FTP, International Trade, EXIM, Customs and Taxation

We offer exemplary services related to DGFT, Customs, and provide guidance on Central and State grants and subsidies, Export Incentive Schemes, duty and tariff optimization, as well as Merchant Accounting. Our expertise extends to trade finance facilitation, foreign exchange, cross-border payment advisory, refunds management, and Market and Risk Intelligence for optimizing trade globally between exporter and importer countries.

We specialize in FTP Optimization and navigating various DGFT schemes and policy matters:

- Status House Certificate (SHC)

- Advance Authorization (AA) for duty-free import of inputs for export production

- Duty Free Import Authorization (DFIA)

- RoSCTL (Rebate of State & Central Taxes and Levies)

- RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Export Products)

- EPCG (Export Promotion Capital Goods) License

- Restricted Licenses for export and import

- Strategic Trade Controls and SCOMET related services

- Industrial Entrepreneur Memorandum (IEM) Services

- Free Sale and Commerce Certificate (FSC)

- Certificate of Origin (CoO) – Both Preferential and Non-Preferential

- Registered Exporter System (REX)

- RCMC Registrations services under various EPC’s

- Transportation and Marketing Assistance (TMA)

- Market Access Services (MAS), Market Access Initiative (MAI), Market Development Assistance (MDA)

- ECGC (Export Credit Guarantee Corporation) Schemes

- Interest Equalization Scheme (IES)

- Niryat Disha and Niryat Protsahan related services.

Our Customs Optimization Services include:

- HS code classification advisory 

- Tariff and trade duty optimization

- Free Trade Agreement eligibility analysis

- Anti-dumping & safeguard duty advisory

- Export controls & restricted goods compliance

- Sanctions screening framework

- Rules of Origin certification advisory

- Cross-border payment protection clauses

- Contract breach and recovery strategy

- Compliance Program Structuring: Regulatory non-compliance defense coordination, Global compliance framework design, Import/export compliance manuals, Ethics & anti-corruption policies

- MOOWR (Manufacturing and Other Operations in Warehouse Regulations)

- Free Trade Zone / Special Economic Zone / bonded warehouse Offshore, Nearshore legal structuring and Operations Setup

- Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) - T1 / T2 / T3 / LO

- First Time Custom Registration, ICEGATE Registration, Custom - AD Code Registration and IFSC Code Registration

- Duty Drawback (DBK) Services

- Self Sealing Permission Services

- Customised DBK with Brand Rate Fixation

- Custom Duty Refund facilitation

- Advanced Ruling with Customs / GST

- Statutory Document Filing (SDF) and Waivers / GR Waiver

- SCN / Appeals / Personal Hearing / Arbitration / Medication and Litigation Services for disputes regarding tariff classification of goods, valuation, origin, penalty, demurrages, seizure and forfeiture, duty refund claims and others regarding Special Valuation Branch (SVB) matters with DGV, Special Intelligence and Investigation (SIIB) Matters and GST / IT Matters

Our Market and Risk Intelligence services focus on tracking industry trends in renewable energy technology, market pricing, and regulatory changes. We help identify opportunities for new materials or technologies that enhance efficiency and sustainability, alongside maintaining relationships with innovative suppliers. Additionally, we assess risks related to supply chain disruptions and currency fluctuations, developing contingency plans to ensure procurement timelines align with project schedules.

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) in India formulate and implement foreign trade policies (EXIM policy), regulating imports/exports, and issuing licenses (IEC codes). Similar bodies exist globally, acting as gateways for international trade. We fetch Intelligence from sources similar to DGFT and Customs from all across the globe for reliable and authentic information.

Before initiating any import or export transaction, basic business and regulatory requirements must be established. This includes obtaining an Import Export Code (IEC) from DGFT, completing GST registration, and linking the AD Code with Customs for the authorized bank account. Correct product classification and compliance with specific standards are critical early steps.

Our export and import customs activities ensure all necessary documentation is prepared and filed correctly. The export process includes pre-shipment documents and filing the shipping bill through ICEGATE, while import procedures begin prior to cargo arrival, verifying policies and obtaining necessary licenses. We facilitate financial and commercial services, including Merchant Accounting, GST advisory, trade finance, and cross-border payment advisory, ensuring comprehensive support for our clients.

