Overview
Export control regulations govern the movement of controlled goods, technology, and services across borders. These rules exist not as trade barriers but as instruments of national security and non-proliferation policy. For businesses operating in technology, manufacturing, and research sectors, understanding export controls is not optional—it is a prerequisite for lawful international engagement.
India maintains its own export control regime through the SCOMET (Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment and Technologies) list, administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade. This regime aligns broadly with international frameworks—the Wassenaar Arrangement for conventional arms and dual-use goods, the Nuclear Suppliers Group, the Australia Group for chemical and biological precursors, and the Missile Technology Control Regime. Compliance requires understanding not just Indian law but these international commitments.
The concept of "deemed export" adds complexity: transferring controlled technology to a foreign national within India may constitute an export requiring authorisation. This affects research institutions, multinational corporations with foreign employees, and companies engaged in collaborative development. The line between permitted knowledge sharing and controlled technology transfer is often unclear, requiring careful analysis of what is being transferred, to whom, and for what purpose.
Key Considerations
Classification Analysis
Systematic determination of whether goods, software, or technology fall within SCOMET categories or international control regimes, considering technical parameters, end-use potential, and destination factors.
License Determination
Identifying whether specific transactions require export authorisation, fall within license exceptions, or qualify for license-free treatment under applicable regulations.
End-Use Monitoring
Establishing due diligence procedures for verifying customer end-use representations and detecting potential diversion to prohibited uses or users.
Deemed Export Compliance
Implementing controls for technology access by foreign nationals, including visitor procedures, information security, and employment screening.
Record Keeping
Maintaining documentation sufficient to demonstrate compliance, including classification records, license applications, shipping documents, and end-use certificates.
Re-export Provisions
Addressing downstream transfer restrictions that apply when customers resell or transfer controlled items to third parties or third countries.
Applying the TCL Framework
Technical
- Determining whether products or processes incorporate controlled parameters
- Understanding technology transfer vectors—physical exports, electronic transmission, visual disclosure
- Assessing whether information qualifies as fundamental research exempt from controls
- Evaluating encryption levels and their control implications
- Distinguishing between controlled technical data and non-controlled general knowledge
Commercial
- Building compliance costs into pricing for controlled-item transactions
- Managing timeline impacts of license application processes
- Structuring distribution arrangements to maintain export control visibility
- Addressing customer due diligence requirements without commercial friction
- Balancing compliance requirements against competitive time-to-market pressures
Legal
- Incorporating compliance representations and warranties in supply contracts
- Drafting re-export restriction clauses enforceable under customer jurisdiction law
- Structuring end-use monitoring provisions that balance verification needs with commercial relationships
- Addressing liability allocation for compliance failures in the supply chain
- Coordinating with criminal law exposure for knowing violations
"Export control compliance is not a checkbox exercise—it is an ongoing obligation that touches every international transaction. The regulations are complex, the penalties severe, and the reputational damage from violations lasting. Businesses must build compliance into operations, not bolt it on as an afterthought."
Common Pitfalls
Classification Complacency
Assuming products are not controlled without systematic analysis. Many commercial items incorporate components or technologies subject to export restrictions.
Deemed Export Blindness
Overlooking technology transfer to foreign nationals within India. Deemed export rules apply regardless of where the disclosure occurs.
Inadequate Customer Screening
Failing to verify customer identities and end-use representations against denied party lists and red flag indicators.
Re-export Ignorance
Not understanding that Indian and foreign export controls may follow items through subsequent transfers, creating ongoing compliance obligations.
Recordkeeping Gaps
Insufficient documentation to demonstrate compliance during audits or investigations, even for transactions that were actually compliant.
Export Control Framework
India's export control framework centres on the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992 and the SCOMET list updated periodically by DGFT. The Weapons of Mass Destruction and their Delivery Systems (Prohibition of Unlawful Activities) Act, 2005 prohibits proliferation activities and enables catch-all controls on items not listed but known to be intended for WMD programmes. The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act addresses export to terrorist organisations. International commitments through the Wassenaar Arrangement, NSG, MTCR, and Australia Group influence but do not directly bind Indian law—SCOMET incorporates relevant provisions. The India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement and subsequent NSG membership affect technology transfer possibilities. Enforcement involves multiple agencies: DGFT for licensing, Customs for border enforcement, and law enforcement for criminal violations.
Practical Guidance
- Establish a classification procedure that reviews all products, technology, and services for export control implications before commercial engagement.
- Implement denied party screening for all customers, end-users, and intermediaries against DGFT and international lists.
- Create a deemed export programme addressing technology access by foreign national employees and visitors.
- Document all classification determinations with the technical analysis supporting each conclusion.
- Train relevant personnel—not just compliance staff but sales, engineering, and shipping personnel—on red flag recognition.
- Build lead time for license applications into commercial planning; authorisations can take months to obtain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Practice Areas
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