If you're stepping into international trade, you quickly realise one thing nothing moves without the DGFT registration. Whether you're exporting packaged food or importing specialised machinery, DGFT is the regulatory backbone that quietly keeps India’s trade ecosystem functioning.

But here’s the catch: most new businesses either misunderstand the process or assume it’s just a formality. In reality, your DGFT certificate is more than a licence, it's proof that you're recognised as a legitimate player in global commerce.

In this article, I’ll break down the entire landscape in a conversational, practical format just the way modern compliance content should be. No jargon. No fluff. Just clarity, accuracy, and actionability that align with LinkedIn’s informative content policy and current SEO updates.

Regulations and global trade norms have evolved. Whether you’re a startup exporter or a seasoned importer, securing a valid DGFT license is essential because it:

• Enables legal cross-border trade

• Helps you access government incentives

• Builds compliance credibility with financial institutions and customs

• Ensures transparency under India’s Foreign Trade Policy

Most importantly, the DGFT license status is now completely trackable online, making the entire compliance journey transparent and time-efficient.

DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) is the governing body responsible for India’s export–import operations.

Their role includes:

• Issuing Importer Exporter Codes (IEC)

• Granting authorisations, EPCG, and Advance Licenses

• Publishing trade notices, circulars & policy updates

• Updating DGFT license status portals

• Managing the DGFT online interface for exporters & importers

Think of DGFT as the compliance bridge between your business and global trade routes.

While many businesses only know about IEC, DGFT governs several specialised licences, including:

• EPCG Licence

• Advance Authorisation

• DFIA Licence

• Duty Script Schemes

• Import licences for restricted items

• Export licences for sensitive products

And one of the most frequently asked topics today is the DGFT license for gold import, a strictly regulated category requiring additional compliance scrutiny.

Thanks to the digital overhaul, you can now manage nearly everything via the DGFT online portal, including:

• IEC application

• Modification of details

• Licence request submission

• Status tracking

• Document uploads

• Payment processing

This digitisation has drastically reduced errors, time delays, and compliance bottlenecks.

Businesses often forget to monitor their approvals, which leads to shipment delays.
You can track it anytime through:

1. DGFT Services Portal

2. Entering the IEC and application number

3. Viewing real-time DGFT license status updates

Pro tip: Set reminders to verify status for sensitive applications like EPCG or restricted item imports.

Once your application is approved, DGFT issues the final DGFT certificate, which contains:

• IEC Number

• Company legal name

• PAN details

• Registration validity

• Licensing types (where applicable)

Your certificate is required at multiple checkpoints banks, customs clearance, EPC registrations, and international contracts.

Getting the license is just the start. You must:

• Maintain updated business details

• Track notifications regarding restricted items

• Renew or update authorisations

• Stay aligned with the Foreign Trade Policy

• File periodic returns (where applicable)

Many businesses lose benefits or face penalties simply because they ignore small compliance updates.

If your business is entering or expanding into international trade, investing time in understanding DGFT procedures is non-negotiable. From your DGFT registration to your active DGFT certificate, every step is part of a compliance chain that protects your business from disruptions and opens access to global markets.

And with the improved DGFT online system, staying compliant is finally easier, faster, and more transparent.

It’s a special authorisation required to legally import gold into India under strict government regulations. Only approved entities can apply through the DGFT portal.

DGFT publishes an updated list in the Foreign Trade Policy and on its official portal, specifying items requiring additional permissions.

You can use DGFT’s official online portal to apply for IEC, track status, manage licensing, and update business details.

A DGFT licence is an official authorisation allowing businesses to import or export products regulated under India’s foreign trade rules.