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What is an Export House Certificate: Benefits, eligibility, and application process
An Export House Certificate recognizes significant contributions to India's foreign trade. Learn about the criteria, benefits, and application process in this blog.
Many businesses aiming to expand globally often face challenges related to credibility, compliance, and access to trade benefits. One important recognition that addresses these concerns in India is the Export House Certificate issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). This blog explains what an Export House Certificate is, its eligibility requirements, and the benefits of its status. Whether you’re aiming for a Star Export House Certificate or seeking to understand the Export House Certificate DGFT process, this blog breaks it down for you.
What is an Export House Certificate / Star Export House Certificate?
An Export House Certificate is a recognition awarded by the DGFT in India to exporters who consistently achieve a specified level of export performance. Exporters receiving this recognition are certified as “Status Holders” and are granted titles such as “One Star Export House,” “Two Star Export House,” and so on, based on their export performance over a certain period.1
The star Export House Certificate is not just a mark of excellence. It is also a gateway to a host of benefits, including relaxed norms under various government schemes.
The star Export House Certificate is not just a mark of excellence. It is also a gateway to a host of benefits, including relaxed norms under various government schemes.
Who are Export House Status holders?
Export House Status holders are entities recognized by the DGFT as top-performing exporters. These entities can be manufacturers, merchant exporters, or service providers across industries. The recognition enhances their credibility in global trade and facilitates easier access to trade benefits.2
Key privileges enjoyed by Status Holders include:
● Priority in government export incentives
● Exemption from certain export licenses
● Faster customs clearance.3
This designation aligns with India’s Foreign Trade Policy to improve global trade competitiveness.
Export House Status Holder categories
An applicant may be categorized as a Status Holder if they achieve the threshold export performance as outlined in the Foreign Trade Policy 2023. The DGFT classifies exporters into different “star” categories based on their export performance, measured by their Free on Board (FOB) value of physical exports, Free on Rail (FOR) value of deemed exports, and FOB value of service exports.
● One Star Export House: USD 3 million
● Two Star Export House: USD 25 million
● Three Star Export House: USD 100 million
● Four Star Export House: USD 500 million
● Five Star Export House: USD 2000 million
Each tier allows access to increased benefits and recognition from the government and international stakeholders.4
Eligibility criteria for Export House Certificate
Any exporter of goods, services, or technology with a valid Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) can apply for an Export House Certificate, provided they meet the required export performance thresholds set in the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP). Key points:
● Recognition is based on the business’s export performance.
● Exporters with the required performance in the last three years can become Status Holders.
● For the Gems and Jewelry sector, performance in the current year and previous two years is considered.
● Export performance must be maintained in at least two of the four years to qualify.
Benefits of the Export House Certificate
Exporters who receive this certificate are eligible for some of the following benefits and incentives:
• Simplified procedures:
Authorization and customs clearance for imports and exports may be permitted based on self-declaration.
• Faster processing:
Priority fixing of input-output norms within 60 days by the Norms Committee.
• Banking relaxations:
Exemption from compulsory negotiation of documents through banks. However, remittances and receipts will be received through banking channels.
• Export promotion:
Status holders can export freely exportable items at no cost for export promotion, with an annual limit of INR 10 lakhs or 2% of the average annual export realization during the preceding three licensing years, whichever is lower.
• Preferential treatment:
Priority in handling of consignments by relevant agencies.
• Additional privileges:
Export houses with two or more stars are allowed to establish export warehouses whereas Three star and above Export Houses are eligible for benefits under the Accredited Clients Programme.6
Criteria for receiving double weightage to get Star Export House Certificate
In certain cases, DGFT grants double weightage to help exporters reach star status sooner. This is particularly useful for smaller businesses and startups in priority sectors.
Businesses can claim double weightage by fulfilling any of the following conditions:
Businesses can claim double weightage by fulfilling any of the following conditions:
● They hold an MSME/SSI registration.
● They are located in Jammu & Kashmir, Sikkim, and other Northeastern states.
● They operate manufacturing units certified under ISO/BIS standards.
● They run units located in Agri Export Zones.
Double weightage helps these businesses qualify with lower export turnover and still gain recognition as a star export house.
Documents required for Export House Certificate application
Exporters applying for an Export House Certificate may be asked to submit the following documents (where relevant):
● Certificate of Exports (if applicable).
● Certificate of foreign exchange earned by supply of service.
● Certificate of Freight on Road (FOR) value of deemed exports.
● Details of exports from SEZs / EOUs / EHTPs / STPs / BTPs units included in IEC and are being considered for the calculation of grant of status.
● Annexure to ANF 3C.
Export House Certificate application procedure
Applying for the Export House Certificate is a structured digital process carried out through the DGFT portal. Here’s how you can apply:
Step 1:
Log on to the DGFT portal using DSC.
Step 2:
Navigate to “Services” > “Exporter Services” > “Apply for Status Certificate.”
Step 3:
Fill out the ANF 3C application form, providing all requested details, including company information, export performance data, and category of status applied for.
Step 4:
Attach all mandatory documents electronically, ensuring they are self-certified where required and conform to specified formats.
Step 5:
Pay the prescribed fee online and submit the application for verification.
Upon successful submission, DGFT will review and grant the certificate within a few working days.9
Validity of Status Holder Certificate
The Export House Certificate DGFT issues is valid for a period of five years from the date of issue. During this time, the exporter can enjoy the privileges granted under the Status Holder scheme. Exporters should track their certificate’s validity to avoid interruptions in trade operations or loss of benefits. Exporters must make renewal requests before expiry to maintain continuity.10
Renewal of Status Certificate
Renewing a Star Export House Certificate requires revalidation of export performance over the previous five years.
