—IEC
Importing and Exporting From Punjab: DGFT, Ports, Air Cargo and ICDs
Practical points for importers and exporters in Punjab: the DGFT office, ports and air cargo, inland container depots, and key export sectors.
Punjab exports rice (especially basmati), hand tools, bicycles and parts, hosiery and textiles, auto components, and sports goods. 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 Ludhiana and Amritsar, which handle matters under the Foreign Trade Policy for the region, such as certain authorisations and schemes.
Sea Freight
Punjab is landlocked. Sea freight moves through inland container depots, such as those around Ludhiana, 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 Amritsar and Mohali airports, with Delhi used for larger volumes. Exporters shipping by air register their AD code with customs at the airport.
Key Sectors
- Rice and grains: APEDA registration applies, and export policy for some varieties changes from time to time.
- Engineering goods: exporters usually register with EEPC, and some items need export licences under the SCOMET list.
- Textiles and garments: exporters register with the relevant export promotion council, such as AEPC for apparel, and buyers often ask for compliance audits.
- Sports goods: exporters register with the Sports Goods Export Promotion Council.
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 Punjab
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 Punjab state GST department or central GST.
A Checklist for Traders in Punjab
- 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 Punjab start importing and exporting, from IEC to GST refunds.