Import-Export License Finder
Find the exact registrations and licenses you need to import or export from India — IEC, AD Code, RCMC, FSSAI, CDSCO and more, live by product and activity.
- Free — no sign-up
- Instant, on-screen results
- Built by our CA · CS team
- Rules cited on the page
Fill in the details — the answer on the right updates as you go.
Your license & registration checklist
| License / registration | Issuing authority | When you need it |
|---|
Get your IEC, AD Code & RCMC set up by an expert
We register you with DGFT, banks and export councils so you can ship without hold-ups.
Disclaimer: Indicative checklist based on activity and product category. Exact requirements depend on your ITC-HS code, port and item-specific policy under the Foreign Trade Policy. Confirm with DGFT / a licensed consultant before shipping.
Import-export licensing in India — the essentials
Every business that imports into or exports out of India needs an IEC (Import Export Code) from DGFT — it is a one-time, PAN-based, lifetime registration. On top of that, you need an AD Code registered at your port, plus product-specific approvals (FSSAI for food, CDSCO for drugs, BIS for notified goods) and an RCMC from an Export Promotion Council if you want incentives. This finder maps your activity and product to the exact set.
How it works
Setting up to trade internationally follows a predictable path. Get your core registrations first, then layer on product-specific licenses based on what you ship.
Get your IEC & GST
Apply for the IEC on the DGFT portal using your PAN and business details. Ensure your GST registration is active — GSTIN is quoted on every customs document.
AD Code & ICEGATE
Get an AD Code letter from your bank and register it at each port you use. Register on ICEGATE to file shipping bills / bills of entry electronically.
Product & incentive licenses
Add FSSAI, CDSCO, BIS or a DGFT NOC as your product demands, and take RCMC from the right Export Promotion Council to claim RoDTEP / drawback.
License reference — who issues what
A quick map of every registration this tool can recommend, its issuing authority and when it applies.
| License / registration | Authority | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| IEC | DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) | Every importer & exporter — mandatory, one-time |
| AD Code | Authorised Dealer bank + Customs | All import/export — registered per port for clearance & forex |
| GST Registration | GSTN / CBIC | All traders — GSTIN needed for IGST on imports & export refunds |
| ICEGATE Registration | CBIC / Indian Customs | Anyone filing bills of entry or shipping bills electronically |
| RCMC | Relevant Export Promotion Council (APEDA, AEPC, CHEMEXCIL, etc.) | Exporters claiming FTP incentives / duty benefits |
| FSSAI License | Food Safety & Standards Authority of India | Import/export of food, beverages & agri-processed goods |
| CDSCO Registration + Drug License | Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation | Import of drugs, pharma, cosmetics & medical devices |
| BIS Certification | Bureau of Indian Standards | Import of goods notified under mandatory BIS (electronics, steel, etc.) |
| DGFT / Authority NOC | DGFT + relevant line ministry | Restricted items needing a specific import/export authorisation |
Key terms explained
IEC — Import Export Code
A 10-digit code issued by DGFT, linked to your PAN. It is mandatory for clearing any import or export shipment through customs and for receiving/sending foreign payments. One IEC per business; valid for life but needs annual updation on the DGFT portal.
AD Code
The Authorised Dealer Code is a 14-digit number tied to the bank branch handling your forex. You register it at each customs port before your first shipment — without it, customs won't generate a shipping bill and your goods can't clear.
RCMC
A Registration-cum-Membership Certificate from an Export Promotion Council (APEDA for food, AEPC for apparel, CHEMEXCIL for chemicals, etc.). It is required to claim FTP benefits like RoDTEP, duty drawback and advance authorisation.
ICEGATE & DGFT
DGFT administers India's Foreign Trade Policy and issues the IEC and licenses. ICEGATE is Customs' electronic gateway where you file bills of entry (imports) and shipping bills (exports) and track duty and clearance online.
Questions people ask
Short answers on Import-Export License Finder. Tap a question to open it.
01Are all goods freely importable and exportable?
No. The ITC (HS) classification marks items as free, restricted, prohibited, or canalised through a state agency. Restricted items need a specific licence or authorisation from the DGFT before the consignment moves.
02Which additional approvals commonly apply?
FSSAI for food, BIS or CRS for notified goods, a drug licence and CDSCO clearance for pharmaceuticals and devices, wildlife or CITES permits, a plant quarantine or phytosanitary certificate for agricultural goods, and WPC clearance for wireless equipment.
03What is the difference between prohibited and restricted?
Prohibited goods cannot be imported or exported at all. Restricted goods can be, but only under a licence or authorisation issued by the DGFT subject to conditions.
04Do I need approval to export samples?
Bona fide trade samples of freely exportable goods can generally go out within value limits without a licence. Restricted or prohibited items remain restricted even as samples.
05Where do I check the position for a specific product?
In the ITC (HS) schedules on the DGFT site against your eight-digit HS code, together with the policy conditions attached to that entry. This tool narrows the list, but the schedule entry is the authority.
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Disclaimer: This tool gives indicative results for general guidance only and is not professional advice. Please verify with a qualified CA before acting on the numbers.