Eligibility for renewal:
● Must have maintained valid IEC and RCMC registrations.
● Export performance must meet the threshold prescribed under the same star category over the last five financial years.
● Updated CA-certified export turnover statement must be available.
Steps for renewal include:
1. Visit the DGFT portal and log in using your Digital Signature Certificate (DSC).
2. Navigate to “Services” > “Exporter Services” > “Apply for Renewal of Status Certificate.”
3. Download and fill out Form ANF 3C with updated export data.
4. Upload all supporting documents such as the new CA certificate, GST and IEC details, RCMC, and previous certificate copy.
5. Pay the prescribed renewal fee online.
6. Submit the form and track the status under “My Applications.”
Exporters are advised to initiate the renewal process at least 30–60 days prior to the certificate's expiry to avoid disruption in benefits. Incomplete or incorrect documentation may result in processing delays or rejections.
Once approved, the renewed certificate will be issued with a fresh five-year validity period from the date of revalidation by DGFT.11
Once approved, the renewed certificate will be issued with a fresh five-year validity period from the date of revalidation by DGFT.11
Conclusion
The Export House Certificate plays a vital role in empowering Indian exporters to build credibility, expand operations, and benefit from government-backed schemes.
For Indian exporters aiming to scale internationally, securing the Export House Certificate recognition can open doors to financial advantages, customs privileges, and enhanced global reach.
For Indian exporters aiming to scale internationally, securing the Export House Certificate recognition can open doors to financial advantages, customs privileges, and enhanced global reach.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a Status Holder Certificate?
A Status Holder Certificate, also known as the Export House Certificate, is a recognition initiated by the Indian government to acknowledge the remarkable contributions made by exporters to the nation’s foreign trade. It provides exporters with rewards and benefits aimed at enhancing their global competitiveness.
2. How should you calculate export performance for an Export House Certificate?
Export performance for an Export House Certificate is calculated on the basis of the FOB (Free on Board) value of export earnings in freely convertible foreign currencies or in Indian Rupees, as specified in the Foreign Trade Policy.
3. Which type of supplies can be considered for export performance?
Eligibility for the Export House Status extends to exporters dealing in goods, services, and technology, provided they have a valid Importer-Exporter Code (IEC).
4. What is an MSME Export House Status?
When determining eligibility for an Export House Certificate, exporters falling within the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) classification as outlined in the Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises Development (MSMED) Act 2006 will receive double weightage in the assessment of their export performance.
5. Is Status Holder and Star Export House Certificate the same?
Yes, both terms refer to the same recognition granted by DGFT. “Status Holder” is the official designation, while “Star Export House” represents the classification within it, ranging from One Star to Five Star depending on export turnover. In short, a Star Export House is a type of Status Holder, differentiated by the level of export performance achieved.
Published on April 16, 2024.
Updated on September 08, 2025.
Sources:
1. https://www.dgftguru.com/star-export-house/
2. https://content.dgft.gov.in/Website/DGFT%20FAQs%20-%20Status%20Holder%20Certificate%20v1.0.pdf
3. https://www.taxtmi.com/article/detailed?id=14090#:~:text=Priority%20in%20Government%20Schemes:%20Status,Fixation%20of%20Export%20Performance%20Criteria:
4. https://content.dgft.gov.in/Website/DGFT%20FAQs%20-%20Status%20Holder%20Certificate%20v1.0.pdf
5. https://www.skmcglobal.com/service/star-export-house-certificate
6. https://www.indiafilings.com/learn/export-house-certificate/
7. https://www.indiafilings.com/learn/export-house-certificate/
8. https://www.professionalutilities.com/blogs/documents-required-for-export-house-certificate.php
9. https://afleo.com/star-export-house/
10. https://uniqueexim.in/Notification/Validity-condition-of-Status-House-Certificate---Updated
11. https://afleo.com/star-export-house/#:~:text=Validity%20of%20Status%20Holder%20Certificate:%20*%20Status,the%20expiry%20of%20the%20existing%20validity%20period
Updated on September 08, 2025.
Sources:
1. https://www.dgftguru.com/star-export-house/
2. https://content.dgft.gov.in/Website/DGFT%20FAQs%20-%20Status%20Holder%20Certificate%20v1.0.pdf
3. https://www.taxtmi.com/article/detailed?id=14090#:~:text=Priority%20in%20Government%20Schemes:%20Status,Fixation%20of%20Export%20Performance%20Criteria:
4. https://content.dgft.gov.in/Website/DGFT%20FAQs%20-%20Status%20Holder%20Certificate%20v1.0.pdf
5. https://www.skmcglobal.com/service/star-export-house-certificate
6. https://www.indiafilings.com/learn/export-house-certificate/
7. https://www.indiafilings.com/learn/export-house-certificate/
8. https://www.professionalutilities.com/blogs/documents-required-for-export-house-certificate.php
9. https://afleo.com/star-export-house/
10. https://uniqueexim.in/Notification/Validity-condition-of-Status-House-Certificate---Updated
11. https://afleo.com/star-export-house/#:~:text=Validity%20of%20Status%20Holder%20Certificate:%20*%20Status,the%20expiry%20of%20the%20existing%20validity%20period
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