Services on Retainership Basis

Concept

We are available to you on a monthly retainer basis. Under the retainership concept, you get access to our expertise for ongoing clarifications, compliance monitoring, and proactive advisory. Our executive is deputed regularly to check and update pending work, implement proactive measures, and put an appropriate procedural framework in place — which ultimately results in saving time and costs.

Why is a Retainer Necessary?

In day-to-day EXIM operations, the focus is always on immediate and urgent tasks. Under work pressure, mistakes occur — particularly in documentation — which are very difficult to correct at a later stage due to the emergence of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) with Customs and DGFT. All mistakes have a cost: financial penalties, delays, or loss of export benefits.

Most companies do not have well-documented operating systems. If a person leaves, the successor finds it difficult to continue operations correctly. The success of international trade depends on clear and transparent documentation supported by systematically designed procedures.

Scope of Retainer Services

  1. Pre-Shipment & Post-Shipment Documentation:
    1. Preparation of invoice, packing list as per export order for customs passing.
    2. Liaisoning with CHA for clearance of export shipments, Bills of Lading, and related documents.
    3. Preparation of Certificate of Origin (COO), GSP / REX registration, etc.
    4. Post-shipment documents as per L/C terms, At Sight, CAD basis.
    5. MIS report of monthly export shipments, BRC status, and export payment status.
  2. Export Incentive & Reward Scheme Applications:
    1. Preparation and submission of applications for Advance Authorisation, DFIA, EPCG, and reward schemes like RoDTEP and SEIS.
    2. Preparation & submission of applications for redemption of Advance Authorisation and EPCG licences.
    3. Any other related assignments before DGFT offices at Mumbai, Surat, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Pune, and Delhi HQ.

Advantages to Clients

  • Legal compliances are monitored, which avoids Show-Cause Notices from various Government Departments.
  • Transaction costs are reduced substantially.
  • Areas needing improvement are identified proactively.
  • Proactive measures are taken before problems arise.
  • An appropriate procedural framework is put in place, which results in saving of time and costs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is an IEC (Importer Exporter Code) and why is it mandatory in India?

An Importer Exporter Code (IEC) is a 10-digit identification number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. It is the primary business identification number required for any person or business engaged in import or export of goods and services.

IEC is mandatory because no import or export can be made without it (unless specifically exempted under the Foreign Trade Policy). It is required for Customs clearance, DGFT scheme applications, and receiving or making foreign trade payments through banks.

What are the main documents required for import-export in India?

Key documents for import-export operations in India include:

  • Shipping Bill (for exports) or Bill of Entry (for imports) — filed with Customs for clearance.
  • Commercial Invoice cum Packing List — details of goods, quantity, value, and packaging.
  • Bill of Lading / Air Waybill — transport document issued by the carrier.
  • Certificate of Origin (COO) — certifies the country of origin, needed for FTA benefits and some import requirements.
  • IEC Code — the importer/exporter identification number.
  • GST Invoice / LUT — for GST compliance on exports.
  • FSSAI Certificate — for food and agricultural imports.
  • BIS Certificate / NOC — for products under mandatory BIS certification.

What does DGFT do and why is it important for importers and exporters?

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) is the apex government body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry responsible for formulating and implementing India's Foreign Trade Policy (FTP). Its key roles include:

  • Issuing and managing Importer Exporter Codes (IEC)
  • Administering export incentive schemes: Advance Authorisation, EPCG, RoDTEP, RoSCTL, SEIS
  • Granting export licences for restricted and SCOMET items
  • Issuing import licences for restricted items
  • Recognising Star Export Houses (status holders)
  • Fixing Standard Input Output Norms (SION)

Every Indian exporter and importer must interact with DGFT at some point — whether for obtaining an IEC, applying for export incentives, or seeking licences for restricted goods.

How can I find out if my product requires a special import licence in India?

India's import policy is classified under the ITC(HS) Classification of Export and Import Items published by DGFT. Every item has an import policy designation:

  • Free: Can be imported without any licence.
  • Restricted: Requires a specific import licence from DGFT before import.
  • Prohibited: Cannot be imported under any circumstances (e.g., beef in some categories).
  • Canalised: Can only be imported by government-designated agencies.

You can check the policy on the DGFT website by your ITC(HS) code, or contact Samarth EXIM for a free preliminary import policy check for your specific product.

What is the difference between Advance Authorisation and EPCG scheme?

Both are export promotion schemes under India's Foreign Trade Policy, but they serve different purposes:

  • Advance Authorisation (AA): Allows duty-free import of raw materials and inputs that are physically used in manufacturing export goods. The export obligation is the value of goods exported. Applicable before production.
  • EPCG (Export Promotion Capital Goods): Allows duty-free import of capital goods (machinery, equipment, tools) used in production of export goods. The export obligation is 6 times the duty saved, over 6 years.

They can be used together — EPCG for capital goods and Advance Authorisation for input materials — giving double duty savings on both machinery and raw materials.

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