- Merchant Accounting, GST advisory and facilitation, incentives and tariff optimization

- EDPMS and IDPMS Compliance / E-BRC Related services

- Trade finance, foreign exchange and cross border payment advisory

- BG Release Facilitation

Common Pre-Customs Activities (For Both Imports and Exports)

Before starting any import or export transaction, certain basic business and regulatory requirements must be in place. This includes obtaining an Import Export Code (IEC) from DGFT, completing GST registration for commercial trade, and registering the AD Code with Customs by linking it to the authorized bank account. Exporters are also required to obtain an RCMC from the relevant Export Promotion Council.

Correct product classification is a critical early step. The appropriate HS (ITC-HS) code must be identified, and it is important to check whether the product falls under prohibited or restricted categories or requires special licenses or approvals. Depending on the product, clearances may be needed from authorities such as DGFT, FSSAI, CDSCO, WPC, BIS, or plant and animal quarantine departments. Many products must also meet country-specific compliance standards such as RoHS, REACH, CE, or FDA requirements.

Trade terms and logistics should be finalized in advance. This involves agreeing on Incoterms like FOB, CIF, EXW, or DDP, selecting a freight forwarder or customs broker, and arranging cargo insurance wherever applicable.

Export Customs Activities

The export process begins with preparing all pre-shipment documents. These typically include the commercial invoice, packing list, purchase order or sales contract, and letter of credit if applicable. The shipping bill is filed electronically through ICEGATE, along with GST-related documents such as ARE-1 or LUT. Export incentive declarations such as RoDTEP, duty drawback, or EPCG benefits are also made at this stage.

Once documentation is complete, the shipping bill is filed under the appropriate category such as free, FOB, drawback, or EPCG. Export duty, if applicable, is self-assessed, and the cargo may be selected for customs examination based on risk parameters. After clearance, Customs issues the Let Export Order (LEO).

After receiving clearance, the cargo is handed over to the carrier. The Bill of Lading or Airway Bill is generated, and the Export General Manifest (EGM) is filed by the shipping line or airline.

Post-export compliance includes ensuring timely realization of export proceeds within RBI-prescribed timelines. The exporter must obtain the electronic Bank Realisation Certificate (e-BRC), claim eligible export incentives, and process GST refunds if applicable.

Import Customs Activities

Import procedures begin even before the cargo arrives. The import contract and Incoterms are finalized, and the applicable import policy is verified to confirm whether the goods are freely importable or require licenses or approvals. Any necessary licenses or NOCs are obtained, and filing an advance Bill of Entry is recommended to speed up clearance.

Key import documents include the commercial invoice, packing list, Bill of Lading or Airway Bill, certificate of origin, insurance certificate, and any required licenses or test reports.

For customs clearance, the Bill of Entry is filed either for home consumption or warehousing. Customs duties are calculated, including basic customs duty, IGST, social welfare surcharge, and any applicable anti-dumping or safeguard duties. Coordination with customs agents and examiners is required for valuation checks and certification. If selected, the cargo may undergo examination or sampling. Once duties are paid, Customs issues the Out of Charge (OOC) order.

After clearance, port handling formalities are completed, and a delivery order is obtained. The goods are transported to the factory or warehouse, and any post-import conditions such as EPCG or end-use compliance are fulfilled. Eligible IGST paid on imports can be claimed as input tax credit under GST.

Supply Chain and Logistics Operations, Compliance and Optimization

- Multi-jurisdiction logistics compliance

- Warehouse licensing and compliance advisory

- Cold storage regulatory compliance

- Liability structuring across logistics partners

- Insurance & risk transfer legal advisory

- Cross-border freight legal frameworks

- E-commerce fulfillment compliance

- Customs Clearance Services for efficient cross-border operations

- Dangerous goods transportation legal compliance

- Warehousing & logistics contracts and Service Level Agreements (5PL, cold chain, automation vendors)

- Design of Supply chain due diligence systems

- Export Incentive Schemes consulting, including Incoterm, HSN specification, IGM, EGM, LEO, VGM

- Freight Forwarder (Air / Sea / Land), Logistics and Transportation, CHA - CFA - CE Selection and Coordination

- Packing with Regulatory label application

- Warehouse / Cold Storage Operations Management Strategy

- Distribution Center Operations Management aimed at E-Commerce customers

- Cold Chain Operations Management for Pharma and Biotech, Ayurveda Healthcare and Personal Care Products, Agricultural Produce, Processed Food, Dairy and Perishables

- Hyperlocal Delivery, Quick Commerce and Instant Delivery related strategy

- Reverse Logistics, Returns Management Solutions