Importing and Exporting From Gujarat: DGFT, Ports, Air Cargo and ICDs

Gujarat is one of India's largest exporting states, with chemicals, petroleum products, pharmaceuticals, diamonds and jewellery, textiles, engineering goods and ceramics. 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 Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Surat and Vadodara, which handle matters under the Foreign Trade Policy for the region, such as certain authorisations and schemes.

Sea Freight

Gujarat has several of India's busiest ports, including Mundra, Deendayal (Kandla), Pipavav and Hazira, which handle containers, bulk and liquid cargo for exporters across north and west India. Exporters register their AD code at each port or inland container depot they ship through.

Air Cargo

Air cargo moves through Ahmedabad and Surat airports, with Mumbai used for larger volumes. Exporters shipping by air register their AD code with customs at the airport.

Key Sectors

• Chemicals: some chemicals are on the SCOMET list or need special handling, and imports may need BIS or other approvals.
• Pharmaceuticals: exports need drug regulatory documents and often cold-chain handling.
• Gems and jewellery: exporters register with GJEPC, and special rules apply to precious metals.
• Textiles and garments: exporters register with the relevant export promotion council, such as AEPC for apparel, and buyers often ask for compliance audits.
• Engineering goods: exporters usually register with EEPC, and some items need export licences under the SCOMET list.

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 Gujarat

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 Gujarat state GST department or central GST.

A Checklist for Traders in Gujarat

1. Get an IEC and complete the annual update every April to June.
2. Register your AD code at the airport, ICD or ports you use.
3. File a GST LUT each year.
4. Check sector-specific export requirements and register with the right export promotion council.
5. Track realisation of export proceeds.

Getting Help

Think Filing helps businesses in Gujarat start importing and exporting, from IEC to GST refunds.