Documents Required For Export House Certificate

The Export House Certificate is a recognition granted by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India. It is awarded to exporters who achieve a certain level of export performance and helps them avail of several trade benefits. Exporters are classified under categories such as Export House, Star Export House, Trading House, Star Trading House, and Premier Trading House, depending on their past export turnover in terms of Free on Board (FOB) value.

Having an Export House Certificate provides exporters with a competitive edge, as it simplifies export-related procedures, offers priority in customs clearances, and gives access to various government incentives and schemes. To apply for this certificate, an exporter must meet the prescribed export performance criteria and provide a specific set of documents as proof of eligibility.

What is an Export House Certificate?

An Export House Certificate is an official recognition given to exporters by DGFT based on their export performance. It acts as a status symbol for businesses engaged in international trade and gives them easier access to government support schemes. With this certificate, exporters enjoy benefits such as:

• Priority in customs clearance for goods.
• Simplified procedures for claiming export incentives.
• Access to duty credit scrips and exemptions under Foreign Trade Policy.
• Global credibility, as buyers prefer sourcing from DGFT-recognized exporters.

This certificate is valid for five years and can be renewed by submitting updated performance records.

What are the Documents Required for Export House Certificate?

When applying for the Export House Certificate, exporters must submit a set of documents that establish their export performance and business credibility. The documents required are:

• Application Form (ANF 3C) – The prescribed form provided by DGFT, duly filled and digitally signed.
• Import Export Code (IEC) Certificate – A mandatory registration for any business engaged in export or import.
• Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) – Required to authenticate the online application on the DGFT portal.
• Export Performance Certificate – Certified by a Chartered Accountant (CA), confirming the company’s export turnover for the past years.
• Self-certified export documents – Shipping bills, bills of export, or bank realization certificates showing FOB value of exports for the last 3 financial years.
• Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) – Issued by the relevant Export Promotion Council (EPC) or Commodity Board.
• PAN Card of the firm/company – Proof of identity and tax registration.
• GST Registration Certificate – To validate compliance with indirect tax regulations in India.
• Audited Financial Statements – Balance sheets and profit & loss statements showing the export performance.
• Bank Certificate – In the prescribed format, certifying the export proceeds realized by the exporter.
• Supporting Documents (if applicable) – For higher category recognition (Star, Trading House, etc.), any additional turnover-related certifications may be needed.

These documents ensure that only genuine exporters with verified performance records are granted recognition.

Who Can Apply for an Export House Certificate?

Any Indian exporter, whether a proprietorship, partnership firm, private limited company, or public limited company, can apply for an Export House Certificate, provided they meet the minimum export turnover requirements set by DGFT.

The eligibility is based on the FOB value of exports achieved over the current year plus the previous three financial years. Both goods and services exporters are eligible. However, traders dealing only in domestic sales cannot apply for this certificate.

What Are the Export Performance Criteria for Export House Status?

The Export House status is granted in five categories based on the export performance. The minimum FOB value of exports required (in USD million) is as follows:

How to Apply for an Export House Certificate?

The process to apply for an Export House Certificate is entirely online via the DGFT portal:

• Register/Login to the DGFT website (https://www.dgft.gov.in).
• Fill Application Form ANF 3C with export performance details.
• Attach required documents such as IEC, RCMC, CA certificate, and financial statements.
• Sign digitally using the applicant’s DSC.
• Submit online and pay the prescribed fee.
• DGFT verifies the details and issues the Export House Certificate electronically.
• Once issued, exporters can download the certificate from their DGFT account.

Can New Exporters Apply for Export House Certificate?

No, only exporters who meet the prescribed turnover over the last 3 years can apply.

Is a Chartered Accountant’s Certificate Mandatory for Export House Certificate?

Yes, a Chartered Accountant’s certificate authenticating export turnover is compulsory.

Who Issues the Export House Certificate in India?

It is issued by the DGFT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry.

What is the Validity of an Export House Certificate?

The Export House certificate is usually valid for 5 years.

Can the Export House Certificate be Renewed?

Yes, it can be renewed with updated export performance records.