Starting an import business in India can be a lucrative opportunity, but it comes with a set of legal responsibilities and compliance requirements. To avoid regulatory hassles, penalties, and shipment delays, it is critical for importers to understand the essential licenses, certifications, and registrations they must obtain before beginning operations.
1. Import Export Code (IEC)
The first and most fundamental requirement for any import or export business in India is the Import Export Code (IEC). Issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), this 10-digit code is mandatory for customs clearance and international transactions. Without an IEC, no importer can legally bring goods into the country.
2. Goods and Services Tax (GST) Registration
Every importer must register under GST to be able to claim input tax credit and issue valid invoices. GST registration is essential for maintaining transparent tax compliance and ensuring that the business can operate legally within India’s tax framework.
3. Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities (LMPC) Certificate
If your business deals with pre-packaged goods, the LMPC Certificate is a must. This registration, as per the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, is mandatory for importers who sell goods in packaged form. It ensures proper labeling and declarations such as net quantity, MRP, country of origin, and manufacturing date. Importers without an LMPC certificate risk customs clearance issues and market seizures.
4. BIS Certification (if applicable)
Certain products, especially in the electronics, appliances, and construction material segments, require BIS Certification (ISI Mark or CRS) under mandatory certification schemes. Importing these goods without prior approval from the Bureau of Indian Standards is prohibited.
5. Customs Clearance and Port Registration
Importers also need to register at the port of importation and coordinate with customs brokers for documentation such as the Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and Bill of Entry. Clearance from customs authorities is only granted once all mandatory certifications and duties are in place.
6. Product-Specific Certifications
Depending on the nature of the product, additional licenses may be required from regulatory bodies such as the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for food items, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) for medical devices and drugs, and the WPC for wireless equipment.
How Agile Regulatory Helps Import Businesses
Navigating the maze of Indian import regulations can be overwhelming for new entrepreneurs and businesses. Agile Regulatory simplifies the entire process by offering end-to-end consulting and documentation services for all major import-related certifications—including IEC, LMPC Certificate Registration, BIS Approval, and more. With a team of seasoned compliance experts and pan-India support, Agile Regulatory ensures you meet all legal requirements smoothly and efficiently—so you can focus on growing your business, not on paperwork