—IEC
Importing and Exporting From Nagaland: DGFT, Ports, Air Cargo and ICDs
Practical points for importers and exporters in Nagaland: the DGFT office, ports and air cargo, inland container depots, and key export sectors.
Nagaland has a small base of traders, with agricultural and forest produce, handloom 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 Nagaland, which the DGFT website lists.
Sea Freight
Sea freight usually moves through Kolkata, with goods trucked or railed via Dimapur. Exporters register their AD code at each port or inland container depot they ship through.
Air Cargo
Air cargo usually moves through Dimapur or Guwahati airports. 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 Nagaland
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 Nagaland state GST department or central GST.
A Checklist for Traders in Nagaland
- 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 Nagaland start importing and exporting, from IEC to GST refunds.