Import License Requirements

Import Licensing Requirements: The License for Import is taken into Consideration Provided:

  • The goods covered by the import license shall not be disposed of except in accordance with the provisions of the EXIM Policy, 1997-2002 or in the manner specified by the licensing authority in the license
  • The applicant for a import license shall execute a bond for complying with the terms and conditions of the license.

It Shall be Deemed to be a Condition of every License for Import that -

  • No person shall transfer or acquire by transfer any import license issued by the import licensing authority except in accordance with the provisions of the Policy.
  • The goods for the import of which a license is granted shall be the property of the licensee at the time of import of which a license is granted shall be the property of the licensee at the time of import and up to the time of clearance through the Customs.
  • The goods for the import of which a licensee is granted shall be new goods, unless otherwise stated in the import license; the goods covered by the license for import shall not be exported without the written permission of the DGFT

Disposal Period for Import Application:

Provided the application is complete in all respects along with prescribed documents, the applicant-importer can expect the disposal in:
  • IEC No. - 3 working days
  • Duty free import license where input-output norms are notified - 5 working days
  • Duty free import license where input-output norms are notified but cases are to be placed before ALC -15 working days
  • Duty free import license where input-output norms are not notified, EPCG licenses / export licenses / export
  • licenses / specific import licenses - 15 working days
  • Revalidation of license and extension of export obligation period by RLA - 5 working days
  • Acceptance of Bank Guarantee / Legal undertaking - 3 working days
  • Redemption of Bank Guarantee/Legal undertaking/Endorsement of Transferability - 10 working days
  • Issuance/renewal of Export House/Trading House/Star Trading House/Super Star Trading House - 15 working days
  • Amendment of any category of Import license - 5 working days
  • SIL - 7 working days
  • Fixation of Standard input-output norms - 45 working days
  • DEPB - 5 working days
  • Fixation of deemed exports drawback rate - 45 working days
A Counter Assistance service is provided in all the offices of the DGFT for speedy disposal of applications. A foreign trade development officer (FTDO), in charge of the counter in each office. On submission of the application at the counter the applicant will be handed over a token and advised to return the same day when he will be informed whether his application has been found complete and admitted for further processing by the office or if there are any deficiency or lacunae. If deficiency is noticed the same is sent back to the applicant.
Counter Assistance may also be availed of, for amendments of minor nature / enquiries. Applications in such cases will be received in the licensing offices at the counter.

Importers Own Identity Card:

An application for issuance of an Identity Card may be made in the prescribed form. In case of loss of an Identity Card, a duplicate card is issued.