Resources
Export resources for Indian businesses
Guides, comparisons, industry notes and definitions for exporters, checked against DGFT and Customs sources and dated so you know when they were last reviewed.
Guides
- How to start an export business in IndiaStep-by-step guide to starting exports from India in 2026: GST, IEC, AD Code, ICEGATE, RCMC, product rules, incentives and realistic costs.
- IEC registration processHow to apply for an Importer Exporter Code on the DGFT portal: documents, the ₹500 fee, step-by-step process, common rejections and timelines.
- IEC annual updateEvery IEC must be updated between 1 April and 30 June each year or DGFT deactivates it. Steps to update, reactivate and avoid blocked shipments.
- Export documents checklistEvery document an Indian exporter needs: registrations, pre-shipment papers, customs documents, product certificates and post-shipment proof of payment.
- Export incentives in India 2026The main Indian export incentives in October 2026: RoDTEP and RoSCTL (both to 31 Dec 2026), duty drawback, Advance Authorisation and EPCG.
- Export registration costsWhat IEC, DSC, ICEGATE, AD Code and RCMC cost in 2026: government fees and Import Export Advisor's fees side by side. Core set about ₹5,696.
- How to choose an export consultantSeven checks before you hire an import-export consultant in India: fee clarity, experience, scope, control of your DSC and logins, and red flags.
Comparisons
- RoDTEP vs duty drawbackRoDTEP refunds embedded taxes as e-scrips; duty drawback refunds customs duty on inputs as cash. Most exporters can claim both on the same shipment.
- RoDTEP vs RoSCTLRoSCTL covers apparel and made-ups in HS chapters 61 to 63; RoDTEP covers other products, including yarn and fabric. Both run to 31 Dec 2026.
- IEC vs GST registrationIEC is DGFT's import-export code; GST is tax registration. Most exporters need both, plus a LUT to export without paying IGST.
- Advance Authorisation vs duty drawbackAdvance Authorisation avoids duty on inputs upfront; duty drawback refunds it after export. Which suits you depends on import share and order certainty.
- Do it yourself vs using a consultantWhen to file IEC, ICEGATE and incentive claims yourself, and when a consultant saves money. An honest comparison with costs and time.
Glossary
- IEC (Importer Exporter Code)IEC is the code DGFT issues so an Indian business can import or export goods. It equals the business PAN and needs a yearly update.
- AD Code (Authorised Dealer Code)An AD Code identifies the bank branch handling your export payments. It must be registered with Customs on ICEGATE before filing a shipping bill.
- ICEGATEICEGATE is the Indian Customs e-filing portal for shipping bills, AD Code registration, RoDTEP and RoSCTL scrips, and refund tracking.
- DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade)DGFT is the Commerce Ministry body that issues IECs, administers the Foreign Trade Policy and runs schemes like Advance Authorisation and RoDTEP.
- RCMC (Registration Cum Membership Certificate)RCMC is the certificate an exporter gets from an Export Promotion Council or FIEO. It is needed for most Foreign Trade Policy benefits and lasts 5 years.
- Export Promotion Council (EPC)Export Promotion Councils are product-wise bodies that register exporters, issue RCMCs and support them with market data and trade fairs.
- DSC (Digital Signature Certificate)A Class 3 DSC is the electronic signature exporters use on ICEGATE, DGFT, GST and tender portals, issued by a licensed Certifying Authority.
- RoDTEPRoDTEP refunds embedded taxes on exported goods as transferable e-scrips. As of October 2026 it is extended to 31 December 2026.
- RoSCTLRoSCTL rebates state and central taxes on apparel and made-ups exports (HS chapters 61 to 63). Extended to 31 December 2026.
- Duty drawbackDuty drawback refunds customs duty paid on inputs used in exported goods, at the All Industry Rate or a brand rate, paid via PFMS.
- Advance AuthorisationAdvance Authorisation lets exporters import inputs duty-free if used in export production, against an export obligation. Issued by DGFT.
- PFMS (Public Financial Management System)PFMS is the government payment system through which Customs pays duty drawback and IGST export refunds into validated bank accounts.
- Shipping billThe shipping bill is the customs export declaration filed on ICEGATE. RoDTEP, RoSCTL and drawback claims are declared on it.
Who we help
- First-time exportersFirst shipment from India? The registrations you need, in order, what each costs, and the mistakes that delay a first export. Free consultation.
- Textile and apparel exportersRegistrations and incentive claims for garment, made-ups and textile exporters: RoSCTL for HS 61 to 63, RoDTEP for yarn and fabric, AEPC RCMC.
- Food, spices and agri exportersIEC, APEDA or Spices Board registration, RCMC and RoDTEP for food, spices and agricultural exporters in India, plus product certificates to plan for.
- Manufacturer exportersFor manufacturers importing raw material: choosing between Advance Authorisation and duty drawback, RoDTEP on top, and keeping claims clean.