Introduction
SCOMET is a part of the Government of India’s Strategic Trade Control/Export Control framework. Strategic trade controls are laws and regulations designed to regulate the cross-border movement of dual-use goods, software, services and technologies.
Dual-use refers to goods and technologies that have legitimate civilian or industrial applications, but may also have military applications or potential use in nuclear, chemical or biological weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their delivery systems.
The objective of Strategic export controls is to prevent the proliferation of WMD and their delivery systems and regulate the uncontrolled transfer of conventional arms, military items, and dual-use goods/technologies.
India maintains a harmonized export-control list covering dual-use and military items, software, and technologies. Such items generally require export authorization/licence, while certain items may be exempted or prohibited.
1. What is Scomet?
SCOMET is India’s strategic export control list, maintained under the country’s Strategic Trade Control framework. SCOMET stands for Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment and Technologies.
In simple terms, SCOMET is a list of controlled items and technologies that may have strategic, dual-use, defence, nuclear, chemical, biological, or other sensitive applications.
If a person or company intends to export an item or technology that falls under the SCOMET List, the exporter is generally required to obtain the applicable authorization/licence from DGFT before export, unless a specific exemption or general authorization applies.
2. What are the categories of Scomet Item?
There are a total of nine SCOMET categories, under which controlled products, materials, equipment, software, and technologies are classified. Which are as follows
| SCOMET Category | SCOMET Items |
|---|---|
| 0 | Nuclear materials, nuclear-related other materials, equipment and technology |
| 1 | Nuclear materials, nuclear-related other materials, equipment and technology |
| 2 | Micro-organisms, Toxins |
| 3 | Materials, Materials Processing Equipment and related Technologies |
| 4 | Nuclear-related other equipment and technology, not controlled under Category ‘0’ |
| 5 | Aerospace systems, equipment, including production and test equipment, and related technology |
| 6 | Munitions List |
| 7 | Certain Emerging Technologies and related items |
| 8 | Special Materials and Related Equipment, Material Processing, Electronics, Computers, Telecommunications, Information Security, Sensors and Lasers, Navigation and Avionics, Marine, Aerospace and Propulsion |
1. What is the objective of SCOMET?
The purpose of SCOMET is to prevent exports of goods, software, and technology that could contribute to:
a. Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)
b. Nuclear weapons
c. Chemical weapons
d. Biological weapons
e. Missile technology
f. Military applications
g. Terrorism
At the same time, it allows legitimate exports through an authorization system after scrutiny of the end user and end use.
2. Why are these five components such as Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment and Technologies, grouped together under SCOMET?
Since SCOMET is an acronym for Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment and Technologies. These five components collectively represent the broad categories of strategic and dual-use items that may have both civilian and military applications. Their inclusion under the SCOMET framework enables the Government of India to regulate exports, prevent proliferation of sensitive technologies, and fulfil its international non-proliferation commitments while facilitating legitimate trade.
Our role
1. How can BR & Associates help determine whether our product falls under SCOMET?
BR & Associates conducts a detailed review of the product specifications, technical literature, HS Code, end use, and other relevant information to assess whether the product falls under the SCOMET List.
Based on the assessment, we guide the client on the applicable SCOMET category and the appropriate regulatory route.
2. How does BR & Associates assist in obtaining a SCOMET Licence?
We provide end-to-end assistance, including product classification, documentation review, application preparation, and filing with DGFT.
We also coordinate with the client throughout the application process and provide support until the application is processed by the concerned authorities.
3. What documents and information does BR & Associates help prepare for a SCOMET application?
We guide clients in preparing and compiling technical specifications, end-use/end-user documents, purchase orders, contracts, declarations, and other documents applicable to the proposed export.
We also review the documents before submission to identify inconsistencies or deficiencies that may affect processing.
4. Can BR & Associates assist with DGFT queries or deficiencies in a SCOMET application?
Yes. We assist clients in understanding queries, deficiencies, or additional information sought by DGFT or other concerned authorities.
We help prepare structured replies, supporting documents, technical clarifications, and representations for submission to the authority.
5. Does BR & Associates provide support after obtaining the SCOMET Licence?
Yes. Our assistance can extend to licence conditions, reporting requirements, amendments, post-export documentation, and other applicable compliance requirements.
Need more help?
Feeling inquisitive? Have a read through some of our FAQs or contact our Supporters for help
Frequently asked questions
What are the dual-use items as per SCOMET List?
| SCOMET Category | Product | Civil / Industrial Use | Military / WMD Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category 1 | Triethanolamine | Cosmetics and personal care products, pharmaceuticals | Ammunition manufacturing, chemical weapons |
| Category 1 | Sodium Sulphide | Chemical manufacturing, paper and pulp industry | Chemical warfare agents |
| Category 2 | Clostridium butyricum | Probiotics, biotechnology, medical research | Biological warfare |
| Category 5 | UAVs (Drones) | Aerial photography, videography, search and rescue, infrastructure inspection | Surveillance, reconnaissance, target acquisition, strike operations, electronic warfare, mine detection and clearance |
| Category 6 | Explosives, HMX, Propellants | Demolition, construction, mining, pyrotechnics | Demolition and breaching operations, landmines, controlled explosive devices, blast mitigation |
| Category 7 | Quantum and Emerging Technologies | Research, healthcare, secure banking, telecommunications, navigation, material science | Secure military communications, cryptanalysis resistance, submarine detection, precision navigation without GPS |
| Category 8 | Telecommunication systems, communication equipment and encryption software | Telephony, television broadcasting, satellite communications, energy and utility monitoring | Command and control systems, secure military communications, secure military networks, interoperability |
| Category 8 | Integrated Circuits | Consumer electronics, smart home technology, industrial automation | Missiles and guided munitions, secure communications, encryption systems, military electronics |
| Category 8 | Lasers, laser components and optical equipment | Laser surgery, medical devices, barcode scanners, optical readers, entertainment, astronomy and space observation | Laser targeting, range finding, night vision systems, laser weapons and laser range designators |
