Recognition
Status Holder
Status Holder certificate (One to Five Star Export House)
Recognition for established exporters that brings faster clearances, self-declaration and fewer bank guarantees.
In force under paras 1.25 to 1.30 of FTP 2023 (thresholds in para 1.26).
dgft.gov.in ↗What you get
Self-declaration for authorisations and customs clearances, exemption from most bank guarantees under FTP schemes, priority handling of consignments, and (for Two Star and above) export warehouses. For One Star only, exports by micro and small units, ISO/BIS-certified units, North-East and J&K/Ladakh units, and fruit and vegetable exports count double.
Who can use it
IEC holders whose exports (FOB, in US dollars) in the current and previous three financial years reach the threshold: One Star USD 3 million, Two Star 15 million, Three Star 50 million, Four Star 200 million, Five Star 800 million. Exports are needed in each of the three preceding years.
How to claim it
- Apply online on dgft.gov.in once your e-BRC data shows you have crossed the threshold.
- Status holders of Two Star and above must train a set number of people in international trade each year.
Watch out for
- Export performance cannot be transferred from another IEC, and re-exports do not count.
Products it applies to
Free to exportEngineering goodsAuto parts and componentsOEM and aftermarket vehicle parts; the USA, Germany and Italy buy most, with strong demand in Latin America.HS8708Exports 2025-26US$ 7.64 bn ↑1.8%
Free to exportEngineering goodsIron and steel castingsGrey and ductile iron and steel castings from Kolhapur, Rajkot, Coimbatore and Howrah; the USA leads.HS7325Exports 2025-26US$ 1.25 bn ↑3.2%
Free to exportEngineering goodsPumpsAgricultural, domestic and industrial pumps from Coimbatore, Rajkot and Ahmedabad; the USA leads.HS8413Exports 2025-26US$ 1.6 bn ↑5.2%
Free to exportPharma & chemicalsGeneric medicines (formulations)Tablets, capsules and injectables; every market needs product registration. The USA buys the most.HS3004Exports 2025-26US$ 21.9 bn ↓0.7%
More schemes
All schemes →- Tax refundRoDTEPRemission of Duties and Taxes on Exported ProductsRefunds hidden taxes (fuel, electricity duty, mandi tax, stamp duty and the like) that are not refunded any other way, as a percentage of FOB value.Read →
- Tax refundRoSCTLRebate of State and Central Taxes and LeviesThe RoDTEP-like rebate for apparel, garments and made-ups (HS Chapters 61, 62 and 63). These items get RoSCTL instead of RoDTEP.Read →
- Tax refundDrawbackDuty Drawback (All Industry Rates)Returns the customs duty paid on imported inputs used in your export product, at a fixed All Industry Rate per HS heading — paid straight into your bank account.Read →