DGFT Certification

​​What is DGFT?

Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) organisation is an attached office of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and is headed by Director General of Foreign Trade. Right from its inception till 1991, when liberalization in the economic policies of the Government took place, this organization has been essentially involved in the regulation and promotion of foreign trade through regulation. Keeping in line with liberalization and globalization and the overall objective of increasing of exports, DGFT has since been assigned the role of "facilitator". The shift was from prohibition and control of imports/exports to promotion and facilitation of exports/imports, keeping in view the interests of the country. 

​How do I get approval for DGFT in India?

Obtaining approval from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) in India involves specific procedures, particularly when dealing with matters related to foreign trade. Here's a general guide on how you might go about obtaining approval from DGFT:-

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Online Registration:

• If you are not already registered with DGFT, you may need to create an account on the DGFT website (https://dgft.gov.in/).

2. Digital Signature Certificate (DSC):

• Acquire a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) as it is often required for online transactions on the DGFT portal.

3. Know Your Customer (KYC) Norms:

• Ensure that your Know Your Customer (KYC) norms are in compliance with DGFT requirements.

4. IEC (Import Export Code):

• If you don't have an Import Export Code (IEC), obtain one. It is a mandatory requirement for any person or entity involved in the import or export of goods and services.

5. Determine the Specific Approval Required:

• Identify the specific type of approval you need from DGFT. This could be related to export promotion schemes, obtaining licenses, or other matters related to foreign trade.

6. Application Submission:

• File an online application on the DGFT website. Provide all necessary details and upload any required documents. The application form may vary based on the type of approval you are seeking.

7. Payment of Fees:

• Pay any requisite fees associated with the application. DGFT transactions often involve online payments.

8. Track Application Status:

• You can track the status of your application online through the DGFT portal. It may take some time for the application to be processed.

9. Document Verification:

• DGFT may require the submission of specific documents. Ensure that all documents are accurate and meet the specified requirements.

10. Communication and Follow-Up:

• Keep an eye on communication from DGFT. They may seek additional information or clarification during the review process. Respond promptly to any such requests.

11. Approval and Post-Approval Compliance:

• Once the approval is granted, ensure that you comply with any post-approval conditions or requirements.

Additional Tips:

• Familiarize yourself with the current Foreign Trade Policy and related guidelines on the DGFT website.

• Seek professional advice if needed, especially if your transactions involve complex regulatory issues.

Documents Required for DGFT ?

For Importer Exporter Code (IEC):

• PAN Card:

  • Copy of the Permanent Account Number (PAN) card of the individual or business entity applying for IEC.

• Bank Certificate:

  • A certificate from the bank where the applicant holds an account, attested by a bank official.

• Address Proof:

  • Documents such as a utility bill, rent agreement, or property papers to verify the address of the applicant.

• Cancelled Cheque:

  • A cancelled cheque from the bank account of the applicant.

For Export Licenses:

• IEC Certificate:

  • A copy of the Importer Exporter Code (IEC) certificate.

• Purchase Order:

  • Copy of the purchase order from the overseas buyer.

• Sales Invoice:

  • Invoice related to the export transaction.

• Shipping Bill/Bill of Export:

  • Shipping bill or bill of export as issued by the Customs authorities.

• Insurance Certificate:

  • Copy of the insurance certificate covering the goods being exported.

• Quality Control Certification:

  • In some cases, a certificate indicating that the goods meet certain quality standards.

For Export Promotion Schemes:

• Relevant Scheme Application Form:

  • Application form for the specific export promotion scheme you are applying for (e.g., MEIS, SEIS).

• IEC Certificate:

  • Copy of the Importer Exporter Code (IEC) certificate.

• Export Documents:

  • Documents related to the export transaction, including shipping bills, invoices, and certificates of origin.

• Bank Certificate:

  • A certificate from the bank indicating the export transactions.

• Registration Certificate:

  • Registration certificates from relevant authorities if applicable.

• Quality Control Certification:

  • If the scheme requires adherence to certain quality standards, include the relevant certification.