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What do I legally need in India to import goods, IEC, GST, anything else?

The short answer

An Import Export Code (IEC) from DGFT is non-negotiable, without it you cannot clear customs or get paid in foreign currency, and it's a one-time online registration, not an annual renewal headache. You'll also need GST registration to pay IGST at the border and claim it back as input credit, plus a customs broker (CHA) to actually file the bill of entry. Budget a few working days for IEC, not weeks.

A quick summary to orient you. The real value is below: the resources worth your time, from people who've actually done it, not us.

Here are the resources

Hand-picked from around the web, each with a note on why it earns your time. India-specific ones carry a badge.

3 resources 3 India-specific 3 link-checked

Read

📄 Article
✓ Link checked India Free Beginner

Why we picked it A logistics provider's practical view of IEC, useful because it connects the registration step directly to what happens at customs and with your bank.

Import Export Code: Benefits, How to Apply & More

From shiprocket.in by Shiprocket X

  • Banks require IEC to process import/export payments
  • Explains the application process end to end
  • Written for operators, not just compliance readers
Open shiprocket.in →
📄 Article
✓ Link checked India Free Intermediate

Why we picked it A concrete step-by-step for one of the most-imported D2C categories, sequencing IEC, GST, supplier vetting and landed cost together.

Import Electronics from China to India: Step-by-Step Method

From eximpe.com by Eximpe

  • IEC and GST registration come before supplier shortlisting
  • Landed cost and margin should be confirmed before shipping
  • Sequence: source, cost, ship, clear customs, launch
Open eximpe.com →

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