—IEC
Importing and Exporting From Andaman and Nicobar Islands: DGFT, Ports, Air Cargo and ICDs
Practical points for importers and exporters in Andaman and Nicobar Islands: the DGFT office, ports and air cargo, inland container depots, and key export sectors.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have a small base of traders, with seafood, coconut and other island 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 Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which the DGFT website lists.
Sea Freight
Most cargo moves by sea between Port Blair and mainland ports such as Chennai, Kolkata and Visakhapatnam, and exports usually leave from the mainland. Exporters register their AD code at each port or inland container depot they ship through.
Air Cargo
Air cargo moves through Port Blair 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 Andaman and Nicobar Islands
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 Andaman and Nicobar Islands or central GST.
A Checklist for Traders in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- 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 Andaman and Nicobar Islands start importing and exporting, from IEC to GST refunds.