Amendments in Category 5B of Appendix 3 (SCOMET Items) to Schedule-2 of ITC (HS) Classification of Export and Import items - 14/2023 - Foreign Trade Policy

UAV export controls eased: small drones now eligible for general authorization under GAED, reducing licensing requirements.

The substituted Category 5B recasts export controls on unmanned aerial vehicle systems, related equipment, propulsion systems, safing/arming mechanisms, production facilities, and associated technology and software; cruise missiles are excluded to the Munitions List. A carve out moves certain lower capability UAVs not otherwise controlled to a General Authorisation for Export of Drones (GAED), exempting qualifying exporters from per shipment SCOMET licenses during the authorisation period, subject to post reporting and documentary requirements, with GAED procedure to be notified separately.