—IEC
Importing and Exporting From Ladakh: DGFT, Ports, Air Cargo and ICDs
Practical points for importers and exporters in Ladakh: the DGFT office, ports and air cargo, inland container depots, and key export sectors.
Ladakh has a small base of traders, with apricots, pashmina and handicrafts. 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 Ladakh, which the DGFT website lists.
Sea Freight
Sea freight usually moves through ports in Gujarat or Maharashtra, with goods trucked out of the region. Exporters register their AD code at each port or inland container depot they ship through.
Air Cargo
Air cargo moves through Leh airport, with Delhi used for onward shipments. Exporters shipping by air register their AD code with customs at the airport.
Key Sectors
- Agricultural and processed foods: APEDA registration, phytosanitary certificates and buyer-country food rules apply.
- Handicrafts: exporters usually register with EPCH, and items made from wood or animal products may need extra certificates.
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 Ladakh
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 Ladakh or central GST.
A Checklist for Traders in Ladakh
- 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 Ladakh start importing and exporting, from IEC to GST refunds.