The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, has issued Public Notice No. 14/2026-27 dated June 01, 2026, notifying the fixation of six new Standard Input Output Norms (SIONs) under the ‘Chemical and Allied Product’ group (Product Code-‘A’) with Serial Numbers A-3702, A-3703, A-3704, A-3705, A-3706, and A-3707. The Public Notice has been issued in exercise of powers conferred under Paragraph 1.03 of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023, as amended from time to time.
What are Standard Input Output Norms (SIONs)?
Standard Input Output Norms (SIONs) are pre-determined ratios specifying the quantity of inputs (raw materials) permitted to be imported against a given quantity of export product under the Advance Authorisation scheme of the FTP. Fixation of SIONs enables Regional Authorities (RAs) of DGFT to issue Advance Authorisations directly to exporters, without the need to refer each case individually to the Norms Committee, thereby streamlining the process and reducing approval timelines.
New SIONs Notified — Summary of Six New Entries:
The six new SIONs notified under Public Notice No. 14/2026-27 are as follows:
SION No. A-3702 — Export Product: Artemether PH.I/ USP (Qty: 1 kg.)
- Permitted Import: Artemisinin — Qty. Allowed: 1.04 kg.
- Permitted Import: Trimethyl Ortho Acetate — Qty. Allowed: 0.50 kg.
SION No. A-3703 — Export Product: Artesunate PH.I (Qty: 1 kg.)
- Permitted Import: Artemisinin — Qty. Allowed: 0.80 kg.
SION No. A-3704 — Export Product: Dihydro Artemisinin (Qty: 1 kg.)
- Permitted Import: Artemisinin — Qty. Allowed: 0.92 kg.
SION No. A-3705 — Export Product: Doxycycline Hyclate DR Tablets USP 100 mg (Qty: 1 Number Tablet)
- Permitted Import: Doxycycline Hyclate USP — Qty. Allowed: 117.72 mg.
SION No. A-3706 — Export Product: Doxycycline Hyclate DR Tablets USP 150 mg (Qty: 1 Number Tablet)
- Permitted Import: Doxycycline Hyclate USP — Qty. Allowed: 176.58 mg.
SION No. A-3707 — Export Product: Doxycycline Hyclate DR Tablets USP 200 mg (Qty: 1 Number Tablet)
- Permitted Import: Doxycycline Hyclate USP — Qty. Allowed: 235.44 mg.
Effect of the Public Notice:
As stated in the Public Notice, six new SIONs for export products under the Chemical & Allied Product Group ‘A’ are being notified to enable Regional Authorities (RAs) to issue Advance Authorisations directly, eliminating the need for case-by-case referrals to the Norms Committee. This will expedite the approval process and ensure greater uniformity in decision-making across the country.
Industry Significance:
The newly notified SIONs are of significant importance to the Indian pharmaceutical export industry. Artemisinin derivatives — including Artemether, Artesunate, and Dihydro Artemisinin — are key active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) used globally for the treatment of malaria, particularly in Africa and Southeast Asia. Doxycycline Hyclate is a broad-spectrum antibiotic widely used across the world for multiple bacterial infections. By fixing SIONs for these products, the DGFT has facilitated faster clearance of Advance Authorisations for exporters of these critical pharmaceuticals, thereby enhancing India’s competitiveness in global pharmaceutical supply chains.
Benefits to Exporters:
- Advance Authorisations for these six products can now be issued directly by Regional Authorities without referral to the Norms Committee.
- Faster processing of import authorisations for key pharmaceutical raw materials (Artemisinin and Doxycycline Hyclate USP).
- Greater uniformity and predictability in the norm-setting process, reducing compliance burden.
- Encourages export of high-value pharmaceutical formulations by making the duty-exemption route more accessible.
