—IEC
Importing and Exporting From Jammu and Kashmir: DGFT, Ports, Air Cargo and ICDs
Practical points for importers and exporters in Jammu and Kashmir: the DGFT office, ports and air cargo, inland container depots, and key export sectors.
Jammu and Kashmir exports handicrafts (including carpets, shawls and papier-mâché), saffron, dry fruits and other horticultural produce. Importers and exporters here use the same national systems as everywhere else, with a few local points worth knowing. This guide covers them.
The IEC and DGFT
The IEC is applied for online on the DGFT portal, so there's no need to visit an office. The DGFT has regional offices in Jammu and Srinagar, which handle matters under the Foreign Trade Policy for the region, such as certain authorisations and schemes.
Sea Freight
Sea freight usually moves through inland container depots in Jammu or Punjab, and is railed to ports in Gujarat and Maharashtra. Exporters register their AD code at each port or inland container depot they ship through.
Air Cargo
Air cargo moves through Srinagar and Jammu airports, with Delhi used for larger volumes. Exporters shipping by air register their AD code with customs at the airport.
Key Sectors
- Handicrafts: exporters usually register with EPCH, and items made from wood or animal products may need extra certificates.
- Carpets: exporters register with the Carpet Export Promotion Council.
- Agricultural and processed foods: APEDA registration, phytosanitary certificates and buyer-country food rules apply.
Most exporters also register with the relevant export promotion council or commodity board for a Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC), which is needed for many Foreign Trade Policy benefits.
GST for Exporters in Jammu and Kashmir
File a GST LUT each year to export without IGST, and claim refunds of unused credit. Refunds are processed by the jurisdictional officer — from the GST administration for Jammu and Kashmir or central GST.
A Checklist for Traders in Jammu and Kashmir
- Get an IEC and complete the annual update every April to June.
- Register your AD code at the airport, ICD or ports you use.
- File a GST LUT each year.
- Check sector-specific export requirements and register with the right export promotion council.
- Track realisation of export proceeds.
Getting Help
Think Filing helps businesses in Jammu and Kashmir start importing and exporting, from IEC to GST refunds.