There are two ways to answer how to get an IOR in India: become your own importer of record by obtaining the required registrations, or appoint a third-party IOR service provider that imports on your behalf. Every legal import into India needs an importer of record, and that entity must be a resident of India holding a valid Importer Exporter Code (IEC) from the DGFT. Which path is right depends on whether you have an Indian entity and how often you import.
This guide walks through both routes so you can choose the fastest, lowest-risk way to get an IOR for your business.
The first path is to become your own importer of record. This suits Indian businesses, or foreign companies willing to set up a local entity, that import regularly and want direct control. The second path is to appoint a third-party IOR. This suits foreign companies with no Indian entity, first-time importers, and anyone who needs to move goods fast without building import infrastructure. A foreign company cannot obtain an Indian IEC without a local presence, so for most overseas sellers the second path is the only practical option.
To become your own importer of record in India, complete these steps in order:
Once these are in place, you can file the Bill of Entry under your own IEC and act as the legal importer of record.
If you are a foreign company or want to import without the registration burden, the simplest way to get an IOR is to appoint a third-party provider. The steps are far shorter:
Because the provider already holds the IEC, ICEGATE, and AD Code registrations, imports can begin almost immediately.
Part of knowing how to get an IOR is having the paperwork ready. Whether you register yourself or appoint a provider, these documents are typically involved: PAN and identity proof of the business, business registration proof, bank account details for the AD Code, the commercial invoice and packing list for each shipment, the bill of lading or airway bill, and any product-specific certifications such as BIS or WPC. Preparing these correctly upfront is essential for smooth customs clearance.
The best way to get an IOR depends on your volume. Building your own IOR makes sense if you import into India regularly and plan a long-term local presence, because it gives direct control. Appointing an IOR provider makes sense if you are testing the market, importing occasionally, shipping on DDP terms, or need to move goods fast. Many businesses start with a provider and transition to their own IOR once volumes justify the registrations.
At JPARKS INDIA, we make getting an IOR simple either way. We can register your IEC, GST, ICEGATE, and AD Code so you become your own importer of record, or we can act as your importer of record directly, using our own registrations to clear your goods end to end. Having served 500+ importers and exporters since 2018, we handle customs clearance, duty and IGST payment, product licensing, and delivery. Learn more about our Importer of Record services or book a free consultation.
You can get an IOR two ways: register for an IEC, GST, ICEGATE, and AD Code to act as your own importer of record, or appoint a third-party IOR provider that already holds these registrations and imports on your behalf.
The first step is registering for an Import Export Code (IEC) with the DGFT. It is a mandatory 10-digit code and a prerequisite for importing goods into India.
A foreign company cannot obtain an Indian IEC without a local entity, so it cannot act as its own importer of record. It must appoint a third-party IOR provider that holds the required registrations.
If you appoint an IOR provider, imports can begin almost immediately because the provider already holds the registrations. Building your own IOR takes longer, since IEC, GST, ICEGATE, and AD Code registrations must be obtained first.
Yes. An AD Code registered at the port of import is required to complete customs clearance and enable electronic payments, so it is an essential part of getting an IOR.
