How Do I Get an IOR in India? Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

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.

How to Get an IOR: Two Paths Explained

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.

How to Get an IOR by Registering Yourself

To become your own importer of record in India, complete these steps in order:

• Register for an IEC: apply for the Import Export Code with the DGFT. This 10-digit code is mandatory and is the first prerequisite for importing.
• Get GST registration: obtain a GSTIN so you can pay IGST on imports and claim input tax credit.
• Register on ICEGATE: create your account on the Indian Customs Electronic Gateway to file the Bill of Entry, and obtain a Class 3 digital signature certificate (DSC).
• Register your AD Code: register your bank’s Authorised Dealer (AD) Code with customs at the port of import to enable electronic payments and forex monitoring.
• Obtain product licences: secure BIS, WPC, FSSAI, or LMPC registrations if your goods require them.

Once these are in place, you can file the Bill of Entry under your own IEC and act as the legal importer of record.

How to Get an IOR by Appointing a Provider

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:

• Sign an IOR agreement setting out scope, responsibilities, fees, and ownership transfer.
• Share product details so the provider can confirm the HS code and required licences.
• Let the provider import under its own IEC, clear customs, and pay duty and IGST.
• Receive the goods at your consignee address after clearance, with compliance records handed over.

Because the provider already holds the IEC, ICEGATE, and AD Code registrations, imports can begin almost immediately.

Documents You Need to Get an IOR

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.

Which Route Should You Choose?

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.

How JPARKS INDIA Helps You Get an IOR

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, 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How do I get an IOR in India?

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.

Q2. What is the first step to get an IOR?

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.

Q3. Can a foreign company get an IOR in 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.

Q4. How long does it take to get an IOR?

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.

Q5. Do I need an AD Code to get an IOR?

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.

Related guides

• Start here: What Is IOR in India? Importer of Record Explained (2026)
• What Is the IOR Fee? Importer of Record Cost Guide (2026)
• What Is IOR in India? Importer of Record Explained (2026)
• How Does an Importer of Record Work in India? (2026)
• Is the Importer of Record the Buyer? (2026 Guide)

If you want this done without the back and forth, we provide IOR services in India.