Starting your export journey can feel like diving into a sea of paperwork, confusing terms, and government portals. But hey, don’t worry—this blog is your friendly floatie! If you’re wondering what this DGFT thing is, or how to get started with exporting, you’ve come to the right dock. Let’s untangle the process, step by step, and make it fun to learn.

DGFT stands for the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, and yes, it sounds like a serious old-school government office. But really, it’s your passport to international trade. It’s the Indian government department that manages export and import regulations—basically, the boss of EXIM (Export-Import) in India.

Imagine trying to sell something overseas, but no one knows if you’re officially allowed to do it. That’s where DGFT comes in. They give you the green signal, mainly through an important document called the IEC Code (we’ll talk more about that soon). Without it, you can’t export legally from India.

So, the DGFT is not just a gatekeeper; it’s more like a guide that helps you access global markets, grab government schemes, and avoid getting stuck in customs issues. Sounds more useful now, right?

How to Apply for an IEC Without Losing Your Cool

Getting your Import Export Code (IEC) is step one for entering the exporting world. The good news is—it’s not rocket science. The DGFT has gone digital, and the whole process now happens online. No long queues, no grumpy babus, and best of all—you can do it from your sofa.

Here’s how you apply:

1. Visit https://www.dgft.gov.in (yes, it’s a real website, not a trap).
2. Register using your PAN card number and email ID.
3. Fill in your business details like bank account, address, and type of entity.
4. Upload scanned copies of your PAN, cancelled cheque, and proof of address.
5. Pay a fee (usually around ₹500) and hit submit!

Boom! Your IEC is usually generated within 1–2 days if everything looks good. You’ll get it by email, and you can also download it from the portal. No courier, no office visits—just good old digital convenience.

Common Mistakes New Exporters Make with DGFT

Let’s be real—first-timers make mistakes, and that’s totally okay. But if you can avoid them from the start, why not?

Mistake 1: Typing errors in business info.
You might think it’s just a spelling mistake, but the DGFT portal doesn’t agree. Typos in your name, address, or PAN details can delay your IEC approval. Double-check before you hit submit.

Mistake 2: Not linking your bank account properly.
The account details should match your business name. Otherwise, your payment may bounce back, or worse—you’ll get rejected.

Mistake 3: Ignoring DGFT updates.
DGFT keeps making small changes to the application portal, compliance rules, and scheme eligibility. If you don’t stay updated, you may miss out on big benefits.

Pro tip: Bookmark the “Latest News” section on the DGFT website. It’s more exciting than it sounds (kind of).

Real People, Real Wins: How DGFT Helped My Friend Export Honey

Let’s sweeten the story with a real example. My friend Ravi from Jaipur wanted to export his organic honey to Dubai. He thought the process would take months and tons of legal work. But after applying for the IEC online, he got it in just two days.

He then registered with APEDA (the agriculture export board), listed his product on a B2B platform, and got his first export order within a month. The IEC from DGFT was his ticket to go global. Now, he ships monthly, and his honey is available in five countries. Not bad for a guy who started with bees in his backyard!

Top DGFT Schemes Every Exporter Should Know

So, you’ve finally decided to take your business global—congratulations! But wait…have you heard about the DGFT schemes that can actually help you earn more, pay less, and grow faster? No? Don’t worry—we’re going to walk through them together in plain, simple language.

Think of these schemes as government power-ups. They’re not some secret tools only big companies can use. Whether you’re exporting tea, t-shirts, or tractors, DGFT schemes are for everyone—especially you.

1. RoDTEP: The Hero of Export Refunds

Let’s start with one of the newer stars in the DGFT galaxy—RoDTEP, which stands for Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products. Sounds like a mouthful, right? Let me simplify.

Imagine you’re exporting cotton shirts to Germany. You paid taxes like electricity duty or mandi tax while manufacturing those shirts, right? But here’s the problem—these costs are not refunded under GST. That’s where RoDTEP comes in.

The scheme gives you back those hidden taxes that you unknowingly paid during production. It’s like a cashback offer, but for exporters. You don’t need to do anything fancy—just mention the right RoDTEP code on your shipping bill and your refund is calculated automatically.

Why should you care? Because those extra rupees you get back go straight to your profit line. And who doesn’t like more profits?

2. EPCG Scheme: Import Machines Without Breaking the Bank

If you’re running a manufacturing unit, you’ll love the EPCG scheme, which stands for Export Promotion Capital Goods. Sounds boring, but here’s the cool part—you can import expensive machines from other countries at zero customs duty.

