Export House Status in India — Complete Guide

 Export House Status is a prestigious recognition granted by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. It is awarded to exporters who achieve a certain level of export performance. This recognition is not just a certification but also a symbol of credibility, trust, and global competitiveness in the international trade market.

Export House Status plays a vital role in boosting India’s foreign trade by encouraging exporters with special privileges, simplified procedures, and priority treatment. Whether you are a first-time exporter or an established business aiming to expand globally, understanding the process and benefits of Export House Status is essential.

What is Export House Status?

Export House Status is a recognition given to exporters based on their export performance during a specific time frame. DGFT issues this certificate under the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) to exporters who have achieved a prescribed value of exports in free foreign exchange.

The status is divided into different categories, such as Export House (EH), Star Export House (SEH), Trading House (TH), Star Trading House (STH), and Premier Trading House (PTH), depending on the export turnover achieved.

In simple terms, an Export House Status certificate is a performance-based recognition that makes Indian exporters globally competitive while providing them multiple incentives and privileges.

Categories of Export House Status

Exporters are categorized into different levels based on their performance:

• Export House (EH) — For businesses that meet the minimum export performance criteria as per DGFT guidelines.
• Star Export House (SEH) — Higher recognition awarded to exporters with greater export performance.
• Trading House (TH) — For exporters who have achieved a significant level of exports and are recognized at a higher level than Star Export House.
• Star Trading House (STH) — A more advanced recognition for exporters with consistent and large export volumes.
• Premier Trading House (PTH) — The highest category of recognition awarded to exporters who consistently achieve massive export targets and contribute significantly to India’s trade growth.

Each level brings additional privileges and benefits to exporters, making it easier to access global markets.

Eligibility Criteria for Export House Status

The eligibility for obtaining Export House Status is determined by the export performance of the applicant company during the previous three financial years plus the current year.

The export performance is measured in terms of FOB (Free on Board) value of exports in US Dollars. The DGFT sets minimum export value thresholds for each category (EH, SEH, TH, STH, PTH).

Some of the basic eligibility requirements include:

• The exporter must have a valid Importer Exporter Code (IEC).
• The exporter should be registered with DGFT.
• Export performance must be from India to foreign markets only.
• The export turnover must meet the prescribed limit under the Foreign Trade Policy.

Documents Required for Export House Status

While applying for Export House Status, the following documents are generally required:

• Application Form ANF-3C as prescribed by DGFT.
• Valid Importer Exporter Code (IEC) certificate.
• Copy of RCMC (Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate) issued by relevant Export Promotion Council.
• Export performance details (FOB value in USD) certified by a Chartered Accountant.
• PAN card and company incorporation documents.
• Copy of Digital Signature Certificate (DSC).
• Any other supporting documents requested by DGFT.

Benefits of Export House Status

Export House Status comes with a wide range of benefits and privileges that make international trade easier and more rewarding. Some of the key advantages are:

• Self-Certification — Exporters with Export House Status can self-certify their import and export documents, reducing dependency on authorities.
• Priority in License Issuance — Applications for authorizations and licenses are processed on a priority basis by DGFT.
• Exemption from Bank Guarantee — Exporters are exempted from furnishing a bank guarantee while obtaining certain authorizations.
• Faster Approvals and Clearance — Streamlined customs clearance and quicker approvals save time and cost for exporters.
• Enhanced Credibility in Global Markets — Recognition as an Export House boosts trust among international buyers and partners.
• Access to Schemes and Incentives — Export Houses enjoy priority access to various export promotion schemes announced under the Foreign Trade Policy.
• Business Expansion Opportunities — The certification helps in securing more international contracts and expanding business reach.

Procedure to Apply for Export House Status

Applying for Export House Status involves the following steps:

• Prepare Export Data — Gather export performance data for the last three financial years plus the current year, certified by a Chartered Accountant.
• File Application Form (ANF-3C) — Submit the prescribed application form online through the DGFT portal.
• Attach Documents — Upload all required documents, including IEC, RCMC, export data, and company details.
• Pay Application Fees — Make the required payment online through the DGFT portal.
• Examination of Application — DGFT reviews the application and verifies the export performance.
• Issuance of Certificate — If eligible, DGFT issues the Export House Status certificate, which remains valid as per FTP guidelines.

Validity of Export House Status

The Export House Status certificate is generally valid for 5 years from the date of issuance. Exporters must ensure continued compliance with DGFT regulations to maintain their recognition and avail benefits.

Why Export House Status Matters for Exporters

In today’s competitive international trade environment, Export House Status is more than just recognition — it’s a strategic advantage. It signals to foreign buyers that your business is credible, compliant, and capable of handling large export orders.

By obtaining Export House Status, exporters gain easier access to international markets, better trade opportunities, government incentives, and priority treatment in licensing and customs procedures. This significantly boosts both reputation and profitability.

How YKG Global Can Help

At YKG Global, we specialize in assisting businesses with Export House Status certification, DGFT compliance, and international trade documentation. Our team of experts provides end-to-end support, including eligibility assessment, documentation, application filing, and follow-up with DGFT until the certificate is issued.

With decades of experience in export consulting, we ensure a smooth, hassle-free process so that you can focus on expanding your global business while we handle the regulatory requirements.

Export House Status is a mark of excellence in international trade. It not only enhances the credibility of exporters but also provides numerous benefits such as self-certification, faster approvals, priority treatment, and global recognition.

By obtaining Export House Status from DGFT, Indian exporters can unlock new opportunities in global markets and strengthen their business growth.

If you are an exporter looking to apply for Export House Status, YKG Global can guide you through the complete process with expert support and personalized solutions.

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