—IEC
Importing and Exporting From Goa: DGFT, Ports, Air Cargo and ICDs
Practical points for importers and exporters in Goa: the DGFT office, ports and air cargo, inland container depots, and key export sectors.
Goa exports iron ore, pharmaceuticals, processed foods, seafood and cashew, and has a strong pharma manufacturing base. 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 Panaji, which handles matters under the Foreign Trade Policy for the region, such as certain authorisations and schemes.
Sea Freight
Mormugao port handles bulk cargo such as iron ore, as well as containers. Many container exporters also use Mumbai's ports. Exporters register their AD code at each port or inland container depot they ship through.
Air Cargo
Air cargo moves through Goa's airports, with Mumbai used for larger volumes. Exporters shipping by air register their AD code with customs at the airport.
Key Sectors
- Pharmaceuticals: exports need drug regulatory documents and often cold-chain handling.
- Minerals and metals: some minerals have export restrictions, and steel and aluminium products face trade measures in some markets.
- Seafood: exporters register with MPEDA, and processing plants need approval for markets like the EU.
- Cashew: the Cashew Export Promotion Council is the registering body for exporters.
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 Goa
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 Goa state GST department or central GST.
A Checklist for Traders in Goa
- 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 Goa start importing and exporting, from IEC to GST refunds.