DGFT Portal Guide. How to Navigate Every Module an Exporter Needs

DGFT Portal Overview

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is the apex body governing India's Foreign Trade Policy (FTP). Its online portal at dgft.gov.in is the single window through which every exporter and importer interacts with the trade policy ecosystem. From obtaining an Importer Exporter Code (IEC) to claiming duty remission credits.

The current portal, often referred to as DGFT 2.0, was revamped in 2021 to consolidate previously scattered systems into a unified interface. All applications, approvals, amendments, and status tracking now happen in one place. The portal integrates with ICEGATE (Customs), RBI, banks (for eBRC), and Export Promotion Councils (for RCMC).

Key modules an exporter will use regularly:

• IEC: Registration, modification, annual update, and surrender
• Authorisations: Advance Authorisation (AA), EPCG, DFIA applications, amendments, and EODC
• RoDTEP / Drawback: Credit ledger view, utilisation, and transfer
• eBRC: Bank Realisation Certificate self-certification and linking
• RCMC: Registration-cum-Membership Certificate application through export councils
• eCoO: Electronic Certificate of Origin issuance (preferential and non-preferential)
• ANF Forms: Aayaat Niryaat Forms for various scheme applications

Login & Digital Signature Setup

Before you can access any service module, you need a working login with a registered Digital Signature Certificate (DSC). This section covers the initial setup and common pitfalls.

Creating Your DGFT Login

If you are a first-time user without an IEC, start by creating an account on dgft.gov.in. The portal uses an email-based registration:

• Go to dgft.gov.in and click "Register"
• Enter a valid email address, mobile number, and set a password meeting complexity requirements (8+ characters, uppercase, lowercase, number, special character)
• Verify the email via OTP and activate the account
• Once the IEC is obtained, the IEC number becomes your primary login identifier for all subsequent logins

For existing IEC holders, log in with your IEC number and password. If you have forgotten your password, use the "Forgot Password" link. An OTP is sent to the registered email and mobile.

Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) Requirements

Almost every submission on the DGFT portal requires a DSC signature. The requirements:

Installing and Configuring emsigner

The DGFT portal uses emsigner, a Java-based utility, to bridge the DSC token with the web browser. Setup steps:

• Download emsigner from the DGFT portal (Services > DSC > Download emsigner)
• Install Java Runtime Environment (JRE) version 8 or above if not already present
• Run the emsigner installer and ensure it starts as a background service (default port 1585)
• Insert your USB DSC token before launching emsigner
• Test by going to Services > DSC > Register DSC on the portal; the emsigner pop-up should list your certificate

Registering Your DSC on the Portal

After emsigner is running:

• Log in to dgft.gov.in with your IEC and password
• Navigate to Services > DSC > Register DSC
• The portal invokes emsigner, which shows your available certificates; select the correct one
• Enter the DSC token PIN when prompted
• The portal confirms registration with a success message and maps the DSC to your IEC

IEC Module

The Importer Exporter Code (IEC) is the foundational registration for any entity engaged in import or export from India. Without a valid, active IEC, you cannot file shipping bills, claim duty benefits, or apply for any FTP authorisation. The DGFT portal handles the entire IEC lifecycle.

New IEC Registration

Navigate to Services > IEC > Apply for IEC. The application form (ANF 2A) collects:

• Entity details: PAN, entity name, type (proprietorship, partnership, company, LLP), constitution, date of incorporation
• Address: Registered office address with proof (electricity bill, rent agreement, or ownership deed)
• Bank account: Current account details with cancelled cheque or bank certificate
• Authorised signatory: Name, Aadhaar, PAN, mobile, email, and photograph
• Branch addresses: Additional business premises, if any

Upload scanned copies of PAN card, Aadhaar of signatory, cancelled cheque, and address proof. Pay the Rs 500 application fee online via net banking or debit card. Sign with DSC and submit.

The IEC is typically issued within 1. 2 working days. You receive the IEC certificate as a downloadable PDF on the portal. The IEC number is a 10-digit code identical to the entity's PAN.

