—IEC
Importing and Exporting From Tamil Nadu: DGFT, Ports, Air Cargo and ICDs
Practical points for importers and exporters in Tamil Nadu: the DGFT office, ports and air cargo, inland container depots, and key export sectors.
Tamil Nadu exports auto components and vehicles, textiles and garments (especially knitwear from Tiruppur), electronics, leather and footwear, engineering goods and software. 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 Chennai, Coimbatore and Madurai, which handle matters under the Foreign Trade Policy for the region, such as certain authorisations and schemes.
Sea Freight
Chennai, Kamarajar (Ennore) and V.O. Chidambaranar (Tuticorin) ports handle most of the state's container trade, and inland container depots around Coimbatore and other centres handle customs clearance. Exporters register their AD code at each port or inland container depot they ship through.
Air Cargo
Chennai airport is a major air cargo hub, and Coimbatore and Tiruchirappalli airports also handle cargo. Exporters shipping by air register their AD code with customs at the airport.
Key Sectors
- Auto components: exports often go to global OEMs with their own quality certifications, and imports of parts may need BIS compliance.
- Textiles and garments: exporters register with the relevant export promotion council, such as AEPC for apparel, and buyers often ask for compliance audits.
- Electronics and IT hardware: imports often need BIS compliance and other approvals.
- Leather and footwear: exporters register with the Council for Leather Exports.
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 Tamil Nadu
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 Tamil Nadu state GST department or central GST.
A Checklist for Traders in Tamil Nadu
- 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 Tamil Nadu start importing and exporting, from IEC to GST refunds.