DGFT is the nodal agency under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, responsible for formulating and implementing the country’s Foreign Trade Policy (FTP). It regulates India’s import and export framework primarily through the Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) system and administers a wide range of trade facilitation, duty exemption, and export promotion schemes.
From the basic IEC registration—mandatory for any cross-border trade—to advanced schemes such as Advance Authorisation, EPCG, DFIA, RoDTEP, SCOMET, and RCMC, DGFT authorisations help businesses reduce landed costs, improve cash flow, and ensure regulatory compliance. Depending on the scheme, exporters and importers can potentially achieve significant duty savings (often in the range of 5%–25%), while also unlocking benefits such as enhanced export competitiveness and recognition as a Star Export House for participation in global tenders.
⚖️ Legal Basis: Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992 · Foreign Trade Policy 2023 (with amendments) · Handbook of Procedures (HBP) 2023 · ITC (HS) Schedule 1 (Imports) & Schedule 2 (Exports). All filings are routed through the unified dgft.gov.in portal.
DGFT operates a wide range of licences, authorisations, and schemes under the Foreign Trade Policy—from basic registration to advanced duty-saving benefits.
| DGFT Service | Purpose | Validity | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
IEC — Importer Exporter Code |
Mandatory 10-digit code for any import/export from India | Lifetime (annual update) | ✅ Mandatory |
Advance Authorisation (AA) |
Duty-free import of inputs used in export production | 12 / 18 / 24 months | 💰 Duty-Saving |
EPCG (Export Promotion Capital Goods) |
Zero-duty import of capital goods against export obligation | 6 years (EO period) | ⚙️ Investment |
DFIA (Duty Free Import Authorisation) |
Post-export duty-free import of inputs as per SION norms | 12 months (transferable) | 💰 Post-Export |
RoDTEP |
Refund of embedded taxes and duties on exports via e-scrip | Per Shipping Bill | ✅ WTO-Compliant |
RCMC |
Membership certificate for export promotion councils | 5 years | ✅ Mandatory for benefits |
SCOMET Export Licence |
Export control licence for sensitive dual-use items | Per consignment / up to 24 months | 🔒 Restricted |
Status Holder Certificate |
Recognition as Star Export House (1–5 star) | 5 years | ⭐ Premium |
Restricted Item Licence |
Approval for restricted goods under ITC (HS) list | As per licence | ⚠️ Restricted |
EODC / Redemption |
Closure certificate after fulfilling export obligation | One-time | 📋 Closure |
From scheme selection to final licence issuance and redemption, we manage the entire DGFT process end-to-end on the official portal, ensuring compliance with the correct Regional Authority (RA) and full transparency at every stage.
We analyse your business model including import/export product details, ITC (HS) classification, SION norms, input-output ratios, and export performance (FOB value). Based on this, we recommend the most beneficial DGFT scheme (AA / EPCG / DFIA etc.).
Arrangement of Class-3 Digital Signature Certificate (DSC), IEC linking, DGFT user registration, and activation of the portal for paperless filing.
Preparation of ANF (Aayat Niryat Form), HS code-wise justification, export obligation (EO) calculation, and SION / input-output mapping.
Online submission to the correct RA (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, etc.), file number generation, tracking, and jurisdiction verification to avoid rejection.
Handling DGFT/RA queries (technical, financial, or policy-related), drafting precise legal and technical replies, and ensuring smooth approval without delays.
Digitally signed licence/authorisation issued by DGFT, copy shared with client, along with explanation of validity, conditions, and compliance requirements.
(For AA / EPCG cases) Bond / Bank Guarantee coordination, ICEGATE registration, and support for first import clearance.
Shipping bill-wise EO tracking, compliance reporting, EODC (Export Obligation Discharge Certificate) filing, and final closure of licence / bond cancellation.
Document requirements vary depending on the scheme (IEC, Advance Authorisation, EPCG, DFIA, RCMC, SCOMET, etc.). Below is a standard checklist for most applications. A customised document list is shared after initial consultation.
From first-time IEC registration to complex EPCG authorisations and export obligation closures, our team provides end-to-end DGFT compliance support across industries, products, and regional authorities.
