Paragraphs 1 explained: this guide covers what it means, who it applies to, the step-by-step process, documents required, fees, due dates and penalties in India — so you can stay compliant with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.
Paragraphs 1.12 to 1.20 of the Policy list the online services the DGFT offers: the customer portal, the electronic Importer Exporter Code, online registration-cum-membership certificates, online certificates of origin, an online platform for quality complaints, IT initiatives, a round-the-clock helpdesk and trade statistics. Paragraph 1.04 of the Handbook spells out the IT initiatives, and paragraph 1.05 says how applications are authenticated. Paragraph 1.17 on e-BRC and EDPMS is explained separately.
This article is based on the chapter-wise text of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 published on the DGFT website, as consulted on 2 October 2026; the copy carries no "updated up to" date. The procedure is taken from Chapter 1 of the Handbook of Procedures, 2023 as published on the DGFT website (file of July 2026), consulted on 2 October 2026. Later Notifications, Public Notices and Trade Notices should be checked before you act.
Every facility in paragraphs 1.12 to 1.20 is online and sits on the DGFT portal. An e-IEC is issued on the DGFT website (paragraph 1.13), e-RCMC processes run on a common digital platform (paragraph 1.14), and each e-Certificate of Origin carries a UDIN and a QR code (paragraph 1.15). The Handbook allows applications signed with a digital signature certificate or Aadhaar e-sign (paragraph 1.05). The paragraphs describe facilities; they prescribe no fee or form.
What the Policy says
Paragraph 1.12: the DGFT online customer portal
Information on export and import, including Acts, Rules, the Policy and procedures, is available online on the DGFT portal. For registration on the portal, see our guide on how to register on the DGFT portal.
Paragraph 1.13: e-IEC
An Importer Exporter Code is mandatory for export or import from or to India, as detailed in paragraph 2.05 of the Policy. The DGFT issues the code in electronic form, the e-IEC, and the application is made on the DGFT website. If you do not yet hold a code, an IEC registration is the first step; the code itself is explained in our article on paragraph 2.05.
Paragraph 1.14: e-RCMC
The DGFT has created a common digital platform for application, renewal, amendment and related processes of the Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) or Registration Certificate (RC), issued by Registering Authorities in electronic form as per Chapter 2 of the Handbook. For what the certificate is, see RCMC: what it is and how to get it.
Paragraph 1.15: e-Certificate of Origin
There is a common digital platform for preferential and non-preferential certificates of origin issued by designated agencies. The certificates are issued in an online environment "without any physical interface". Every e-CoO has a unique number, the UDIN (Unique Document Identification Number), and a QR code endorsed on it for validation and authentication by user agencies. Our guide on how to get a certificate of origin in India deals with the agencies.
Paragraph 1.16: online quality complaints and trade disputes
A common digital platform handles Quality Control and Trade Disputes (QCTD) cases as per Chapter 8 of the Policy. All jurisdictional Indian Missions abroad and Regional Authorities of the DGFT have been onboarded, to work towards amicable resolution of disputes raised by Indian or foreign importers and exporters.
Paragraphs 1.18 to 1.20: IT initiatives, helpdesk and statistics
Paragraph 1.18 says the DGFT has undertaken IT initiatives for a paperless, contactless and transparent environment, with details in paragraph 1.04 of the Handbook. Paragraph 1.19 provides a dedicated 24 x 7 helpdesk to assist exporters in filing online applications on the portal and on other matters of the Policy. Paragraph 1.20 says continuous efforts are made to collect, compile and disseminate trade data and statistics, and names three sources for merchandise trade statistics: the Department of Commerce's portal and data bank, the DGCI&S portal, and the NIRYAT portal.
Paragraph 1.17, on the electronic record of export proceeds, has its own article: e-BRC and EDPMS.