IEC Modification

Changes to IEC details (authorised signatory, bank account, address, directors, or branch offices) are done through Services > IEC > Modify IEC. The process mirrors the original application: fill the modified fields, upload supporting documents, sign with DSC, and submit. Modifications are processed within 3. 5 working days.

Common modification scenarios:

• Change of authorised signatory when a director leaves
• Adding or removing bank accounts
• Updating the registered address after office relocation
• Adding new branch/factory addresses for manufacturing exporters

IEC Annual Update

Since 2022, every IEC holder must confirm or update their IEC details annually between April and June . This is not optional. If you miss the annual update window, DGFT deactivates the IEC, which means:

• You cannot file shipping bills on ICEGATE
• Pending authorisation applications are held up
• RoDTEP credits cannot be utilised or transferred
• eBRC self-certification is blocked

To complete the annual update: go to Services > IEC > Annual Update, review all fields, confirm or modify, and submit with DSC. There is no fee for the annual update. If your IEC has already been deactivated, you can still complete the update to reactivate it. There is no late fee, but the deactivation period blocks all activity.

Licence Modules. AA, EPCG, DFIA

The DGFT portal hosts applications for the three major duty-exemption authorisation schemes under the Foreign Trade Policy. Each scheme has its own application form, input-output norms, and obligation tracking within the portal.

Advance Authorisation (AA)

Advance Authorisation allows duty-free import of raw materials, inputs, and intermediates needed to manufacture export products. On the portal:

• Apply: Services > Authorisation > Apply for Advance Authorisation (ANF 4A)
• Specify SION or ad-hoc norms: Standard Input Output Norms (SION) from the Handbook of Procedures, or apply for ad-hoc norms if your product is not covered
• Upload documents: Past export details, BOM (Bill of Materials), CA certificate for ad-hoc norms, and supporting invoices
• Track status: Services > Authorisation > Track Authorisation Status
• Apply for EODC: Once the export obligation is fulfilled, apply for the Export Obligation Discharge Certificate through the authorisation module

The export obligation for AA is to export finished goods manufactured using the imported inputs within 18 months from the date of authorisation (extendable by 6 months). The value addition must be at least 15%.

Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG)

EPCG allows duty-free import of capital goods for manufacturing export products. The portal workflow:

• Apply: Services > Authorisation > Apply for EPCG Authorisation (ANF 5A)
• Specify capital goods: Description, HS codes, CIF value, and the export products they will manufacture
• Export obligation auto-calculated: The portal calculates 6x duty saved based on the CIF value and applicable tariff rates
• Upload bank guarantee: Furnish BG through the portal for the duty saved amount
• Track block-wise fulfilment: Services > Authorisation > View Obligation Status

The 6-year, block-wise obligation tracking is detailed in our EPCG Export Obligation Tracking Guide.

Duty Free Import Authorisation (DFIA)

DFIA is a post-export authorisation. You export first, then apply for duty-free import entitlement based on the inputs consumed. On the portal:

• Apply: Services > Authorisation > Apply for DFIA (ANF 4D)
• Link shipping bills: Map the exports against which you are claiming DFIA entitlement
• SION-based only: DFIA is available only for products with notified Standard Input Output Norms; no ad-hoc norms
• Transferable: Unlike AA, DFIA authorisations are transferable after a minimum value addition of 20%

Common Portal Steps Across All Authorisations

Regardless of the scheme, the portal workflow follows a consistent pattern:

1. 1. Log in with IEC and password
2. 2. Navigate to Services > Authorisation > select scheme
3. 3. Fill the relevant ANF form online
4. 4. Upload supporting documents (invoices, BOMs, CA certificates)
5. 5. Pay the application fee (Rs 200. 500 depending on scheme and value)
6. 6. Sign with DSC and submit
7. 7. Track status under "Track Authorisation Status"
8. 8. Download the authorisation once approved
9. 9. After fulfilling the obligation, apply for EODC through the same module

RoDTEP / Drawback Credit Ledger

The Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme reimburses embedded duties and taxes that are not otherwise refunded. Credits are generated automatically against each eligible shipping bill and credited to your ledger on the DGFT portal.

