EPCG Certification and Consultancy Services in Delhi

You imported capital goods under the EPCG Scheme. Customs cleared the machinery. It’s installed and running. Now DGFT needs proof.

The EPCG Installation Certificate is that proof — and without it, your EPCG authorisation cannot be closed, your Export Obligation Discharge Certificate (EODC) cannot be processed, and the bond or bank guarantee you filed at Customs stays locked.

Sapient Services provides EPCG Scheme Installation Certificate services through qualified Chartered Engineers in Delhi NCR and across India. Our certificates are DGFT-compliant, accepted by Regional Authorities, and built to withstand scrutiny at every stage of the EPCG compliance lifecycle.

Whether you need a fresh certificate, have missed the submission deadline, or need end-to-end EPCG compliance support — we have handled it all for exporters, manufacturers, and import houses across India.

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What Is an EPCG Installation Certificate?

An EPCG Installation Certificate is a document confirming the physical installation of capital goods at the factory premises declared in the EPCG authorisation. It is issued either by an independent Chartered Engineer or the Jurisdictional Customs Authority — at the option of the authorisation holder.

The certificate is required by DGFT to verify two things: that the imported capital goods are actually installed at the specified location, and that production using those goods has commenced. It is a prerequisite for EODC redemption.

What the certificate must confirm:

• Physical installation of machinery at the address declared in the EPCG authorisation.
• Serial numbers of installed machinery match exactly with the Bill of Entry and import documents.
• Capital goods are operational and ready for commercial production use.
• Machinery details align with the purpose declared in the EPCG authorisation.
• For supporting manufacturer cases — installation at the supporting manufacturer’s endorsed premises.

Understanding the EPCG Scheme — Key Facts for 2026

The Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) Scheme is administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under India’s Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023. It allows import of capital goods at zero customs duty, subject to a prescribed export obligation.

Important: Many online sources still mention ‘6 months’ as the submission deadline — that was the old provision under HBP 2015-20. As per Public Notice No. 15/2024-25 dated 25 July 2024, the deadline has been extended to 3 years for all EPCG authorisations. If you have an older authorisation and missed the 6-month window, condonation options are available — contact Sapient Services for guidance.

Who Needs an EPCG Installation Certificate?

Anyone who has imported capital goods under an EPCG authorisation is required to obtain this certificate. This includes:

• Manufacturer exporters — those who manufacture and export goods directly using the imported capital goods.
• Merchant exporters — those tied to a supporting manufacturer where the machinery is installed.
• Service providers — hotels, hospitals, logistics companies, and other service sector exporters holding EPCG authorisations.
• Common Service Providers (CSP) — entities certified by DGFT for shared production facilities.
• Importers who availed the zero-duty benefit on capital goods and have completed installation.
• Supporting manufacturers — where capital goods are installed at their premises rather than the main importer’s factory.

The certificate requirement applies regardless of whether the machinery is at the importer’s own premises or at a supporting manufacturer’s location — both scenarios require the certificate.

Who Can Issue an EPCG Installation Certificate in India?

DGFT recognises two authorities for issuing EPCG Installation Certificates:

1. Independent Chartered Engineer (Preferred Route)

An independent Chartered Engineer with relevant domain expertise inspects the installed machinery and issues the certificate. This is the most commonly chosen route because it is faster, more flexible in scheduling, and equally accepted by DGFT Regional Authorities.

Sapient Services issues EPCG Installation Certificates through experienced Chartered Engineers who are matched to the relevant industry — whether manufacturing, engineering, pharma, healthcare, or processing industries. Our certificates are consistently accepted at DGFT RAs without queries.

A copy of the Chartered Engineer-issued certificate must also be forwarded to the Jurisdictional Customs Authority for their records.

2. Jurisdictional Customs Authority

The EPCG authorisation holder can opt for a physical inspection by the Jurisdictional Customs Authority, which then issues the certificate. This option is available but depends on Customs officer availability and scheduling, which can cause delays. The Chartered Engineer route is generally faster for most exporters.

