Is an LOI the same as an IEC?

No. An IEC (Import-Export Code) is a permanent trading license issued by DGFT that authorizes a business to engage in import-export activities. An LOI (Letter of Intent) is a complementary declaration filed under the IEC, specifically outlining the trader's intent to participate in particular schemes (such as RoDTEP or EPCG), trade in restricted commodities, or claim specific regulatory benefits. You must have an IEC before filing an LOI.

What is the processing time for an LOI application?

Standard LOI applications are typically processed within 5-7 working days from the date of online submission to the DGFT portal. For restricted commodities (such as agriculture, chemicals, or pharmaceuticals) requiring additional sector ministry clearance, processing may extend to 15-30 days. Applicants receive email notifications at each stage; you can also track status using the LOI registration number on the DGFT portal.

Can I export goods without filing an LOI?

It depends on your export category and scheme participation. If you are exporting goods covered under RoDTEP, EPCG, or sector-specific schemes managed by Export Promotion Councils, filing an LOI is mandatory to claim benefits. For unrestricted commodities exported without scheme claims, an LOI may not be strictly required, but filing it ensures documentary evidence of compliance and facilitates smoother customs clearance. For restricted commodities, LOI is always mandatory.

What happens if my actual exports differ from the LOI quantity?

Minor deviations (typically up to 10%) are generally acceptable under DGFT guidelines. However, significant discrepancies require filing an amended LOI with revised quantities and details. If you export substantially less than declared, you may lose eligibility for scheme benefits on the shortfall quantity and become liable for duty/tax recovery. It is advisable to maintain realistic projections in your LOI and promptly amend if circumstances change.

Do I need to renew my LOI every year?

Yes. Most LOIs are valid for one financial year (April to March) under FTP 2023-28. You must file a renewal application at least 30 days before expiry to maintain uninterrupted scheme benefit eligibility. Renewal requires updating commodity details, export projections, and EPC registration status. Failure to renew results in LOI cancellation and loss of scheme benefits for subsequent shipments.

LOI (Letter of Intent)

Understand LOI filing requirements, process, and compliance for Indian exporters. Complete guide on Letter of Intent under FTP 2023-28 and DGFT regulations.

Obtain valid IEC (Import-Export Code) from DGFT if not already held; IEC serves as the foundational authorization for all foreign trade activities and LOI filing.
Register with relevant Export Promotion Council (EPC) such as APEDA, CHEMEXCIL, PHCIL, or sectoral council if applicable to your commodity; obtain registration certificate and eligibility confirmation.
Gather all required documents including IEC certificate, company registration (PAN, GST, MOA/AOA), quality certifications (FSSAI, ISO, etc.), EPC registration letter, and preliminary export plan with commodity HS codes.
Access the DGFT online portal using IEC credentials; navigate to the LOI application module and complete the form with precise commodity details, HS codes, destination countries, annual quantity/value, and scheme participation details.
Upload all supporting documents in PDF format to the portal; review application for accuracy and submit; download and retain the system-generated acknowledgment with LOI registration number for customs reference during clearance.

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What is LOI (Letter of Intent)?

A Letter of Intent (LOI) is a formal declaration submitted to the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) by an exporter or importer outlining their intention to engage in specific trade activities under Indian foreign trade policy. Under the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992 (FTDR Act) and the Foreign Trade Policy 2023-28, an LOI serves as an official record of the trader's commitment to comply with applicable regulations, tariffs, and conditions governing their designated trade category.

The LOI is distinct from an Import-Export Code (IEC)—while an IEC is a permanent trading license, an LOI is a declaration document filed for specific trade schemes, restricted commodities, or special regulatory frameworks. It establishes the trader's eligibility and intent to participate in government-sponsored incentive schemes such as RoDTEP (Remission of Duties or Taxes on Exported Products), EPCG (Export Promotion Capital Goods), or sector-specific schemes administered by Export Promotion Councils (EPCs).

Pricing

Package	Price	Details
Standard	On request	Including document prep

Process

📋
Obtain valid IEC (Import-Export Code) from DGFT if not already held; IEC serves as the foundational authorization for all foreign trade activities and LOI filing.
🔍
Register with relevant Export Promotion Council (EPC) such as APEDA, CHEMEXCIL, PHCIL, or sectoral council if applicable to your commodity; obtain registration certificate and eligibility confirmation.
📝
Gather all required documents including IEC certificate, company registration (PAN, GST, MOA/AOA), quality certifications (FSSAI, ISO, etc.), EPC registration letter, and preliminary export plan with commodity HS codes.
✅
Access the DGFT online portal using IEC credentials; navigate to the LOI application module and complete the form with precise commodity details, HS codes, destination countries, annual quantity/value, and scheme participation details.
📤
Upload all supporting documents in PDF format to the portal; review application for accuracy and submit; download and retain the system-generated acknowledgment with LOI registration number for customs reference during clearance.

Documents Required

Valid Import-Export Code (IEC) certificate issued by DGFT
Company registration documents (Certificate of Incorporation, PAN certificate, GST registration)
Export Promotion Council (EPC) registration certificate or authorization letter confirming scheme eligibility
Quality compliance certificates (FSSAI for food products, ISO certifications, BIS mark, pharmaceutical approvals from CDSCO as applicable)
Detailed export plan or business proposal specifying commodity HS codes, annual quantity/value, and destination countries
Bank account details and cancelled cheque for EXIM-related transactions and refund processing

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LOI (Letter of Intent)

Understand LOI filing requirements, process, and compliance for Indian exporters. Complete guide on Letter of Intent under FTP 2023-28 and DGFT regulations.

Obtain valid IEC (Import-Export Code) from DGFT if not already held; IEC serves as the foundational authorization for all foreign trade activities and LOI filing.

Register with relevant Export Promotion Council (EPC) such as APEDA, CHEMEXCIL, PHCIL, or sectoral council if applicable to your commodity; obtain registration certificate and eligibility confirmation.

Gather all required documents including IEC certificate, company registration (PAN, GST, MOA/AOA), quality certifications (FSSAI, ISO, etc.), EPC registration letter, and preliminary export plan with commodity HS codes.

Access the DGFT online portal using IEC credentials; navigate to the LOI application module and complete the form with precise commodity details, HS codes, destination countries, annual quantity/value, and scheme participation details.

Upload all supporting documents in PDF format to the portal; review application for accuracy and submit; download and retain the system-generated acknowledgment with LOI registration number for customs reference during clearance.

Google VerifiedBusiness

500+Export Clients Served

End-to-EndEXIM Support

What is LOI (Letter of Intent)?

Package

Price

Details

Standard

On request

Including document prep

Process

📋

Obtain valid IEC (Import-Export Code) from DGFT if not already held; IEC serves as the foundational authorization for all foreign trade activities and LOI filing.

🔍

📝

✅

📤

Documents Required

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

Company registration documents (Certificate of Incorporation, PAN certificate, GST registration)

Export Promotion Council (EPC) registration certificate or authorization letter confirming scheme eligibility

Quality compliance certificates (FSSAI for food products, ISO certifications, BIS mark, pharmaceutical approvals from CDSCO as applicable)

Detailed export plan or business proposal specifying commodity HS codes, annual quantity/value, and destination countries

Bank account details and cancelled cheque for EXIM-related transactions and refund processing