DGFT adds 14 pre-shipment inspection agencies under foreign trade rules
Importers must use DGFT-recognised inspection agencies for PSIC-backed shipments
Change
DGFT enlisted 14 new Pre-Shipment Inspection Agencies and approved additional instruments for 2 existing agencies under Appendix-2G, authorising them to issue Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificates online through the DGFT portal from 8 May 2026.
Why it matters
The notice expands the recognised agency and instrument pool for shipments that require Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificates. PSIC issuance remains valid only through agencies whose DGFT enlistment or renewal is active and whose approved instruments and operating areas match the shipment requirement. Agencies must maintain calibration, bank guarantee, portal mapping, India office and banking conditions to remain valid for certificate issuance.
Implications
- — Importers requiring Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificates must route inspections through DGFT-recognised PSIAs with active approval — certificates from expired or non-renewed agencies are not valid under the notice.
- — Pre-Shipment Inspection Agencies newly enlisted or adding instruments must maintain calibration certificates, bank guarantees, DGFT portal mapping, India office registration and scheduled-bank accounts — failure to meet approval conditions puts certificate issuance authority at risk.
- — Customs and trade-compliance teams checking PSIC-backed consignments must verify the agency, instrument and operating-area approval against Appendix-2G — mismatched or expired PSIA approval can block clearance documentation.
Who is affected
- — Importers requiring Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificates
- — DGFT-recognised Pre-Shipment Inspection Agencies
- — Customs and trade-compliance teams checking PSIC-backed consignments
What to watch
- — 8 May 2026: new PSIA enlistments and additional instrument approvals take effect from the date of publication.