How Many Days Does it Take to Get an Export License in India?

India is a rapidly expanding export centre in the world, and thousands of companies join the exporting market annually. If you are planning to export textiles, spices, engineering products, chemicals and handicrafts, you must start by securing the required export authorisation. The most commonly asked question by many exporters is, ‘How many days does it take to get a license to export to India?’

This question should be answered based on the kind of export license, the accuracy of documents, and the authority involved. This blog outlines the expected duration, the process, the necessary paperwork, and potential issues that may impact the approval timelines.

What is an Export License in India?

An export license is a government-issued permit that allows a business to export goods that are prohibited or regulated within the country.

Not all products are subject to the special export license. Several goods can be exported freely, provided a valid Importer Exporter Code (IEC) is obtained, which is mandatory for all exporters.

But those goods located in restricted, prohibited, or controlled categories are subjected to extra licensing by the authorities, such as:

1. Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)
2. Wild Life Crime Control Bureau.
3. Narcotics Control Bureau
4. Drug India controller general.
5. Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).
6. Export Inspection Council

How Long Does It Take to Get an Export License in India?

Your schedule will vary according to the kind of license that you are applying:

1. Importer Exporter Code (IEC)

The initial and most significant requirement to export is an IEC.

Time Required: 1-2 working days

After instalment of the online application with the right documents, DGFT will normally present the IEC within seconds or within the next 48 hours.

2. DGFT Export License for Restricted Items

In case your product is included in the restricted export list, you need to apply to DGFT.

Time Required: 10-30 working days

This is based on the complexity of the product, supporting documents and the internal processing of DGFT.

3. Chemicals and Hazardous Goods Export License

According to different regulations, such as:

1. Special chemicals, organisms, materials, equipment, and technologies (SCOMET).
2. Hazardous Waste Rules
3. Environment Protection Act

Time Required: 30-45 working days

SCOMET items are subject to rigorous scrutiny, technical assessment and cross-department clearance.

4. Agricultural & Food Product License (APEDA / EIC)

In the case of agricultural products, where a certificate is needed to verify the quality of the products, or there are organic certifications and special licenses, approval can be different.

Time Required: 7-21 working days

Perishable goods are at times granted priority approvals.

5. Pharmaceutical and Medical Exports (DCGI License)

Export of drugs needs a No Objection Certificate (NOC) or an authorisation to export.

Time Required: 15-30 working days

6. Animal or Wildlife-based Product

Animals or plants from which goods are obtained are listed in the Wildlife Protection Act, and thus, special permission is necessary.

Time to be spent: 15-45 working days, depending on the evaluation and verification.

It also takes between 2 days and 45 days on average for an export license, depending on the product category and quality of documentation.

Factors That Affect Export License Approval Time

The duration of the export license is affected by various issues:

• Type of Product: The products that belong to the Restricted or SCOMET category need further examination and validation.
• Sufficiency of Documentation: The delay is greatest due to incomplete documents. The slightest malfunction can bring a couple of weeks to the schedule.
• Department Workload: Processing times can be high in times of peak exports or political adjustments.
• Verification Requirements: Other applications may need inspection of the site, expertise analysis or clearance by the departments before the final approval.
• Record of Compliance of the Applicant: Companies that are clean in their compliance and tax history tend to be given approvals quickly, as compared to those with pending cases.

A Step-by-Step Guide on how to obtain an Export License in India

The actual procedure depends on the type of product, but the usual steps are:

Step 1: Obtain Importer Exporter Code (IEC)

1. All exporters are required to use IEC.
2. Register by using the portal of DGFT with:
3. PAN
4. Address proof
5. Bank details
6. Digital signature

Upon approval, the IEC is issued in digital format in 1-2 days.

Step 2: Determine the Need for a Special License for your Product

Look at the ITC (HS) classification of the DGFT to determine whether your product is classified under:

1. Freely exportable
2. Restricted
3. Prohibited
4. State Trading Enterprise (STE).
5. SCOMET list

Only restricted and controlled products require separate licensing.

Step 3: Prepare All Documents

Common documents include:

1. IEC certificate
2. PAN
3. GST certificate
4. Purchase order/export contract.
5. Technical requirements of goods.
6. Relevant authority (where applicable) NOC.
7. Board resolution (companies)
8. Engineering certificate (machinery) Chartered Engineer

Processing time directly depends on accuracy of documents.

Step 4: File Application in DGFT Portal

1. Register online in the DGFT module Services – License/Authorisation.
2. Send documents and make the processing cost.

Step 5: Department Review and Clarifications

1. The DGFT may request additional documentation, further explanation, or a professional inspection.
2. Fast response minimises time wastage.

Step 6: Grant of Export License

1. Upon approval, the export permission is granted in digital format.
2. You may download it and utilise it to clear customs and shipping.

Tips to get Your Export License Faster

1. Ensure that all documentation is accurate and up-to-date.
2. Determine whether your product is under any restricted or SCOMET category.
3. The HS codes should be used properly to avoid rejection.
4. Swift reply to DGFT inquiries.
5. It should not be submitted around major holidays or at the end of the year, when offices are typically overwhelmed.
6. Store certificates of all kinds in ready form.

Your export license could result in a 30-50% reduction in terms of time through proper preparation.

Conclusion

It takes between 2 days in the case of IEC and between 45 days in the case of restricted or regulated products. The majority of standard exporters can start operations with the help of IEC only, whereas specialised goods require additional permissions from DGFT or the regulating bodies of a specific sector.

Exporters can secure approvals without difficulty by having the correct documentation, being clear about their classification, and following up in a timely manner, which enables the shipment of goods to international markets without delays.