The EPCG Scheme facilitates duty‑free import of capital goods, enabling Indian exporters to modernise production, reduce costs, and enhance global competitiveness.
Last updated on: March 31, 2026
The Export Promotion Capital Goods scheme helps Indian exporters import machinery at zero customs duty. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) administers this scheme to boost manufacturing and export growth.
The Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) Scheme allows you to import capital goods at zero customs duty. You can use this scheme to upgrade your production facilities with modern machinery. The scheme covers manufacturer exporters, merchant exporters, and service providers. Capital goods include machinery, equipment, computer systems, software, spares, moulds, dies, and testing instruments. You must fulfil an export obligation of six times the duty saved. This obligation period spans six years from your licence issuance date. The EPCG scheme ensures duty benefits contribute to India's export growth. You can upgrade production facilities with advanced technology at minimal cost.
Zero Customs Duty: You import capital goods at zero percent customs duty. This reduces your initial capital investment significantly.
Domestic Sourcing Option: You can buy capital goods from domestic markets with deemed export benefits. Your export obligation reduces by 25 percent. You also get GST exemption on domestic purchases.
Flexible Repayment: You fulfil export obligations over six years. This gives you adequate time for production setup and market development.
Technology Access: You gain access to modern machinery and equipment. This helps you improve product quality for international markets.
Extension Options: You can request export obligation extensions within six months of expiry. Late applications attract a fee of ₹10,000 per authorisation.
No Bank Guarantee: You need only a bond when shipments are under ₹1 crore. This eases your financial burden considerably.
Wide Coverage: The EPCG scheme covers hotels, hospitals, software companies, and logistics providers.
You must hold a valid Import Export Code (IEC) from DGFT.
You need registered exporter status as manufacturer, merchant, or service provider.
Your export turnover should be minimum ₹1 crore in the previous year.
You must not appear on DGFT's Negative List or RBI's caution list.
You need proof of manufacturing capacity through MSME registration or Udyog Aadhar.
You must have remaining export obligation equivalent to duty on imported goods.
You need a valid Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) from Export Promotion Council.
| Document Name | Purpose |
|---|---|
Import Export Code (IEC) |
Mandatory identification for import/export activities |
DGFT Digital Signature Certificate |
Required for online application submission |
Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) |
Proof of exporter registration |
Industrial Registration Certificate |
MSME/Udyog Aadhar as manufacturing proof |
GST Certificate |
Tax registration certificate |
Proforma Invoice |
Details of capital goods with specifications |
Application Form ANF-5A |
Official DGFT application form |
Appendix 5A |
Technical certification by Chartered Engineer |
Appendix 5B |
Financial certification by Chartered Accountant |
Payment Proof |
Application fees proof (0.1% of duty saved) |
1.Register on DGFT Portal
Visit https://www.dgft.gov.in and register as a new user. Login using your DGFT Digital Signature Certificate. Manual applications are not accepted for this scheme.
2.Access Application Module
Click the "Services" tab on the DGFT dashboard. Select "Online e-COM Application" option. Choose "EPCG (0%)" from available schemes.
3.Fill Application Details
Enter your port of registration for imported machinery. Select exporter type and product group code. Fill CIF value in rupees and US dollars.
4.Add Registration Details
Complete industrial registration by selecting registration type. Enter registration number and date of issue. Upload factory address matching your manufacturing licence.
5.Specify Product Details
Enter export items you will manufacture using imported goods. Provide capital goods details including specifications and quantity. Ensure details match your purchase order exactly.
6.Upload Documents
Attach IEC, RCMC, industrial certificates, and GST certificate. Upload proforma invoice and Chartered Engineer Certificate. Include Chartered Accountant Certificate and supporting documents.
7.Pay and Submit
Pay application fees equivalent to 0.1 percent of duty saved. Review all information carefully before submission. The licence is issued within three days after approval.
8.Register at Customs
Submit licence copy to Customs at import port. Provide bonds and supporting documents. This registration enables duty exemptions on imported goods.
| Scheme Name | Objective | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
Advance Authorisation Scheme |
Duty-free input imports |
Zero duty on inputs based on SION |
RoDTEP |
Refund embedded taxes |
Tax refunds as duty credit |
Duty Drawback Scheme |
Refund customs duties |
Refund of actual duties paid |
RoSCTL |
Rebate for textile exports |
Rebate of 1.7% to 6% of FOB |
Interest Equalisation Scheme |
Subsidised interest rates |
2-3% interest subsidy on loans |
The export promotion capital goods scheme empowers you to modernise production capabilities. You import capital goods at zero duty, reducing the need for a substantial business loan to cover upfront taxes.. The scheme offers flexible timelines and domestic sourcing options. This makes the EPCG scheme advantageous for exporters committed to international trade.
Business Loans on Bajaj Markets can support your EPCG plans by funding machinery, working capital, and expansion, so you can meet export obligations without straining cash flow.
Reviewer
EPCG stands for Export Promotion Capital Goods. The benefit is zero customs duty on imported capital goods. You can upgrade production facilities and boost exports using this scheme.
Manufacturer exporters are eligible for EPCG benefits. Merchant exporters tied to supporting manufacturers can apply. Service providers with a valid Import Export Code (IEC) can also avail this scheme.
You must fulfil an export obligation equal to six times the duty saved. This obligation applies to imported capital goods. You complete this within six years from licence issuance.
Register and log in on the DGFT portal. Select the EPCG scheme from the available options. Fill out the application form and upload the required documents. Pay the application fees and submit for approval.
Yes, service exporters can avail EPCG benefits. Hotels, hospitals, and software companies are eligible. You must demonstrate use of imported capital goods in export services.