—IEC
Importing and Exporting From Odisha: DGFT, Ports, Air Cargo and ICDs
Practical points for importers and exporters in Odisha: the DGFT office, ports and air cargo, inland container depots, and key export sectors.
Odisha exports steel, aluminium, minerals, seafood and handloom products. 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 Cuttack, which handles matters under the Foreign Trade Policy for the region, such as certain authorisations and schemes.
Sea Freight
Paradip is a major port for bulk and container cargo, and Dhamra and Gopalpur ports also handle exports. Exporters register their AD code at each port or inland container depot they ship through.
Air Cargo
Air cargo moves through Bhubaneswar airport, with Kolkata used for larger volumes. Exporters shipping by air register their AD code with customs at the airport.
Key Sectors
- 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.
- Textiles and garments: exporters register with the relevant export promotion council, such as AEPC for apparel, and buyers often ask for compliance audits.
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 Odisha
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 Odisha state GST department or central GST.
A Checklist for Traders in Odisha
- 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 Odisha start importing and exporting, from IEC to GST refunds.