—IEC
Importing and Exporting From Manipur: DGFT, Ports, Air Cargo and ICDs
Practical points for importers and exporters in Manipur: the DGFT office, ports and air cargo, land borders, inland container depots, and key export sectors.
Manipur has a small base of traders, with handloom, handicrafts and agricultural 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. Matters under the Foreign Trade Policy, such as certain authorisations and schemes, are handled by the DGFT regional office with jurisdiction over Manipur, which the DGFT website lists.
Sea Freight
Sea freight usually moves through Kolkata. Exporters register their AD code at each port or inland container depot they ship through.
Air Cargo
Air cargo usually moves through Imphal or Guwahati airports. Exporters shipping by air register their AD code with customs at the airport.
Land Borders
Moreh, on the border with Myanmar, is the main land route for trade with Myanmar, with an Integrated Check Post.
Key Sectors
- Handicrafts: exporters usually register with EPCH, and items made from wood or animal products may need extra certificates.
- 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 Manipur
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 Manipur state GST department or central GST.
A Checklist for Traders in Manipur
- Get an IEC and complete the annual update every April to June.
- Register your AD code at the ports, airports or land customs stations 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 Manipur start importing and exporting, from IEC to GST refunds.