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What is a Status Holder?

Under India's Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), Indian exporters of goods and services may be recognized as Status Holders based on their export performance and contribution to international trade.

A Status Holder is an exporter that has demonstrated consistent export performance, established a strong presence in international markets, and made a significant contribution to India's foreign trade. The recognition is intended to encourage successful exporters to further strengthen India's position in global trade.

Status Holders are also expected to support and mentor aspiring exporters and contribute to the development of India's export ecosystem, thereby encouraging more businesses to participate in international trade.

Status Holder Categories - Export Performance & Skilling Criteria

One Star Export House

3 Million
Export Performance (FOB/FOR)

No skilling obligation

Two Star Export House

15 Million
Export Performance (FOB/FOR)

5 trainees per year

Three Star Export House

50 Million
Export Performance (FOB/FOR)

10 trainees per year

Four Star Export House

200 Million
Export Performance (FOB/FOR)

20 trainees per year

Five Star Export House

800 Million
Export Performance (FOB/FOR)

50 trainees per year

Detailed Requirements

1. Status Holder Categories - Export Performance & Skilling Criteria

Status Category

Export Performance FOB/FOR (in US $ Million)

Skilling & Mentorship Obligation (Number of Trainees per year)

One Star Export House

3

-----

Two Star Export House

15

5

Three Star Export House

50

10

Four Star Export House

200

20

Five Star Export House

800

50

2. Skilling & Mentorship Program Details - Post Issuance Obligation

Sl No

Particulars

Details

1

Purpose

To strengthen the international trade ecosystem by providing training, guidance, and mentoring in global trade practices.

2

Training Period

6 weeks per year, at the discretion of the Status Holder.

3

Training Curriculum

At the choice of Status Holder

4

No of Trainees

As per the Status Category specified in the table above, or as indicated in the third column.

5

Annual Status Report

Maintain registers/records containing the number of trainees, topics covered, training period and dates, trainee signatures, and training location.

Grant of Double Weightage

Eligible Categories

Double weightage may be granted to IEC holders falling under the following categories: MSMEs as defined under the MSMED Act, 2006; manufacturing units holding ISO/BIS certification; units located in the North-Eastern States, including Sikkim and Jammu & Kashmir; and units located in Agri Export Zones.

Applicable Status Category

The benefit of double weightage is applicable only for obtaining One Star Export House Status. It is not available for Two Star, Three Star, Four Star, or Five Star Export House recognition.

Shipment Eligibility

A shipment can receive double weightage only once, even if it falls under more than one eligible category.

Other conditions for grant of status

No Transfer of Performance

Export performance of one IEC holder shall not be permitted to be transferred to another IEC holder. Hence, calculation of exports performance based on disclaimer shall not be allowed.

Re-export Exclusion

Exports made on re-export basis shall not be counted for recognition.

Authorized Exports Inclusion

Export of items under Authorisation, including SCOMET items, would be included for calculation of export performance.

Other conditions for grant of status

Customs Clearance Priority

Status Holders receive priority in customs clearance of their consignments at ports and airports, helping reduce processing time and facilitating faster cargo movement.

Self-Certification

Status Holders can self-certify their manufactured goods as originating from India, simplifying export documentation and facilitating smoother access to preferential trade benefits.

EPCG Authorization

Exemption from furnishing Bank Guarantees under various Foreign Trade Policy schemes, helping reduce financial burden and improve working capital efficiency.

Faster Duty Drawback

Status Holders benefit from faster processing of Duty Drawback claims, helping improve cash flow and working capital management.

Reduced Bank Guarantee

Status Holders may benefit from reduced Bank Guarantee requirements for various customs and excise-related matters, helping ease compliance and reduce financial commitments.

Market Access Initiative

Preferential treatment and priority participation in government-sponsored trade delegations, trade fairs, and exhibitions.

Application Process

1

Eligibility Check

  • Verify export performance for the preceding three years.
  • Ensure realization of all export proceeds as per applicable regulations.
  • Check the applicable Status Holder category based on export performance.
2

Documentation

  • Prepare export performance statements for the prescribed period.
  • Collect Bank Realization Certificates (BRCs) or applicable evidence of export proceeds realization.
  • Obtain a CA certificate certifying the export performance.
3

Application Submission

  • Submit the application online through the DGFT portal.
  • Upload all required supporting documents as prescribed.
  • Pay the applicable application fees and submit the application for processing.
4

Post-Approval

  • Receive the Status Holder Certificate upon approval.
  • Fulfil applicable skilling and mentoring obligations, where required.
  • Maintain all required records and supporting documentation as prescribed.

How Kelular Consulting Can Assist in Acquiring a Status Holder Certificate

Exporters who meet the prescribed eligibility criteria can obtain Status Holder recognition from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) based on their export performance. The certification can provide eligible exporters with various facilitation measures and privileges under the Foreign Trade Policy.

Kelular Consulting assists exporters throughout the application process, from eligibility assessment and documentation to DGFT submission and post-approval compliance.

Eligibility Assessment

We assess whether your business meets the applicable Status Holder eligibility criteria, including export performance and realization of export proceeds. Our preliminary review helps identify any documentation gaps or compliance requirements before submission.

Application & Documentation Support

We assist in compiling and preparing the required documents, including:

  • Export performance statements
  • Bank Realization Certificates (BRCs) and applicable realization records
  • Chartered Accountant (CA) certificates, where required
  • Financial and supporting documents
  • Other documents prescribed by DGFT

We also assist in preparing and submitting the application accurately through the DGFT portal.

