How this actually works

The order of operations

1. Make (or pick) an Indian firm. Same name on PAN, GST, bank, IEC and the pack.
2. Get IEC and GST. Register on ICEGATE. Optionally appoint a licensed customs broker.
3. Classify the product (8-digit HS). Check DGFT policy and CIP for extra agencies.
4. Finish blocking licences (FSSAI, BIS, CDSCO, DGFT authorisation) before you pay the supplier.
5. Tell the factory how to invoice, origin-certify and label for India.
6. Goods move. Broker files Bill of Entry. You pay duty. PGA may sample. Then Out of Charge.
7. Label if needed, invoice Indian buyers, take IGST credit. You are the legal face of the product.

Words you will see

IEC

Importer Exporter Code from DGFT. The trade ID for your Indian firm. Commercial imports need it. Update it every April–June or it dies.

HS / ITC(HS) code

Eight-digit number that names the product for Indian customs. Duty, restrictions and extra agencies all key off this line. Do not copy it from Alibaba.

Bill of Entry

The customs declaration filed on ICEGATE when goods arrive. Duty is paid against it. Out of Charge means you may take the goods.

CHA / Customs Broker

A licensed agent who files the Bill of Entry. Useful on the first shipment. You still own the HS code and the licences.

PGA

Partner Government Agency — FSSAI, BIS, CDSCO, plant/animal quarantine, WPC. CIP tells you which ones will look at your HS line.

QCO / BIS

A Quality Control Order or Compulsory Registration means the product must meet an Indian standard and often carry a mark before sale — sometimes before import.

Certificate of Origin

Paper that says where the goods were made. A special FTA form can cut Basic Customs Duty. A Dubai invoice does not change Chinese origin.

IGST

GST charged on the import. Usually creditable if you are a regular GST taxpayer. It is not waived by a free-trade agreement.

MRP / Legal Metrology

Retail packs in India need net quantity, MRP inclusive of all taxes in rupees, importer address, origin, and a consumer-care contact.

Where to verify (ignore ads)

Google will show paid ‘apply IEC’ sites. Use the government hostname. Save a PDF of every approval. If two screens disagree, the government screen wins — including over this app.

• DGFT

  IEC, import policy (Free / Restricted), authorisations such as IT hardware IMS.

• CIP (ICEGATE)

  Search a product or HS code. Read documents, agencies and typical duty. Start here when you do not know the code.

• ICEGATE

  Register as importer. File or track the Bill of Entry. Link GSTIN.

• GST portal

  GSTIN, later e-way bills and returns. Same legal name as IEC.

• FoSCoS / FSSAI

  Central food licence with import. Not the same as a shop food licence.

• BIS

  Search QCOs and Compulsory Registration. If your product is listed, this is a months-long path.

• CDSCO SUGAM

  Cosmetics, drugs, medical devices. If the pack ‘treats’ something, start here not on Amazon.