Exporters planning to ship goods from India must first identify the correct ITC (HS) classification of their products to determine applicable export policies and regulatory requirements, according to guidelines notified by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).
Under India’s export policy framework, goods are categorised as Free, Restricted, or Prohibited. While items under the Free category can be exported without special permissions, Restricted goods require prior export authorisation, and Prohibited items are not permitted for export under any circumstances.
DGFT has also clarified that certain products may require mandatory approvals, licences, or certifications from Partner Government Agencies (PGAs) before export, depending on the nature of the goods and the destination country’s regulations. These requirements are particularly relevant for exporters using e-commerce channels, where compliance checks are increasingly stringent.
Industry experts note that accurate ITC (HS) classification helps exporters avoid shipment delays, penalties, and rejection at ports, while ensuring alignment with both Indian export regulations and importing country norms.
DGFT emphasised that strict adherence to classification and regulatory requirements is essential for legal compliance, risk mitigation, and seamless cross-border trade, especially as India’s e-commerce exports continue to expand rapidly.