How Sapient Services Issues Your EPCG Installation Certificate — Step by Step

Our process is built around zero rejection at DGFT. Here is exactly what happens from the day you contact us:

1. Document Review (Day 1–2): We review your EPCG authorisation, Bill of Entry, commercial invoices, packing list, and any prior DGFT/Customs correspondence — ensuring completeness before we schedule the site visit.
2. Site Inspection Scheduling (Day 2–3): We schedule a physical inspection at your factory at a time that works for your operations. For pan-India locations, we coordinate with our network of Chartered Engineers.
3. On-Site Verification (Day 3–5): Our Chartered Engineer physically inspects the installed machinery, cross-verifies serial numbers against the Bill of Entry, confirms operational status, and documents factory layout details as required.
4. Draft Certificate Review: We share the draft certificate for your review before finalisation — ensuring all details match your authorisation precisely.
5. Certificate Issuance: The Installation Certificate is issued on Sapient Services letterhead, duly signed and stamped by the Chartered Engineer, with all required technical details.
6. Customs Intimation Copy: We prepare the copy required to be forwarded to the Jurisdictional Customs Authority for their records.
7. Post-Certification Guidance: We advise on the next compliance steps — annual return filing, EO tracking, and EODC redemption documentation when the time comes.

Typical Turnaround: 5–7 working days from document submission and site inspection. Priority processing (2–3 working days) available — contact us to discuss.

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Documents Required for EPCG Installation Certificate

Please keep the following ready before our inspection visit:

• EPCG authorisation copy (issued by DGFT Regional Authority).
• Bill of Entry (BoE) for each import shipment under the authorisation.
• Commercial invoice and packing list from the overseas supplier.
• Technical specifications of the capital goods — machinery name, model number, serial numbers.
• Factory address proof — matching the premises declared in the EPCG authorisation.
• Floor plan or layout showing the installation location of machinery within the factory.
• Any prior correspondence with DGFT or Customs concerning this authorisation.
• IEC (Import Export Code) copy.
• Details of export products for which the machinery is being used (for nexus confirmation if required).

If some documents are incomplete or unavailable, let us know at the time of engagement. We assess the situation and advise on the appropriate path rather than simply declining to proceed.

Types of Chartered Engineer Certificates Required Under EPCG Scheme

There are multiple stages in the EPCG lifecycle where a Chartered Engineer certificate is required. Many exporters are aware of only one. Sapient Services handles all of them:

Nexus Certificate — Before Import (Application Stage)

Before DGFT grants an EPCG authorisation, an applicant must submit a Nexus Certificate from an independent Chartered Engineer in Appendix 5A. This certificate establishes the technical connection between the capital goods proposed for import and the export products to be manufactured.

The nexus certificate confirms the name, model, and technical description of the machinery and explains how it enables production of the declared export items. Without this, the EPCG authorisation cannot be issued.

Installation Certificate — After Import and Installation

This is the certificate covered in detail on this page. Issued after physical installation of capital goods, it confirms machinery is operational at the declared premises. Required for DGFT RA records under revised Para 5.04(a) of HBP 2023 (Public Notice 15/2024-25).

Technical Assessment / Valuation Certificate — For Used or Refurbished Machinery

If capital goods being imported are second-hand, refurbished, or reconditioned, Customs and DGFT may require a technical assessment and residual life valuation from a Chartered Engineer. This is separate from the Installation Certificate and is typically required at the import stage. Sapient Services provides this as well.

EPCG Installation Certificate Submission Timeline — Updated Rules (2024–2026)

This is one area where outdated information creates real compliance problems. Here is the current, verified position:

Source: DGFT Public Notice No. 15/2024-25 dated 25 July 2024 — revised Para 5.04(a) of HBP 2023.

Note: If you are still reading older articles that say ‘6 months’ — that rule was changed in July 2024. The current deadline for new authorisations is 3 years. For missed deadlines on older authorisations, regularisation is possible. Contact Sapient Services to assess your specific case.

Missed the Deadline for EPCG Installation Certificate? Here’s What to Do

This is one of the most common problems we help exporters resolve. The deadline passed — now the DGFT RA is not accepting the certificate. Here is the practical path forward:

For Authorisations Under FTP 2009-14 and FTP 2015-20

DGFT has periodically issued condonation windows for delayed submission. The most recent was in January 2025 (following Public Notice 22/2023-DGFT from July 2023), allowing delayed certificates to be accepted on payment of a late fee. The conditions typically require that the capital goods were actually installed within the prescribed period, even if the certificate was not submitted in time.

If your authorisation falls under these older policies, contact Sapient Services immediately. We assess the applicable condonation route and assist with the regularisation submission to the DGFT RA.