DGFT Compliance & Application Support

Our team provides guidance on applicable DGFT rules, procedures, and documentation requirements. We monitor the application, respond to queries or deficiencies raised by the authorities, and coordinate the submission of additional information wherever required.

Status Holder Privileges & Benefits

We help exporters understand and effectively utilize the privileges available to eligible Status Holders, including simplified procedures, priority handling, customs facilitation, and other benefits available under the Foreign Trade Policy.

Ongoing Compliance & Updates

We keep clients informed about relevant changes in DGFT regulations, procedures, and Status Holder requirements. Where applicable, we also assist with maintaining prescribed records and fulfilling skilling, training, and mentoring obligations.

Support During Verification & Inspection

Where verification, inspection, or clarification is required by the authorities, we assist in preparing the necessary documentation and coordinating responses to ensure that compliance requirements are addressed appropriately.

Additional Application Guidance

  • Status Holder recognition is categorized into five categories, based on the prescribed export performance criteria.
  • Eligible supplies to SEZs, EOUs, EHTPs, STPs, and BTPs, wherever applicable under the FTP, may be considered for export performance subject to prescribed conditions.
  • Applications must be submitted through the DGFT portal using the applicable electronic authentication method.
  • Applicants may use Aadhaar e-Sign or Digital Signature Certificate (DSC), as permitted by the DGFT portal.

Checking Application Status

Applicants can track the status of their submitted applications through My Dashboard ? Submitted Applications on the DGFT portal.

Downloading the Status Holder Certificate

Once approved, the Status Certificate can be accessed and printed through the Certificate Management section of the DGFT portal.

With Kelular Consulting's end-to-end support, exporters can streamline the Status Holder application process, minimize documentation gaps, and stay aligned with applicable DGFT requirements while focusing on their international business growth.

The Status Holder Certificate is generally valid for five years from the date of issue. During this period, the Status Holder must continue to meet the prescribed export performance and compliance requirements to remain eligible for the applicable privileges and benefits.

Yes, service exports can be counted towards Status Holder recognition. The FOB value of eligible service exports, as certified by the concerned bank through which the foreign exchange is received, is considered for determining export performance for Status Holder recognition.

Failure to fulfill the applicable skilling and mentoring obligations may lead to compliance action by DGFT, including:

  • Warning or notice from DGFT for non-compliance.
  • Suspension or withholding of Status Holder benefits, where applicable, until the required compliance is completed.
  • In cases of continued or serious non-compliance, further action may be taken in accordance with the applicable DGFT provisions.

It is important to maintain proper records of all skilling and mentoring activities and comply with any prescribed reporting requirements.

Yes, you may apply for an upgrade to a higher Status Holder category during the validity period if your export performance meets the prescribed eligibility criteria. The application must be supported by updated export performance data and the required documents.

Upon approval, DGFT will issue an updated Status Holder Certificate reflecting the upgraded category, subject to applicable rules and procedures.

Export performance for Status Holder recognition is generally calculated based on the following:

  • FOB value of physical exports.
  • FOR value of eligible supplies to SEZ units, converted into USD as prescribed.
  • FOB value of eligible service exports.
  • Double weightage, where applicable, for eligible categories under the prescribed DGFT provisions.

The required export performance is generally assessed over the preceding three financial years, subject to specific provisions applicable to sectors such as Gems & Jewellery. The export performance must be duly certified by a Chartered Accountant (CA) and supported by the prescribed documentation.

No. Export performance from five years ago cannot be considered. You must meet the prescribed export performance criteria based on the eligible financial years under the applicable DGFT provisions. Kelular Consulting can help you identify the most favorable eligible years and prepare the required export performance details for your Status Holder application.

No. Double weightage is applicable only for obtaining One Star Export House Status. For Two Star and higher categories, export performance is calculated based on the actual eligible export value, without double weightage.

Under applicable Foreign Trade Policy schemes such as EPCG, eligible Status Holders may be exempt from furnishing Bank Guarantees, subject to prescribed conditions and exceptions. This can reduce bank charges, margin requirements, and the amount of working capital blocked as security, thereby improving liquidity and easing the financial burden of compliance.

Yes. Two-Star Export Houses and above may be permitted to establish Export Warehouses, subject to the applicable Department of Revenue guidelines and prescribed conditions. This facility can help eligible exporters streamline inventory management and export supply-chain operations.

Under the applicable 2026 Status Holder provisions, Status Holders are expected to contribute to the development of the trade ecosystem through training and mentoring aspiring exporters and entrepreneurs.

The prescribed training requirement varies by Status Holder category—for example, a Two-Star Export House may be required to train 5 candidates annually, while a Five-Star Export House may be required to train 50 candidates annually.

Kelular Consulting can assist with planning, documenting, and maintaining records of training and mentoring activities to support ongoing compliance.

Star Export House Status may be subject to suspension, cancellation, or other regulatory action in cases of serious non-compliance, including:

  1. Failure to fulfill export obligations under schemes such as EPCG or Advance Authorisation.
  2. Misdeclaration or incorrect reporting of export performance or values.
  3. Submission of false, fraudulent, or incorrect Chartered Accountant (CA) certificates or supporting documents.

Maintaining accurate records, proper documentation, and ongoing compliance is essential to minimize regulatory risks and avoid potential notices or adverse action by DGFT.

 
     
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