Is customs registration the same as IEC registration?

No. IEC (Import-Export Code) is issued by DGFT and identifies you as a trader in India's international trade system. Customs registration is issued by CBIC and authorizes you to clear goods at specific ports or airports. IEC is a prerequisite for customs registration; you must have IEC before applying for customs registration.

How long does first-time customs registration take?

The entire process typically takes 5–7 working days from application submission to certificate issuance. IEC registration (if not already held) adds another 2–3 days. Processing time varies by port authority and completeness of documentation.

Can I register with multiple ports simultaneously?

You register at your principal port of clearance and declare secondary locations if you operate across multiple hubs in different cities. However, you must maintain registered office premises at your primary location. Any change in principal port requires application amendment.

What happens if my registration certificate expires?

If your certificate lapses without renewal, you cannot clear goods through customs. You must apply for renewal 60 days before expiry to avoid clearance delays. If it expires, you may reapply, but the process is treated as a new application, causing operational disruption.

Are there sector-specific requirements for customs registration?

Yes. If you import or export regulated goods (food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, electronics), you must provide additional licenses (FSSAI, drug manufacturing license, etc.) during registration. Customs authorities verify these sector-specific approvals before approving your registration.

First-Time Customs Registration

Register with CBIC for customs clearance in India. Complete guide to IEC, documentation, fees, and renewal for importers and exporters.

Apply for and obtain Import-Export Code (IEC) from DGFT through the Saksham portal, which is a mandatory prerequisite for customs registration.
Prepare the customs registration application form with complete business details, authorized signatories, and office location information from your designated port authority.
Submit the application with all required supporting documents (PAN, business proof, IEC, address verification, notarized signatures) online through the port's e-filing system or customs office.
Attend the verification meeting scheduled by customs officers, provide additional information on business operations, and complete any physical premises inspection if required.
Receive your Customs Registration Certificate with a unique registration number valid for 3 years, which enables you to file customs declarations and clear goods.

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What is First-Time Customs Registration?

First-time customs registration is the formal enrollment of an individual or business entity with the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) to conduct import-export operations in India. This registration establishes your legal identity within the Indian customs system and enables you to file customs declarations, clear consignments, and maintain compliance records. Every entity seeking to engage in international trade must complete this registration before attempting to clear goods at any Indian port or airport.

The registration process is governed by the Customs Act, 1962 and the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023-28. CBIC maintains a centralized database of all registered importers and exporters, which facilitates transparent customs administration and enables real-time tracking of your trade profile by customs authorities and freight forwarders in India and across India.

Pricing

Package	Price	Details
Standard	On request	Including document prep

Process

📋
Apply for and obtain Import-Export Code (IEC) from DGFT through the Saksham portal, which is a mandatory prerequisite for customs registration.
🔍
Prepare the customs registration application form with complete business details, authorized signatories, and office location information from your designated port authority.
📝
Submit the application with all required supporting documents (PAN, business proof, IEC, address verification, notarized signatures) online through the port's e-filing system or customs office.
✅
Attend the verification meeting scheduled by customs officers, provide additional information on business operations, and complete any physical premises inspection if required.
📤
Receive your Customs Registration Certificate with a unique registration number valid for 3 years, which enables you to file customs declarations and clear goods.

Documents Required

Valid Import-Export Code (IEC) certificate issued by DGFT
Permanent Account Number (PAN) certificate from Income Tax Department
Business registration proof (Partnership Deed, Memorandum of Association, Certificate of Incorporation, or sole proprietorship declaration)
Notarized signatures of proprietor, all partners, or authorized directors on the registration form and declaration
Office address proof (utility bill, lease agreement, or property ownership document dated within last 3 months)
Bank account statement or proof showing business entity name matching registered credentials

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First-Time Customs Registration

Register with CBIC for customs clearance in India. Complete guide to IEC, documentation, fees, and renewal for importers and exporters.

Apply for and obtain Import-Export Code (IEC) from DGFT through the Saksham portal, which is a mandatory prerequisite for customs registration.

Prepare the customs registration application form with complete business details, authorized signatories, and office location information from your designated port authority.

Submit the application with all required supporting documents (PAN, business proof, IEC, address verification, notarized signatures) online through the port's e-filing system or customs office.

Attend the verification meeting scheduled by customs officers, provide additional information on business operations, and complete any physical premises inspection if required.

Receive your Customs Registration Certificate with a unique registration number valid for 3 years, which enables you to file customs declarations and clear goods.

Google VerifiedBusiness

500+Export Clients Served

End-to-EndEXIM Support

What is First-Time Customs Registration?

Package

Price

Details

Standard

On request

Including document prep

Process

📋

Apply for and obtain Import-Export Code (IEC) from DGFT through the Saksham portal, which is a mandatory prerequisite for customs registration.

🔍

Prepare the customs registration application form with complete business details, authorized signatories, and office location information from your designated port authority.

📝

Submit the application with all required supporting documents (PAN, business proof, IEC, address verification, notarized signatures) online through the port's e-filing system or customs office.

✅

Attend the verification meeting scheduled by customs officers, provide additional information on business operations, and complete any physical premises inspection if required.

📤

Receive your Customs Registration Certificate with a unique registration number valid for 3 years, which enables you to file customs declarations and clear goods.

Documents Required

Valid Import-Export Code (IEC) certificate issued by DGFT

Permanent Account Number (PAN) certificate from Income Tax Department

Business registration proof (Partnership Deed, Memorandum of Association, Certificate of Incorporation, or sole proprietorship declaration)

Notarized signatures of proprietor, all partners, or authorized directors on the registration form and declaration

Office address proof (utility bill, lease agreement, or property ownership document dated within last 3 months)

Bank account statement or proof showing business entity name matching registered credentials