What is DGFT?
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade, or DGFT, is the arm of India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry responsible for foreign trade policy. It issues the Importer Exporter Code (IEC), runs export promotion and incentive schemes under the Foreign Trade Policy, and operates an online portal where exporters apply for codes, certificates and benefits. Regional DGFT offices handle applications across the country.
Why it matters for exporters
For service exporters, DGFT shows up in three main ways. First, the IEC: many service exporters need one to claim benefits, and field 1.7 of the EDF asks for it. Second, eBRCs: after your bank matches realisation in EDPMS, the electronic Bank Realisation Certificate is linked to DGFT systems, which makes it available for refunds and schemes. Third, incentives: any export benefit for services, where available, is administered under DGFT's policy framework.
DGFT does not receive your services EDF. That goes to your AD bank, STPI or the SEZ Development Commissioner, and the rules come from RBI under FEMA. Keep your IEC profile on the DGFT portal up to date, especially your bank account details, because mismatches can stop eBRCs from flowing. If an eBRC is missing, start with your bank using our eBRC request letter.
Example
Rhea, a CA, is helping Orchid Software Pvt Ltd prepare a GST refund claim for its ₹22,00,000 of exports in the quarter. She logs into the DGFT portal with the client's credentials, downloads eBRCs for the realised invoices, and finds two missing. She asks Orchid to write to the bank, which matches the outstanding FIRAs and the eBRCs appear.
Common confusion
DGFT and RBI are separate regulators. RBI sets the EDF and realisation rules under FEMA; DGFT handles trade policy, the IEC and incentives. See IEC for the code DGFT issues.