All DGFT licences and authorisations are governed under the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) and the Handbook of Procedures (HBP). Below is a quick reference of the most important chapters and their practical applications.
| FTP Chapter / Para | Scheme / Provision | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
Chapter 2 — General Provisions |
IEC, RCMC, Importer-Exporter rules | Onboarding any trader |
Chapter 3 — Export from India Schemes |
RoDTEP, Status Holder benefits | Export incentives |
Chapter 4 — Duty Exemption Schemes |
Advance Authorisation, DFIA, SION | Duty-free input import |
Chapter 5 — EPCG Scheme |
Zero-duty capital goods import | Plant & machinery |
Chapter 6 — EOU / EHTP / STP / BTP |
Export Oriented Units | 100% export units |
Chapter 7 — Deemed Exports |
Supplies to AA / EPCG / EOU / Project | Domestic supply benefits |
Chapter 8 — Quality Complaints & Trade Disputes |
QCTD mechanism | Foreign buyer disputes |
Chapter 9 — Definitions |
FTP terminology | Cross-reference |
SCOMET — Appendix 3 (ITC HS Schedule 2) |
Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment, Technology | Dual-use exports |
HBP — Aayat Niryat Forms (ANF) |
Application forms 1A to 9 | All filings |
📚 Reference Documents: Foreign Trade Policy 2023 · Handbook of Procedures 2023 · ITC (HS) Schedule 1 (Imports) & Schedule 2 (Exports) · DGFT Public Notices & Trade Notices · Customs Notifications (Tariff & Non-Tariff).
DGFT operates 38+ Regional Authorities (RAs) under the Foreign Trade Policy. Each RA has defined territorial jurisdiction based on the registered head office of the IEC holder. Correct RA mapping is critical for faster approvals and error-free processing.
| Regional Authority (RA) | Jurisdiction Highlights | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|
RA Delhi (CLA / Udyog Bhawan) |
Delhi NCR & Central Licensing Authority cases (SCOMET, complex) | SCOMET, sensitive cases |
RA Mumbai |
Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, JNPT | Western India trade hub |
RA Chennai |
Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, Chennai port | Auto, textile & engineering |
RA Kolkata |
West Bengal, Sikkim, Andamans, Kolkata port | Eastern India exporters |
RA Bangalore |
Karnataka, ACC Bangalore | IT, electronics, biotech |
RA Ahmedabad |
Gujarat — Mundra, Pipavav, Kandla, Surat | Pharma, gems, chemicals |
RA Hyderabad |
Telangana, parts of Andhra | Pharma & APIs |
RA Pune |
Pune, Aurangabad, Nashik (auto cluster) | Auto components |
RA Kanpur / Noida |
UP — leather, agro, handicrafts | UP exporters |
RA Cochin |
Kerala, Lakshadweep, spices & coir | Spices, marine, rubber |
RA Chandigarh / Ludhiana |
Punjab, Haryana, Himachal — engineering & cycle parts | Engineering & cycle exports |
RA Jaipur |
Rajasthan — gems, handicrafts, marble | Gem & jewellery, handicrafts |
⚠️ Important: Jurisdiction is decided by the registered head-office address as per IEC. Filing with the wrong RA leads to rejection / re-routing. We confirm jurisdiction up-front to avoid delays.
Common questions about IEC, Advance Authorisation, EPCG, RoDTEP & other DGFT licences.
Yes. IEC (Importer Exporter Code) is mandatory for any business or individual involved in import or export of goods or services from India. It is also required for service exporters, e-commerce exporters, and shipments above ₹5 lakh (with limited exemptions for personal use goods).
IEC is usually issued within 1–3 working days after submission of correct documents on the DGFT portal. It is fully online and PAN-based. IEC must be updated every year between April and June.
Advance Authorisation is issued before export and is non-transferable.
DFIA is issued after export and is transferable, allowing trading of the licence in the secondary market.
Under EPCG, import of capital goods at zero duty requires fulfilling an Export Obligation equal to 6 times the duty saved within 6 years. This must be met in addition to average export performance.
Don’t let complex regulations slow down your import or export business. Our DGFT experts manage the entire process end-to-end—ensuring fast approvals, accurate filings, and maximum duty savings.
One of India's leading independent consultancy bodies providing compliance, certification, and regulatory services to international and domestic players in electronics, IT, chemical, and electrical sectors.