For Authorisations Under FTP 2023 (From 1 April 2023 Onwards)

Under the revised Para 5.04(a) of HBP 2023, the deadline is now 3 years from import completion. If you need additional time beyond 3 years, a specific extension can be obtained from the DGFT Regional Authority on payment of ₹10,000/- per year of extension, up to the validity of the EO period.

Do not wait. The longer a deadline is missed, the more complex the regularisation process becomes.

1. Contact Sapient Services — we will review your EPCG authorisation details and advise the exact path.
2. We prepare the necessary condonation or extension documentation.
3. We assist with the DGFT RA submission and track the case through to acceptance.

EPCG Compliance Lifecycle — Where the Installation Certificate Fits

Many exporters focus only on getting the authorisation and clearing imports. The compliance requirements that follow are where things go wrong. Here is the full lifecycle so you know exactly where you stand:

Common Mistakes That Lead to EPCG Certificate Rejection

From handling EPCG certification assignments across India, here are the errors we consistently see — and how we prevent them:

1. Serial Number Mismatch with Bill of Entry

The serial number engraved on the installed machine must match exactly with the BoE and EPCG authorisation. A single character difference triggers a DGFT query and delays the submission. Sapient conducts detailed cross-verification before the certificate is issued.

2. Installation at a Different Address Than Declared

The machinery must be installed at the exact factory address mentioned in the EPCG authorisation. If you have shifted, added a unit, or changed premises since the authorisation was issued, you need a premises amendment from the DGFT RA before the installation certificate can be issued. We identify this issue before the site visit — not after.

3. Non-Domain-Specific Chartered Engineer

DGFT verifies CE-issued certificates on a random basis. If the issuing engineer lacks relevant domain expertise for the machinery type, the certificate can be questioned. Sapient Services matches engineers to industry and machinery category.

4. Incomplete Document Set

Attempting to get the certificate issued without a complete document set leads to rescheduling and delays. We provide a full document checklist at the time of engagement so there are no surprises on inspection day.

5. Assuming the Old 6-Month Timeline Still Applies

We regularly encounter exporters who believe their submission is already overdue because they read older articles citing the 6-month rule. Under Public Notice 15/2024-25, the timeline is now 3 years for FTP 2023 authorisations. If you are under an older FTP, condonation options exist — but you must take action, not assume the deadline has passed irrevocably.

Why Exporters Choose Sapient Services for EPCG Installation Certificates

EPCG Installation Certificate Cost — What Determines the Fee

Sapient Services offers transparent, project-specific pricing. There are no hidden charges. The cost depends on the following factors:

Get a free written quote within 24 business hours.

Call +91 9540162888 or email valuation@sapientservices.com with your EPCG authorisation number and factory location.

Frequently Asked Questions — EPCG Installation Certificate

Q1. What is the current deadline to submit the EPCG Installation Certificate?

As per Public Notice No. 15/2024-25 dated 25 July 2024, the submission deadline for EPCG Installation Certificates has been revised to 3 years from the date of completion of import. This applies to authorisations under FTP 2023. For authorisations under older FTPs (2009-14 or 2015-20), the timeline was different — but condonation windows have been provided by DGFT. If your deadline has passed, contact Sapient Services for guidance on regularisation.

Q2. Who can issue an EPCG Installation Certificate?

An EPCG Installation Certificate can be issued by either the Jurisdictional Customs Authority or an independent Chartered Engineer — at the option of the EPCG authorisation holder. The Chartered Engineer route is faster and equally accepted by DGFT. A copy of the CE-issued certificate must also be forwarded to the Customs Authority for their records. Sapient Services issues these certificates through qualified, domain-expert Chartered Engineers.

Q3. Can I still submit the installation certificate if I missed the deadline?

Yes, regularisation is possible. Under FTP 2023, if you need time beyond 3 years, you can seek extension from the DGFT Regional Authority on payment of ₹10,000/- per year of extension, up to the validity of the EO period. For older FTP authorisations (2009-14, 2015-20), DGFT has issued condonation public notices, most recently in January 2025. Sapient Services can assess your case and guide you through the regularisation process.

Q4. What information must be included in the EPCG Installation Certificate?

The certificate must include: the name, model, and serial numbers of the installed machinery matching the Bill of Entry; the factory address where installed; confirmation that the goods are operationally ready for production; alignment with the EPCG authorisation conditions; and the Chartered Engineer’s signature, stamp, and professional credentials. The certificate is issued on the CE’s or certifying firm’s official letterhead.

