Importing and Exporting From Maharashtra: DGFT, Ports, Air Cargo and ICDs

Maharashtra is one of India's largest exporting states, with engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, auto components, gems and jewellery, and agricultural produce like grapes and onions. 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 Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur, which handle matters under the Foreign Trade Policy for the region, such as certain authorisations and schemes.

Sea Freight

JNPA (Nhava Sheva) near Mumbai is India's largest container port, and Mumbai port handles other cargo. Inland container depots around Pune, Nashik and Nagpur handle customs clearance before goods are railed to the ports. Exporters register their AD code at each port or inland container depot they ship through.

Air Cargo

Mumbai airport is one of India's largest air cargo hubs, and Pune and Nagpur airports also handle cargo. Exporters shipping by air register their AD code with customs at the airport.

Key Sectors

• Engineering goods: exporters usually register with EEPC, and some items need export licences under the SCOMET list.
• Pharmaceuticals: exports need drug regulatory documents and often cold-chain handling.
• Chemicals: some chemicals are on the SCOMET list or need special handling, and imports may need BIS or other approvals.
• Gems and jewellery: exporters register with GJEPC, and special rules apply to precious metals.
• 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 Maharashtra

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 Maharashtra state GST department or central GST.

A Checklist for Traders in Maharashtra

1. Get an IEC and complete the annual update every April to June.
2. Register your AD code at the airport, ICD or ports you use.
3. File a GST LUT each year.
4. Check sector-specific export requirements and register with the right export promotion council.
5. Track realisation of export proceeds.

Getting Help

Think Filing helps businesses in Maharashtra start importing and exporting, from IEC to GST refunds.