No permit overrides the ban.
- Restricted: allowed with a licence, permit, or registration from the relevant authority.
The Indian regulatory framework is built on the ITC HS (Indian Trade Classification) schedule, maintained by DGFT. Every 8-digit HS code carries a flag — free, restricted, or prohibited. Always check the ITC HS classification first; if restricted, identify the issuing authority for your specific category. For the banned-outright list, see prohibited items international shipping guide.
For the broader process from India, see the International Shipping from India: Complete Guide.
DGFT-issued export licences
DGFT issues licences for two main restricted streams:
SCOMET (Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment, Technologies) — dual-use items with both civilian and military application. The list includes specified chemicals, biotech materials, electronics, drone components, advanced sensors, and certain software. SCOMET licences require Inter-Ministerial Working Group review; typical issue time is 30-90 days. Applications often face follow-up technical queries — budget time accordingly and never ship SCOMET items before the licence number is in hand.
Restricted Export List under ITC HS — covers selected textiles, rubber, marine products, certain food items, sandalwood, agarwood, and others. Application on the DGFT portal{target="_blank" rel=“noopener nofollow”} typically issues in 7-21 days for routine restricted items. See export documentation simplified guide for the broader documentation flow.
Dangerous goods (IATA DGR)
The IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations{target="_blank" rel=“noopener nofollow”} classify hazardous items into nine classes. Shipper-relevant cases for India outbound:
- Class 9 (Miscellaneous): lithium batteries in devices (laptops, phones, power banks, e-bikes) — restricted by Watt-hour, quantity, and packaging rules under IATA PI 967, 968, 969, 970.
- Class 3 (Flammable liquids): perfumes, alcohol-based liquids, oil-based paints — UN packaging plus quantity limits.
- Class 2 (Gases): aerosols and compressed gas cylinders.
- Class 8 (Corrosives): certain cleaning agents, batteries with corrosive electrolyte.
Required for all IATA DGR shipments: UN-certified packaging, the correct hazard label, a signed Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD), and shipper certification (formal IATA DGR training, valid 2 years). Most general couriers refuse DG without a certified shipper on file. Specialised freight forwarders and DGD-certified courier channels (Aramex, certain Blue Dart channels) handle these shipments.
See the hazardous materials courier safety guide for India-side DG handling specifics.
Specialised regulators — CITES, AYUSH, FSSAI, ASI, NCB
Several non-DGFT authorities issue restricted-goods permits relevant to Indian exporters:
CITES (wildlife and listed plant species) — the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau in coordination with DGFT issues CITES permits for sandalwood, agarwood, certain medicinal plants, corals, and animal-origin materials. Appendix I species are prohibited; Appendix II species are restricted with permit.
AYUSH ministry — Ayurvedic, Unani, Siddha, Homoeopathy products require registration via AYUSHEXIL council. Certain items also require a Drug Controller NOC. Destination acceptance varies — USA FDA, EU EMA, Canada Health Canada, and Australia TGA each have specific herbal-import rules. Coordinate with the importer before booking.
FSSAI — food products require an FSSAI export licence, plus destination country food authority compliance (FDA for USA, FSANZ for Australia, EFSA for EU, SFDA for Saudi Arabia).
ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) — antiquities (items more than 100 years old) need an ASI export permit. Without it, the item is presumed prohibited.
NCB (Narcotics Control Bureau) — narcotic precursor chemicals and certain controlled substances; rare in courier flow but critical when applicable.
Note: a clean permit on the Indian side does not guarantee acceptance at the destination port. Destination customs has independent authority — see country-specific shipping requirements. For the documentation that ties everything together, see customs documentation made simple. For freight-level handling adjacent to courier, see restricted goods international courier guide.
The permit-shipment workflow
The six-step workflow from item classification to destination customs clearance:
- Classify the item against ITC HS code and check the restricted-list flag. Use the DGFT ITC HS schedule. Many items are restricted only at certain HS subheadings — exact 8-digit classification matters.
- Apply for the relevant licence at the issuing authority’s online portal. DGFT, AYUSHEXIL, FSSAI, CITES Management Authority, ASI, or carrier-side IATA DGR certification.
- Receive the permit. Verify validity period covers the planned shipping date plus 2-3 weeks of buffer.
- Book the courier or freight forwarder with the permit attached as supporting document. Couriers refuse without a permit copy. Routing through courier service in Mumbai or other major port hubs gives faster ICEGATE clearance.
- Customs clearance at port of departure. The shipping bill at ICEGATE references the permit; customs verifies validity and HS-code match.
- Destination customs. A separate import permit may apply at destination — the importer’s responsibility but the shipper should coordinate before dispatch.
Courier-level acceptance varies — some carriers refuse certain restricted categories entirely regardless of permit (live animals, narcotic precursors, certain wildlife). Verify with the carrier before submitting the permit application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between restricted and prohibited goods for export?
Restricted goods are items that can be exported from India with a valid licence, permit, or registration from the relevant authority. Prohibited goods are banned outright and cannot be exported in any quantity. The DGFT maintains the Indian Trade Classification HS schedule that flags every item with its export status. Restricted categories include SCOMET dual-use items, CITES wildlife species, AYUSH products, antiquities, and dangerous goods.
How do I get a SCOMET export licence?
SCOMET licences are issued by DGFT through the online portal at DGFT.gov.in. Apply by classifying your item against the SCOMET list categories, submitting supporting documents, and waiting for Inter-Ministerial Working Group review. Typical issue time is 30 to 90 days. SCOMET applications often face follow-up queries from technical reviewers. Budget time accordingly and never ship SCOMET items before the licence number is in hand.
Can I ship lithium batteries internationally from India?
Lithium batteries are restricted under IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations Class 9. They can be shipped internationally from India with IATA-compliant packaging, hazard labelling, a Dangerous Goods Declaration, and a certified shipper. Quantity and Watt-hour limits apply. Most general couriers refuse lithium battery shipments without IATA DGR-certified shipper status. Specialised freight forwarders and DGD-certified courier channels handle these shipments.
Do AYUSH and ayurvedic products need an export licence?
AYUSH products including ayurvedic, unani, siddha, and homoeopathy items need registration with the AYUSH ministry through AYUSHEXIL council. Some items also require a Drug Controller NOC. Each destination country has its own import rules — the United States, Canada, European Union, and Australia have particularly strict herbal product import requirements. Coordinate with the importer to confirm destination-side compliance before shipping.
What happens if I ship a restricted item without a permit?
Shipping a restricted item without the required permit results in customs seizure at the port of departure (ICEGATE check), confiscation of the consignment, and possible penalty for the shipper. Couriers also refuse acceptance for known restricted categories without permit documentation attached. Repeat offences can lead to suspension of the shipper’s IEC (Importer Exporter Code) by DGFT. Always confirm permit status before booking the shipment.
Conclusion
Restricted goods are workable with the right permit and lead time. The mistake to avoid is treating them as prohibited and giving up on the export — or worse, treating them as ordinary cargo and trying to slip through customs. Classify against ITC HS, apply at the right authority, ship with the permit attached. Get an international courier quote once your permit is in hand.