Viewing Your RoDTEP Ledger

Navigate to Services > RoDTEP > View Scrip/Ledger. The ledger dashboard shows:

• Credits generated: Amount credited per shipping bill, with HS code, port of export, and LEO date
• Credits utilised: Amounts debited for customs duty payment via ICEGATE
• Credits transferred: Amounts transferred to other IEC holders (with transferee details)
• Running balance: Net available credits

Using RoDTEP Credits

Credits in your DGFT ledger can be used in two ways:

Drawback Credits

Duty drawback credits (under Section 74 and Section 75 of the Customs Act) follow a similar ledger structure on the portal. The drawback amount is determined by the Drawback Schedule rates or actual duties paid (for brand rate drawback). Credits appear in your DGFT ledger after customs processing and can be utilised or transferred similarly to RoDTEP.

EBRC Self-Certification

The electronic Bank Realisation Certificate (eBRC) is proof that export proceeds have been received in foreign exchange. EBRCs are critical for claiming RoDTEP, MEIS (legacy), and for proving export obligation fulfilment under AA and EPCG.

How eBRC Works

The process involves two parties:

1. 1. Bank uploads: Your Authorised Dealer (AD) bank uploads realisation data to DGFT when export proceeds are credited to your account. This happens automatically through the banking system's integration with DGFT.
2. 2. Exporter self-certifies: You log in to the DGFT portal, navigate to Services > eBRC > Self Certify, review the bank-uploaded data, match each BRC to the correct shipping bill, and digitally sign.
3. 3. EBRC becomes active: Once self-certified, the eBRC is linked to the shipping bill and can be used for RoDTEP claims, EPCG fulfilment proof, and AA obligation tracking.

Self-Certification Steps

• Log in to dgft.gov.in with IEC and password
• Navigate to Services > eBRC > Self Certify
• The portal lists pending BRCs uploaded by your bank; select the ones you want to certify
• Match each BRC to the correct shipping bill number (the portal may auto-suggest matches)
• Review the amounts. The realised amount should match or be close to the shipping bill FOB value (minor variations due to exchange rates are normal)
• Sign with DSC and submit

Troubleshooting eBRC Issues

BRC not showing on the portal

Contact your AD bank. The bank may not have uploaded the realisation data yet, or the upload may have failed. Banks sometimes batch uploads weekly or monthly.

Amount mismatch between BRC and shipping bill

Minor exchange rate variations are acceptable. For significant differences (partial payment, short payment, or overpayment), you may need to certify partially and follow up with the bank for the remaining amount.

Unable to match BRC to shipping bill

If the shipping bill number is not auto-suggested, enter it manually. Ensure the shipping bill port code and number are correct. If the shipping bill is not in the DGFT system, it may not yet be transmitted from ICEGATE. Wait 48. 72 hours and retry.

RCMC Application

The Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) is issued by Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) and Commodity Boards. It is mandatory for claiming FTP benefits like RoDTEP, Advance Authorisation, EPCG, and participation in government-sponsored trade fairs and buyer-seller meets.

Applying for RCMC on the DGFT Portal

The RCMC application has moved to the DGFT portal from the individual council websites:

• Navigate to Services > RCMC > Apply for RCMC
• Select the appropriate Export Promotion Council based on your product category (e.g., FIEO for general engineering goods, AEPC for apparel, CHEMEXCIL for chemicals, EEPC for engineering)
• Fill in entity details, export turnover for the last 3 years, product categories, and HS codes
• Upload IEC certificate, PAN card, GST registration, and address proof
• Pay the membership fee online (varies by council, typically Rs 5,000. 25,000 annually based on turnover slab)
• Sign with DSC and submit

The council processes the application and issues the RCMC through the portal. Processing takes 5. 15 working days. The RCMC is valid for 5 years from the date of issue.

RCMC Renewal

Renewal is done through the same portal path (Services > RCMC > Renew RCMC). Apply before expiry to avoid a gap. Without a valid RCMC, your FTP benefit claims are rejected at the application stage.

