—IEC
Importing and Exporting From Andhra Pradesh: DGFT, Ports, Air Cargo and ICDs
Practical points for importers and exporters in Andhra Pradesh: the DGFT office, ports and air cargo, inland container depots, and key export sectors.
Andhra Pradesh is a major exporter of seafood (especially shrimp), pharmaceuticals, rice, spices like chilli and turmeric, and processed foods. 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 a regional office in Visakhapatnam, which handles matters under the Foreign Trade Policy for the region, such as certain authorisations and schemes.
Sea Freight
Andhra Pradesh has its own deep-water ports, including Visakhapatnam, Gangavaram, Krishnapatnam and Kakinada, which handle containers, bulk cargo and seafood shipments. Exporters register their AD code at each port or inland container depot they ship through.
Air Cargo
Air cargo moves through Visakhapatnam airport, and many exporters also use Hyderabad and Chennai airports for larger volumes. 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.
- Pharmaceuticals: exports need drug regulatory documents and often cold-chain handling.
- Rice and grains: APEDA registration applies, and export policy for some varieties changes from time to time.
- Spices: exporters register with the Spices Board, and consignments often need quality testing.
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 Andhra Pradesh
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 Andhra Pradesh state GST department or central GST.
A Checklist for Traders in Andhra Pradesh
- 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 Andhra Pradesh start importing and exporting, from IEC to GST refunds.