An export licence is an official authorization issued by the competent government authority permitting an exporter to export specified goods to specified destinations subject to prescribed conditions. In India, export transactions are regulated primarily under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992, the Foreign Trade Policy, procedures issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), and other laws relating to customs, foreign exchange and specific commodities. The statement that “an export licence holder cannot export through third party” refers to the principle that an export authorization granted to a particular exporter is generally meant to be used by that exporter and cannot simply be transferred to, or operated through, another exporter as a substitute for the authorized licence holder. An export licence is issued after considering the identity of the exporter, the nature of the goods, the destination, end use, quantity, value and other relevant circumstances. Therefore, the authorization is linked to the particular licence holder. The government does not issue such permission merely for the goods themselves; it also considers who is undertaking the export and whether that person satisfies the applicable regulatory requirements. Consequently, the licence holder cannot ordinarily permit another unrelated person to use the licence for making an export transaction in the licence holder’s place. The basic reason for this restriction is that an export licence is a regulatory instrument and not an ordinary commercial document that can be freely transferred. If licences could be used by third parties without authorization, the government would lose control over the identity of the actual exporter, the destination of sensitive goods, the end user and the ultimate purpose of the export. Such a situation could create opportunities for unauthorized trade, diversion of controlled goods, violation of sanctions or export restrictions, and incorrect declarations before customs and other authorities. The distinction between a licensed exporter and a third-party exporter is therefore important. Suppose an exporter obtains an export authorization for a controlled product. The authorization is granted to that exporter after the required application and verification process. If the exporter subsequently allows another company to make the export by using the authorization, the second company cannot automatically claim the benefit of the first company's licence. The third party must independently satisfy the applicable requirements and obtain the necessary authorization wherever required. This principle is particularly significant in the export of restricted, prohibited or strategically sensitive goods. Certain products may be subject to quantitative restrictions, end-use controls, destination restrictions or special licensing requirements. In such cases, the authorities need to know precisely who is exporting the goods, who is receiving them and where they are going. Allowing an unrelated third party to export under another person's authorization would weaken this control mechanism. Export documentation also reflects the identity of the actual exporter. Important documents such as the commercial invoice, packing list, shipping bill, bill of lading or airway bill, certificate of origin, export licence or authorization, and foreign exchange-related documents contain information concerning the exporter and the transaction. Customs authorities examine these documents to ensure that the export is being made in accordance