ECoO. Electronic Certificate of Origin

A Certificate of Origin (CoO) certifies the country of manufacture of exported goods. Importers in the destination country use it to claim preferential tariff rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs). The DGFT portal enables fully electronic CoO issuance.

Types of Certificates of Origin

Applying for eCoO on the Portal

• Navigate to Services > Certificate of Origin on the DGFT portal
• Select the CoO type (preferential or non-preferential) and the relevant FTA/PTA
• Fill in exporter details, consignee details, country of destination, and port of discharge
• List all goods with HS codes, description, quantity, value, and origin criteria (WO, PE, or CTH as applicable under the specific FTA rules of origin)
• Attach commercial invoice, packing list, and shipping bill
• Select the issuing agency and submit with DSC
• The designated agency reviews and approves; the digital eCoO is available for download once approved

Common Portal Errors & Workarounds

The DGFT portal is functional but not always smooth. Here are the most frequently encountered errors and how to resolve them.

1. "Session expired" or automatic logout

The portal session times out after approximately 15 minutes of inactivity. Filling long forms like ANF 4A or ANF 5A often triggers this mid-submission.

Fix: Save your application as a draft frequently using the "Save" button (not "Submit"). Keep a separate tab with the portal open and refresh it periodically to keep the session alive.

2. Emsigner not detected / DSC signing fails

The portal cannot communicate with the emsigner utility running on your computer. This prevents any form submission.

Fix: Ensure emsigner is running (check the system tray on Windows, or Activity Monitor on Mac). Restart the emsigner service. Verify that port 1585 is not blocked by your firewall. Use Chrome or Edge. Clear browser cache and cookies for dgft.gov.in.

3. "Your DSC is not registered" error

Appears when the DSC you are trying to sign with is not mapped to the logged-in IEC.

Fix: Go to Services > DSC > Register DSC and re-register. If the DSC was recently renewed, the new certificate needs fresh registration even if the old one was registered. Ensure the name on the DSC matches the authorised signatory on the IEC exactly.

4. "Internal server error" or blank page

Generic server-side errors, usually during peak filing periods (end of quarter, annual update window, RoDTEP claim deadlines).

Fix: Try during off-peak hours (before 10 AM or after 7 PM IST). Clear cache and try a different browser. If persistent, check the DGFT Twitter handle (@dgaboraofficial) for maintenance announcements.

5. File upload failures

The portal rejects document uploads with no clear error message, or the upload spinner runs indefinitely.

Fix: Ensure files are in PDF format, under 2 MB each. Rename files to remove special characters, spaces, and non-English characters from the filename. Some modules accept only JPEG for photographs. Check the upload field tooltip.

6. IEC-related data not fetching (PAN validation, bank details)

When applying for or modifying an IEC, the portal fetches PAN details from the CBDT database and bank details from the banking system. If the integration is down, these fields show errors.

Fix: Wait and retry after a few hours. This is an upstream dependency issue that DGFT cannot resolve. PAN validation depends on CBDT servers, and bank validation depends on NPCI/bank connectivity.

7. Application stuck in "Under Process" for weeks

Authorisation applications sometimes show "Under Process" status for extended periods with no movement.

Fix: Check if DGFT has raised a query under the "View Queries" section of the application. Queries are often raised without email notification. If no query is pending, contact the concerned Regional Authority (RA) office. The DGFT helpline (1800-111-550) can also provide status updates.

8. Pop-up blocker preventing emsigner window

emsigner opens a small pop-up window for certificate selection and PIN entry. If your browser blocks pop-ups, the signing process fails silently.

Fix: Add dgft.gov.in to your browser's pop-up exception list. In Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Site Settings > Pop-ups and redirects > Add dgft.gov.in to "Allowed to send pop-ups."

Module-wise URL Reference Table

Bookmark these direct URLs to skip the DGFT homepage navigation. All URLs require login. The base domain is dgft.gov.in .

Frequently Asked Questions

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Update history

• 2026-08-12 First published.