Q5. What is the difference between a Nexus Certificate and an Installation Certificate under EPCG?

The Nexus Certificate is required before the EPCG authorisation is granted. Submitted with Application Form ANF 5A in Appendix 5A, it establishes the technical link between the capital goods to be imported and the export products to be manufactured. The Installation Certificate is required after the goods are imported and installed — it confirms physical installation and operational readiness at the declared premises. Both are issued by a Chartered Engineer, but at different stages of the EPCG lifecycle.

Q6. What happens if I do not submit the EPCG Installation Certificate at all?

Non-submission prevents closure of the EPCG authorisation. At the EODC redemption stage, DGFT will reject the application without the Installation Certificate. This can result in the obligation remaining open, penalties, and ultimately a demand for recovery of the customs duty that was saved at the time of import — along with interest at 15% per annum. The consequences compound over time. Taking professional help early is the right approach.

Q7. Can the certificate be issued if the machinery is installed at a supporting manufacturer’s factory?

Yes. Capital goods under an EPCG authorisation can be installed at the importer’s own factory or at an endorsed supporting manufacturer’s premises. The supporting manufacturer must be endorsed on the EPCG authorisation before installation. The Installation Certificate is then issued for the supporting manufacturer’s premises. Sapient Services conducts site inspections at supporting manufacturer locations across India.

Q8. Does the Actual User Condition apply to EPCG machinery?

Yes. Capital goods imported under EPCG are subject to the Actual User Condition until the EODC is issued by DGFT. This means the machinery cannot be sold, leased, pledged, or transferred without prior written permission from DGFT. The Installation Certificate is one of the documents that establishes compliance with this condition. Violating the Actual User Condition can lead to duty recovery and enforcement action.

Q9. How long does it take to get an EPCG Installation Certificate from Sapient Services?

Our standard turnaround is 5–7 working days from the date of document submission and site inspection completion. For priority cases, we offer processing in 2–3 working days subject to site access and location. Contact us at +91 9540162888 to discuss your timeline requirements. For locations outside Delhi NCR, we coordinate with our nationwide Chartered Engineer network.

Q10. What documents do I need to provide for the installation certificate?

You will need: EPCG authorisation copy; Bill of Entry for each shipment; commercial invoice and packing list; machinery technical specifications including serial numbers; factory address proof matching the authorisation; floor plan showing installation location; IEC copy; and any prior DGFT or Customs correspondence about this authorisation. We provide a complete checklist at the time of engagement.

Q11. Does Sapient Services handle EPCG installation certificates outside Delhi?

Yes. Sapient Services operates pan-India from its office at Okhla Phase II, New Delhi. We arrange site inspections across all major manufacturing states — including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Karnataka, and others — through our network of experienced Chartered Engineers. Location is not a barrier to engaging us.

Q12. Is the EPCG Installation Certificate required for EODC redemption?

Yes. The Installation Certificate is a mandatory document in the EODC (Export Obligation Discharge Certificate) redemption package submitted via Form ANF 5B on the DGFT portal. Without it, DGFT will not process the redemption. This means that even if you have fulfilled your export obligation completely, the EODC cannot be obtained and your bond or bank guarantee at Customs cannot be cancelled without this certificate. Getting it done properly at the outset saves significant trouble years later.

Contact Sapient Services — Get Your EPCG Installation Certificate Done Right

Sapient Services Pvt. Ltd. is a professional services firm based in Okhla Phase II, New Delhi, providing chartered engineering, valuation, and DGFT compliance services to exporters, manufacturers, banks, and corporates across India. EPCG certification — from the Nexus Certificate at application stage to the Installation Certificate and EODC support — is one of our core service areas.

What most exporters don’t realise until the EODC redemption stage is that an incomplete or incorrectly prepared Installation Certificate creates problems years after the import. We build certificates to withstand DGFT scrutiny at every stage of the compliance lifecycle — not just for immediate acceptance.

Our Chartered Engineers cover manufacturing, pharmaceutical production, engineering goods, healthcare equipment, food processing, textiles, and export-linked services. We have handled EPCG assignments for small exporters and large corporates alike — across Delhi NCR and pan-India.

→ Call +91 9540162888 | Email valuation@sapientservices.com | Free consultation and written quote within 24 business hours.