EPCG/ Advance License Certificate

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EPCG Certificate (Export Promotion Capital Goods Authorization) and Advance Licence (Advance Authorization) are export
promotion schemes issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade to help Indian exporters reduce import costs. Both schemes
allow duty benefits, but they serve different purposes.

ParticularEPCG CertificateAdvance Licence (Advance Authorization)
PurposeDuty-free or concessional import of capital goods (machines, equipment, tools)Duty-free import of raw materials, components, consumables, and packing materials used in export production
Issued byDGFTDGFT
Main BenefitReduces import duty on capital goodsExempts customs duties on imported inputs
ConditionExporter must fulfill the prescribed Export Obligation (EO)Exporter must use the imported materials to manufacture goods that are exported
ValidityAs specified in the authorization and DGFT policyAs specified in the authorization and DGFT policy

Key Difference

  • EPCG is for importing capital goods such as machinery to manufacture export products.
  • Advance Licence is for importing raw materials and inputs that are consumed in producing export goods.