Yes, you read that right. Zero duty on machines, as long as you promise to use them to make export-worthy products. The government is basically saying, “Here, upgrade your factory, just export more in return.” Fair deal, isn’t it?

Here’s how it works: you apply for an EPCG license, buy the machinery, and then export goods worth six times the value of that machinery in six years. That’s it.

The scheme is especially helpful if you’re in textile, food processing, engineering, or any sector where better machines mean better products.

3. Advance Authorisation Scheme: Tax-Free Imports for Exporters

You know how you need raw materials to make your product, right? Under the Advance Authorisation Scheme, you can import those raw materials without paying customs duties, IGST, or compensation cess.

Yes—free imports, but there’s a catch. You have to use those raw materials to make products that will be exported, not sold in India. So, if you import Italian leather, you better send those finished jackets to Milan—not Mumbai.

This scheme helps you price your export product more competitively, especially in price-sensitive markets. Less input cost = lower final price = better margins or higher sales.

So, if you’re constantly importing stuff to create your export products, this scheme should be on your radar.

4. Duty Drawback: Refunds You Didn’t Know You Deserved

Here’s one scheme that’s like a pleasant surprise in your bank account—Duty Drawback. It refunds the customs and central excise duties paid on inputs used in the manufacturing of exported products.

Let’s say you paid import duty on fabric or components and later exported finished goods made from them—Duty Drawback refunds a portion of those duties back to you.

It’s automated and based on fixed rates notified by the government, and trust me, many new exporters have no clue they’re missing out. You might literally be exporting profits without knowing how much you could be getting back.

Just make sure you mention the DBK (Drawback) code correctly when you file your shipping bill, and that money will soon find its way to you.

How to Get an IEC Code Without Losing Your Mind

You’ve got your product, your passion, and even a potential buyer overseas—but hold on, you can’t export anything yet! To officially send goods out of India (and receive payments for them), you need something magical: the IEC Code. It sounds fancy, but don’t worry. This blog will help you get your Import Export Code (IEC) without stress, confusion, or pulling your hair out.

We’ll break it down, step by step, and I promise—you won’t need a lawyer, a C.A., or black coffee on an empty stomach.

What is an IEC Code and Why Should You Care?

IEC stands for Import Export Code, and it’s a 10-digit number issued by DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade). Think of it as your passport to global business. Without it, your shipment will get stuck, and your international payments may never arrive. In short—no IEC, no EXIM.

Now here’s the good part. You only need to apply once, it’s valid for a lifetime, and the process is completely online. Yep—no running around to government offices, no handwritten forms, and no bribes (thank goodness!).

The code is required by individuals, companies, startups, even freelancers who want to buy or sell goods and services across borders.

The Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for IEC (No Jargon Zone)

Alright, let’s get to the good stuff. Here’s how you can apply for your IEC without losing your mind or wasting your weekend.

Step 1: Go to the DGFT Website

Visit https://www.dgft.gov.in. This is the official site, not some shady third-party portal. Create an account using your email ID and PAN.

Step 2: Fill in Your Basic Details

After login, click on “Apply for IEC.” The form will ask for your:

• Name and address of your business
• PAN number (personal or business)
• Email ID and mobile number
• Bank account details (with a cancelled cheque)

Step 3: Upload Your Documents

You don’t need a suitcase full of files. Just a few soft copies will do:

• PAN card (yours or your company’s)
• Cancelled cheque or bank certificate
• Address proof (electricity bill or lease agreement)

Make sure the names match exactly. The system doesn’t forgive typos or spelling changes—even if it’s just an extra space!

Step 4: Pay the Application Fee

Pay ₹500 using net banking or UPI. That’s it—no hidden charges, no postman demanding cash on delivery.

Step 5: Submit and Relax

After payment, submit the form and within 24 to 48 hours, your IEC is issued—no stamps, no signatures, just download and go.

Pro Tips So You Don’t Go Crazy Midway

Here’s what no one tells you before you apply (but I will, because I care).

✅ Use Your PAN Card as Your Login

The IEC is based on your PAN, so the email ID and phone number you register must match the one linked with PAN.

✅ Double Check Your Name and Bank Details

One small spelling error (like “Rupesh” becoming “Rupash”) can delay the process or reject your application.

✅ Don’t Use Your Friend’s Documents

IEC is not transferable. If your name is on the application, your name should be on every single document you upload.

✅ Keep a Screenshot of the Payment

Sometimes payment gets deducted, but the portal doesn’t show confirmation. A screenshot helps sort it out faster.

