Full formGovernment & Exams
OGLstands forOpen General License
Full Form of OGL
What is OGL?
Open General License (OGL) is a trade facilitation instrument under India's Foreign Trade Policy, issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). It allows exporters and importers to freely export or import certain goods without requiring prior individual licenses or case-by-case approvals. The OGL regime applies to items listed in the public domain as freely tradable, covering a wide range of non-sensitive commodities such as industrial raw materials, machinery, and consumer goods. Its primary role is to reduce bureaucratic red tape, expedite customs clearance, and promote ease of doing business. OGL is extensively used by Indian traders in day-to-day international transactions, especially for goods not restricted under the SCOMET (Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment and Technologies) list or other export control frameworks. The policy is periodically updated through the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) notifications. For competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, and banking, understanding OGL is important as it appears in questions related to trade policies, export-import procedures, and economic reforms. It is a key pillar of India's liberalized trade regime post-1991 reforms.
OGL का फुल फॉर्म
खुला सामान्य लाइसेंस
Example
Our shipment of steel coils moved smoothly through customs because steel is covered under OGL, so we didn't need a separate license.
OGL — frequently asked questions
What is the full form of OGL?
The full form of OGL is Open General License, a trade facilitation mechanism under India's Foreign Trade Policy.
How is OGL different from a regular export license in India?
OGL does not require prior approval from the DGFT for each shipment, whereas a regular license is needed for restricted or prohibited items. OGL applies to freely tradable goods.
Which Indian government body issues the Open General License?
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, issues and administers the Open General License through the Foreign Trade Policy.