Where to read the latest DGFT notifications
- Update date
- 7 Sept 2026
- Source
- DGFT
DGFT publishes Foreign Trade Policy notifications and public notices on its Common Portal. Always open the official list rather than relying on forwarded PDFs.
Trade desk
A beginner-friendly desk for Indian import-export: where to read official rules, which documents matter, and how a shipment typically moves from research to payment. We do not invent government notification numbers. Live headlines appear only when a verified public feed is available; every card still links to its source.
Live RSS is unavailable right now. Guides below point to DGFT, CBIC, ICEGATE, GST, and PIB so you can read the current official text.
Import & export in motion
Open a tab for road, river and sea, or air. Import and export steps for that mode sit inside the panel.
Road is how most cargo reaches a port, airport, or inland container depot — and how it arrives at the buyer’s warehouse after customs. Use a transporter with GST e-way bills and a clear delivery order.
Official sources
Latest import & export updates
DGFT publishes Foreign Trade Policy notifications and public notices on its Common Portal. Always open the official list rather than relying on forwarded PDFs.
Feed
Newest items first. Each card shows date, category, summary, and source.
Duty rates, exemptions, and filing procedures are published by CBIC. Use the CBIC site for current customs notifications and circulars.
ICEGATE is the Indian Customs electronic gateway. Exporters file Shipping Bills; importers file Bills of Entry. Supporting files go through eSanchit.
An Importer-Exporter Code from DGFT is required for most goods trade. Apply and update IEC details only on the official DGFT portal.
Imports generally attract IGST in addition to customs duty. Exports of goods can be made without GST payment if you have a valid Letter of Undertaking (LUT) or pay GST and claim refund — follow gst.gov.in.
Goods arriving in India need a Bill of Entry, assessment of duty, possible inspection, payment, and then out-of-charge before you can take delivery.
A typical goods export needs IEC, commercial documents, logistics, Shipping Bill, customs let-export, and later bank realisation of foreign exchange.
The transport document proves who can take delivery. Sea shipments use a Bill of Lading; air shipments use an Air Waybill issued by the airline or agent.
A Certificate of Origin can be required by the buyer or to claim preferential duty under a free trade agreement. Rules of origin differ by agreement.
The Press Information Bureau publishes Government of India releases, including commerce, finance, and customs-related announcements.
How it works
Ten steps from first idea to a closed file. This is a learning map, not a filing checklist for every product.
Decide what you will trade and where. Identify demand, competitors, landed cost, and whether the product is freely importable/exportable.
Required documents
Important things to check
Identify a reliable overseas buyer (export) or supplier (import). Agree quality, quantity, Incoterms, lead time, and payment method in writing.
Required documents
Important things to check
Confirm licences, quality standards, labelling, and any country-specific rules. Restricted items need DGFT authorisation before shipment.
Required documents
Important things to check
Assemble the commercial set early. Incomplete or mismatched documents are the most common cause of customs delay.
Required documents
Important things to check
Confirm the purchase or sales contract. Lock price, Incoterms, shipment window, inspection, and payment (advance, LC, or CAD).
Required documents
Important things to check
Book a freight forwarder or carrier. Cargo is packed, labelled, and handed over at the origin port, airport, or ICD as per the Incoterm.
Required documents
Important things to check
File the Shipping Bill (export) or Bill of Entry (import) on ICEGATE. Customs may assess documents, inspect cargo, or ask for extra proof.
Required documents
Important things to check
Imports typically attract Basic Customs Duty plus IGST (and other cesses if applicable). Exports are generally zero-rated for GST when conditions (such as LUT/bond) are met.
Required documents
Important things to check
After customs release, cargo moves to the buyer’s warehouse (export) or your inland destination (import). Arrange last-mile transport and unloading.
Required documents
Important things to check
Close accounts: receive or make payment, submit bank documents (including export realisation where required), and archive the file for audits.
Required documents
Important things to check
Paperwork
Names you will hear on almost every goods shipment. Exact formats depend on the product, mode, and current CBIC/DGFT rules.
Import and export
The seller’s bill describing goods, quantity, value, currency, and parties. Customs and banks use it to assess value and payment.
Check: Match description, HS code, Incoterms, and value with the packing list and contract.
Import and export
Itemised list of packages, weights, dimensions, and marks. Helps customs, the carrier, and the warehouse verify the shipment.
Check: Package count and net/gross weight must match the invoice and transport document.
Export
The customs export declaration filed on ICEGATE. It is required before goods leave India (except some specified cases).
Check: File on ICEGATE with the correct IEC, GSTIN, and supporting documents via eSanchit.
Import
The customs import declaration used to assess duty and clear goods into India. Filed electronically on ICEGATE.
Check: Confirm classification, valuation, and applicable notifications with your customs broker before filing.
Import and export
The carrier’s transport document. A Bill of Lading is used for sea freight; an Air Waybill is used for air freight.
Check: Consignee, notify party, and cargo description must match commercial documents.
Mostly export (also import claims)
States where goods were produced. Preferential CoOs can reduce duty under trade agreements; non-preferential CoOs prove origin for other purposes.
Check: Use DGFT / authorised agency systems and the specific FTA rules of origin for the destination.
Import and export
A 10-digit code issued by DGFT. It is mandatory for most import and export of goods from India (some exemptions exist).
Check: Keep IEC active on the DGFT portal and linked to the correct PAN, GSTIN, and bank details.
As applicable
Depending on the product and route: insurance certificate, letter of credit, inspection certificate, fumigation, BIS/FSSAI/drug licences, and GST LUT for exports.
Check: Always confirm product-specific licences on DGFT (restricted/prohibited lists) before booking cargo.
Verify first
Open these official sites in a new tab for the current notification, tariff, or filing screen.