We provide hassle-free DGFT Licensing services in India, ensuring smooth import-export compliance, faster approvals, and expert guidance for your global trade operations.
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In India, if you want to engage in import or export activities, you will inevitably come across the term DGFT. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) is the government body responsible for regulating and promoting India’s foreign trade.
Whether you are a manufacturer, trader, exporter, importer, or service provider dealing with cross-border transactions, you’ll likely require DGFT licensing for certain products or trade activities.
At Lincenzo, we help you obtain, modify, and renew DGFT licenses — ensuring compliance with foreign trade policies so you can run your international business without legal hurdles.
DGFT Licensing refers to the set of approvals, authorisations, and permits issued by the DGFT under the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992 and the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP).
These licenses allow importers and exporters to trade in restricted, regulated, or incentivised goods and services.
Some trade activities in India do not require licensing, but certain products, schemes, and incentives do — and that’s where DGFT licensing becomes necessary.
Granting licenses for restricted items
Administering export incentive schemes
Monitoring trade compliance
Implementing Foreign Trade Policy
Facilitating ease of doing business for exporters/importers
Legally Trade Restricted Goods
Avoid legal trouble while dealing in regulated products.
Export to new markets with necessary permissions.
Faster clearance with proper documentation.
Access to duty-free imports for export manufacturing.
Get refunds, credits, and subsidies from government schemes.
Import Export Code (IEC)
GST Registration Certificate
Bank Certificate or Cancelled Cheque
Product Details (HS Code, description, quantity)
Technical Specifications for certain goods
Industrial License (if applicable)
Board Resolution (for companies)
If your business is related to food in any way, you likely need an FSSAI license. This includes:
Trade in restricted products requires DGFT approval.
Avail benefits like duty exemptions, subsidies, and incentives.
Smooth import/export clearance at ports.
Non-compliance can lead to heavy fines or confiscation.
Explore new trade opportunities under various DGFT schemes.
Importers of restricted goods.
Exporters of regulated products.
Manufacturers availing export-linked duty exemptions.
Traders applying for incentive schemes like MEIS, RoDTEP, or EPCG.
Expert Help for BIS, ISI, FMCS & More — Fast, Easy & Reliable.
The validity depends on the type of license:
Import/Export License – Usually valid for 12–18 months.
Advance Authorization – Valid till export obligation period ends.
EPCG License – Valid for the export obligation period (generally 6 years).
If there are changes in your business name, address, IEC, or product details, you must update your DGFT license to avoid delays during customs clearance.
Applying for the wrong license category.
Submitting incomplete documents.
Using outdated IEC details.
Not meeting export obligation deadlines.
| Feature | IEC Registration | DGFT Licensing |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Basic ID for foreign trade | Permission for restricted trade or incentives |
| Mandatory For | All importers/exporters | Only for certain products or schemes |
| Validity | Lifetime | Limited (varies by license type) |
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At Lincenzo we understand our responsibility
Lincenzo is a trusted business compliance and legal services platform, helping startups, MSMEs, and enterprises simplify registrations, certifications, licenses, and regulatory compliance with expert guidance and end-to-end support.