What the Handbook requires
Paragraph 1.04: e-governance in the DGFT
The Handbook lists these initiatives, (a) to (k):
| Item | What the paragraph says |
|---|---|
| (a) Online customer portal | A customised dashboard giving a 360-degree view of export-related applications |
| (b) Exporter Importer Profile | The importer or exporter shall regularly update the profile on the online IEC module; documents and details in it help paperless processing |
| (c) Online filing and processing | Applications for authorisations, scrips and amendments can be filed online; supplementary documents can be uploaded, queries answered and status tracked |
| (d) Automated processing | Rule-based, system-driven workflow being implemented in phases, with a risk-based approach |
| (e) Inter-ministerial consultation | Applications for import of restricted items, export of restricted items, SCOMET items and fixation of norms by Norms Committees can be applied for and tracked, with consultation handled online |
| (f) Onboarding of CA, CS and Cost Accountant | Digitally signed documents uploaded by them can be linked to online applications |
| (g) Helpdesk | A 24 x 7 helpdesk; a help manual and FAQs on the DGFT website; a service request ticket, a helpline number and an email channel are named |
| (h) Message exchange | With CBIC, CBDT, MCA, banks (application fee, e-BRC data) and the Ministry of MSME for Udyam Registration |
| (i) Mobile application | Trade statistics, scheme information and status of applications, for Android and iOS |
| (j) Verification | Digitally issued e-authorisations and e-certificates can be verified on the DGFT website under Services, then Verify Document |
| (k) Views and feedback | The mode is given in the Public Notice or Trade Notice seeking them |
For the numbers, email address and menu paths in clause (g), read the Handbook text; this article does not reproduce them. Clause (h)(i) of the Handbook lists the data exchanged with CBIC: Importer Exporter Code, authorisations and scrips including DFIA (the duty-exempt import authorisation scheme), Advance Authorisation and EPCG, shipping bills and bills of entry, and the Reserve Bank's EDPMS data on export realisation.
Paragraph 1.05: digital signature and Aadhaar e-sign
The DGFT allows submission of applications authenticated by a digital signature certificate (DSC) issued by any approved entity of the Controller of Certifying Authorities of India, or by Aadhaar e-sign, in an online environment. The paragraph gives no further technical detail.
A practical example
Orchid Valley Spices, an invented exporter, has a code issued as an e-IEC and an RCMC obtained online. Its buyer abroad asks for verification of the certificate of origin. Under paragraph 1.15 the e-CoO carries a UDIN and a QR code for that purpose. The CA who files the firm's applications has onboarded on the portal and uploads a digitally signed annexure (clause (f) of Handbook paragraph 1.04), and the director signs the application with a DSC or Aadhaar e-sign (Handbook paragraph 1.05). Where an authorisation or certificate was issued digitally, clause (j) says it can be checked on the DGFT website.
Need help with your DGFT profile?
A profile that is out of date delays every later application. If you need a new code, or want to review your existing registration before filing, we can help with an IEC registration and keep your details consistent across the portal.
Key takeaways
- Paragraphs 1.12 to 1.20 describe online facilities of the DGFT; they prescribe no fee, form or deadline.
- The e-IEC is issued on the DGFT website; e-RCMC and e-CoO have their own common digital platforms.
- An e-CoO carries a UDIN and QR code; e-authorisations can be verified online (Handbook paragraph 1.04(j)).
- Applications may be authenticated by a DSC or by Aadhaar e-sign (Handbook paragraph 1.05).
- The Handbook records message exchange with CBIC, CBDT, MCA, banks and the Ministry of MSME.
Read next
- Paragraphs 1.07(A) and 1.07(B): consultation with stakeholders
- Paragraph 1.17: e-BRC and EDPMS
- Section 6 of the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992: Director General of Foreign Trade
- Section 5 of the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992: the foreign trade policy
Disclaimer: Based on the chapter-wise text of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 and the Handbook of Procedures, 2023 published on the DGFT website, and on the later Notifications named in this article, as consulted on 2 October 2026. The copies carry no "updated up to" date. Notifications, Public Notices, Trade Notices, the ITC(HS) schedules, Appendices and forms change often; the current text on the DGFT website should be checked before acting. This article is general information, not legal advice; check the official text before acting.