While the majority of the goods are freely importable, the Exim Policy of India  prohibits import of certain categories of products as well as conditional import of certain items. In such a situation it becomes important for the importer to have an Import export license issued by the issuing authorities of the Government of India.

Import License Issuing Authority

In India, Import License is issued by the director general of foreign trade (Office of Chief Controller of Imports and Exports, Ministry of Commerce, Udyog Bhawan, New Delhi 110011).

Validity of Import License

Import Licences are valid for 24 months for capital goods and 18 months for raw materials components, consumable and spares, with the licence term renewable.

Sample of Import License

A typical sample of import license consists of two copies-

Exchange Control Copy : To be utilised for effecting remittance to foreign seller or for opening letter of credit

Customs Copy: To be utilised for presenting to Customs Authority enabling them to clear the goods. In the absence of custom copy, import will be declared as an unauthorized import, liable for confiscation and or penalty.