—IEC
Importing and Exporting From Lakshadweep: DGFT, Ports, Air Cargo and ICDs
Practical points for importers and exporters in Lakshadweep: the DGFT office, ports and air cargo, inland container depots, and key export sectors.
Lakshadweep has a small base of traders, with fish (especially tuna) and coconut products. 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. Matters under the Foreign Trade Policy, such as certain authorisations and schemes, are handled by the DGFT regional office with jurisdiction over Lakshadweep, which the DGFT website lists.
Sea Freight
Cargo moves by sea between the islands and Kochi, and exports usually leave from Kochi. Exporters register their AD code at each port or inland container depot they ship through.
Air Cargo
Air cargo is limited, through Agatti airport. Exporters shipping by air register their AD code with customs at the airport.
Key Sectors
- Seafood: exporters register with MPEDA, and processing plants need approval for markets like the EU.
- 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 Lakshadweep
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 Lakshadweep or central GST.
A Checklist for Traders in Lakshadweep
- 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 Lakshadweep start importing and exporting, from IEC to GST refunds.