International trade, especially exporting commodities in India, has become quite easy compared to the past. Individuals, start-ups, SMEs, and even any business entity that wants to expand into international markets now have solutions. In this process, the most important factor is DGFT—Directorate General of Foreign Trade.
It is evident that to maximize the use of this body, one has to have an understanding of how DGFT operates if a business is to venture into exporting its products across the globe. In this article, all the steps have been explained with simple visuals, starting from getting registered, obtaining licenses, and selling your products. It’s easier than you think.
What is DGFT?
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) is an organization that is part of the government of India that assists business organizations in import and export business. It lays down trade relations, grants permissions and gives you the policy check for a smooth export procedure.
The primary task of DGFT is to facilitate exports and enhance foreign market presence of Indian businesses and it operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Why Do You Need DGFT?
If you want to sell your products to other countries, you need to follow legal steps. DGFT helps you with:
- Getting an Importer Exporter Code (IEC) – This is your official ID for exports.
- Giving licenses for items that need special permission.
- Classifying products using proper HS (Harmonized System) codes.
- Accessing government schemes that support exporters.
- Doing paperless work with digital systems.
Easy Steps to Start Exporting
You don’t need to be a large business to start exporting. Here’s how you can begin:
Step 1: Fill the Online Registration Form
Visit the official DGFT website: https://www.dgft.gov.in
Click on “Apply for IEC” and fill out your business details. You will need:
- PAN Card of the business or individual
- Address proof
- Email ID and mobile number
- Bank account details
Step 2: Complete KYC Verification
Scan the necessary documents and then upload them online. Ensure that the documents are current and unaltered. Verification procedure usually takes between one to two working days.
Step 3: Get Your IEC Code
After approval the applicant would receive a 10 digit Importer Exporter Code (IEC). It is a permanent code which is mandatory for all export operations.
Step 4: Choose the Products You Want to Export
Choose what you want to export, that is the products you plan to take into another country. If it comes under the restricted item list of your product you will require a export license from DGFT. Some examples include:
- Handicrafts
- Spices and Tea
- Dairy items
- Organic chemicals
- Medicines and cosmetics
Check the complete list of restricted items here:
DGFT Product List
Step 5: Register on Global Selling
Go and register as an international seller. You can then start uploading your products to marketplaces like the USA, UK, UAE, and more.
Step 6: Upload Products and Start Selling
Once your account is verified, list your products with details like:
- Product name
- Description
- Images
- Price
- Quantity
Important Documents You Need
Depending on what you are exporting, you may need one or more of the following:
- IEC Code
- Certificate of Origin (COO)
- DGFT License (for restricted goods)
- eBRC (Electronic Bank Realisation Certificate)
- Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) License
- RoDTEP/SEIS/SFTP license if you want to claim tax benefits
You can apply for all these on the DGFT portal. Many documents can now be submitted and received digitally.
DGFT Schemes That Can Help You
DGFT has introduced many government schemes to support small and medium exporters:
RoDTEP Scheme
This scheme helps exporters get refunds on taxes and duties paid during manufacturing. It lowers your cost and increases profit.
More about RoDTEP
SEIS Scheme
If you are providing services like software, education, or consulting to foreign customers, you can get benefits under SEIS (Service Export from India Scheme).
Advance Authorization
This allows you to import raw materials without paying duties if you’re using them to manufacture export products.
EPCG Scheme
This lets you import machinery for production at zero customs duty, as long as you promise to export goods made with it.
MSME Global Mart: For Small Exporters
If you’re an MSME, you can register on MSME Global Mart — a government-supported B2B platform that connects Indian exporters to international buyers.
It offers:
- Marketing support
- Buyer-seller meetups
- Global networking
- Business promotion tools
Visit https://msmemart.com to register.
Classifying Your Product – ITC-HS Code
DGFT uses something called the ITC-HS code, which is a special classification number for every product. You will need to know your product’s HS code to fill forms, apply for licenses, or list your item for export.
You can search your product’s HS code here:
ITC-HS Code Search Tool
Certificate of Origin (COO)
When you send goods to another country, you may be asked to show a Certificate of Origin. This proves that your product was made in India.
You can get the COO from authorized agencies or apply through the DGFT portal.
Shipping Your Products
Once your products are listed and an order is received, you need to pack and ship the product.
Tips for First-Time Exporters
- Always check the rules of the destination country.
- Make sure your product is labeled correctly.
- Start with small quantities.
- Choose safe and certified packaging.
- Offer competitive pricing.
- Keep your documents ready for customs.
Conclusion
Exporting may sound complex, but with the help of DGFT, you can grow your business globally without large investments. From getting an IEC to uploading products and managing orders, every step is now online and easy.
If you’re ready to reach buyers worldwide, take the first step today — register on DGFT, get your IEC code, and confidently begin your export journey.
Photo Credit: knnindia.co.in