What to Do After Getting Your IEC Code

So you finally got your shiny new IEC. Now what? Well, your international journey has just begun. Here’s what to do next:

• Start listing your products on B2B export platforms like Alibaba, IndiaMART, or TradeIndia
• Apply for relevant export schemes like RoDTEP or MEIS to get tax refunds
• Register with product-specific export bodies like APEDA, FIEO, or Spices Board
• Set up your shipping and logistics partners so you’re ready to fulfill orders
• Open a foreign currency (FC) account with your bank for smooth international transactions

And of course—start marketing your product to the world. Your product deserves to go places, and now it legally can.

The Digital DGFT: What’s New and What to Expect

If you ever had to fill out forms for DGFT before 2020, you probably still wake up in cold sweats thinking about it. Stamps, signatures, slow queues, confused officers—yeah, we’ve all been there. But guess what? The DGFT has officially gone digital, and it’s honestly one of the best things to happen to exporters in India!

Gone are the days of dealing with dusty files and chasing babus around. Now you can manage most of your import-export requirements from your laptop, in your pajamas, with chai in hand. Sounds nice, right? Let’s dive into what’s changed and what’s coming next in the world of Digital DGFT.

Say Goodbye to Paperwork (Almost)

One of the biggest upgrades to the DGFT system is its completely paperless interface. That means:

• You can apply for your IEC code, modify it, or cancel it without printing a single page.
• No need to stand in line with photocopies and rubber stamps.
• The DGFT portal now lets you upload all your documents digitally, and you even get an e-signed certificate.

And no, you don’t need a tech degree to use it. The interface is clean, mobile-friendly, and (mostly) bug-free. You’ll still need to be a little patient, though—it’s a government portal after all.

The “My Dashboard” feature shows you all your applications, approvals, and pending documents in one place. It’s like a control room for your export empire!

What You Can Do on the New DGFT Portal

With the new and improved portal, you can do a lot more than just apply for IEC. The Digital DGFT offers services that make life easier for any trader. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Real-Time IEC Modification

Want to update your email, phone number, or bank details? Just log in, make the changes, and submit. That’s it. No follow-ups, no letters, no waiting for weeks.

2. Scheme Applications

Now you can apply for export schemes like RoDTEP, MEIS, or SEIS right from your account. All benefits and incentives in one digital place. You even get status updates like “Processing,” “Pending,” or “Approved”—way better than being left in the dark.

3. E-Communication Center

The portal has its own messaging system so you can directly contact DGFT officials, track your queries, and avoid endless phone calls. Everything gets logged—no one can say “we never got your email” anymore.

4. Helpdesk and Ticketing

Stuck somewhere? Raise a support ticket and track its progress. You can even attach screenshots to explain better. It’s way more efficient than the old-school “email and hope for the best” approach.

What’s Coming Next in the DGFT Tech World?

So now that DGFT has embraced the internet, what can you expect next? A flying robot officer that delivers IEC codes to your house? Not quite—but still some cool stuff!

A. Mobile App (Coming Soon)

Word on the street is that DGFT will soon launch a mobile app. That means you’ll be able to apply for licenses, check status, and download certificates—while sitting in traffic or sipping nimbu pani at the beach.

B. AI-Powered Helpdesk

The helpdesk is expected to get smarter with AI-driven FAQs and instant replies. So when you ask, “Where is my RoDTEP refund?”—you’ll get an answer, not silence.

C. One-Window Integration

DGFT is planning to integrate with GST, ICEGATE, and Customs portals so you don’t have to log in to ten places. One ID, one login, full control of your EXIM journey.

D. Digitally Verified Certificates

Soon, all your trade documents will come with digital verification and QR codes, so they can’t be faked or misplaced.
inal Conclusion: Your DGFT Passport to Global Business

Starting your export journey may seem overwhelming at first, but once you understand how DGFT works, the path becomes much smoother. From understanding what DGFT actually does to getting your IEC code without breaking a sweat, every step is part of building a solid foundation for your international success.

With top DGFT schemes like RoDTEP, EPCG, and Advance Authorisation, you’re not just exporting—you’re maximizing profits, saving taxes, and growing smart. These government-backed incentives are made to support businesses like yours, not just big corporations.

And let’s not forget the real game-changer—the digital transformation of DGFT. No more paper trails or chasing approvals. Everything’s online, easy to access, and designed to save your time and energy. If you can order food and book a cab from your phone, you can definitely handle your export license too.

So here’s your takeaway: DGFT is not a roadblock—it’s your gateway to the world. Learn the basics, use the tools, and take full advantage of the digital shift. Whether you’re a small business, a manufacturer, or just a dreamer with a product to share, now is the time to go global—with DGFT by your side.