The Government of India launched the Star Export House Certificate / Status Holder Certificate as an export promotion scheme under foreign trade policy. The Certificate/Status is granted to the business leaders who have excelled in international trade and have successfully contributed to the country’s foreign trade.

The certification increases the credibility of exporters in the global market and they are considered reliable trade partners. Certificate holders are expected not only to perform well but also to provide guidance to new entrepreneurs.

The applications for status holders are required to be submitted online on the DGFT website through the importer/exporter's dashboard. No Physical submission of the document is required. The new procedure is designed to be paperless and contactless to grant the status. Any communication, correction, clarification, as well as approval of submitted applications, are electronic from 22.02.2021 onwards.

This article will explain to you" How to apply for status holder certificate/Export house registration procedure" in the new system.

To apply for the Status Holder Certificate on the DGFT portal applicant would require the following –

• Registration for profile creation has to be done on DGFT Portal.
• Valid Login Credentials required to login into DGFT Portal for the application.
• Applicant should have active IEC, Valid RCMC copy.
• IEC should be linked with the profile on Portal.
• Export Performance Data has to be updated in IEC Profile.

How to apply for Status Holder Certificate Online - Step by Step Guide

Step 1 - Login on DGFT Website

• Visit the DGFT Website - https://www.dgft.gov.in/CP/ 
• Login into the portal with valid credentials.

Step 2 -  Selection of "Certificate Management" 

From the Services tab select Certificate Management, click on the apply certificate, and then choose Status Holder Certificate. (Refer to the image below) -

Step 3 -  Start a fresh application 

There are two ways to start the application for a status holder certificate; one is “Start a fresh application” or “Proceed with Existing Application” in case if the application is already saved in draft.

Refer to the image below -

Step 4 - Applicant Details

After clicking on the “Start fresh application” tab, the main screen for the Status Holder application would appear as below image -

• Import Export Code (IEC) number of the applicant, Company Name, Exporter Type, Mobile Number, and Email ID would be auto Populated as per IEC profile.
• Applicants can select the sector of export. If Applicant chooses Gems and Jewellery then the only export performance of 2 years out of 4 years is required in IEC Profile otherwise export performance of 3 years out of 4 years.

Step 5 - Status Holder Details 

• The next tab would be “Status Holder Details” from where the applicant can select the Category of Status applied for. There are five categories for the Status Holder/Export House Certificate.
• Refer to the below table to check the status category and required export performance in the last three and current financial years.

Step 6 - Fill out Export Performance

• Exports of Goods and Services with double weightage - In the case of the 1- star category only
• Export of Goods without weightage - the first row in the below screenshot will be enterable by the applicant.
• Export of Services without weightage - the second row in the below screenshot will be enterable by the applicant.
• FOR value converted in US$ for Deemed Exports – this will be the Deemed Exports done by the applicant
• Exports of goods to SEZs/EOUs/EHTOs/STPs/BTPs – this will be the Supplies to EOU/BHP/EHTP/EHTP/STPI + Supplies to SEZs.

Note:- Past Exports filled in the online application should be the same as in CA Certificate.

Step 7 - Attachment Section 

The below screen will appear after selecting the “Attachment” tab on the main dialogue box.

On the Attachment page, the following documents have to be attached with the sign and stamp of the authorized person of the firm applying for the status certificate. (Uploading the Documents Online)

• IEC copy - self-certified
• Valid RCMC copy
• Firm Pan Card
• CA Certificate as per annexure
• An export statement certified by a chartered accountant

Please find the image below for reference:-

Step 8 - Declaration Tab

Under the declaration tab, accept the terms and conditions by clicking on the check. Sign the online application using the Digital Token or Adhar card.

After the Declaration tab next would be the Application summary, the applicant can submit the Status Holder application.

Step 9 - Submit the Application

Submit the Export House application to the relevant DGFT office after selecting it from the drop-down menu.

See the image below for reference -

The process of online application for the Status Certificate is completed here.

We hope that the process for “How to apply for Status Holder/Export House/Star Export Certificate online” is now clear.

Step 10 - Check the Status of Submitted Applications

Applicants can check the status of submitted applications under My Dashboard—Submitted Applications

Step 11 - Print the Status Holder Certificate

Applicants can print the “Status Certificate” option given under Certificate Management.

The Government of India has launched two status certifications for the Importers & Exporters, one is Status Holder Certificate and another is AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) certificate which gives the recognition to showcase your authenticity and reliability in International Market.

To know why both the certification is important to get the maximum benefits from the Customs, DGFT, Banks, RBI, etc. and to know where these certifications practically can help you to save your money and time, read our article - AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) vs Star Export House Certification – Detailed Comparison of Benefits.

How Afleo Consultant can help you to get the Status Holder/Star Export House Certificate?

Afleo Consultants is a leading Import-Export Consulting firm providing services related to DGFT and Customs. We had started our business with the mission of making the import-export process hassle-free for the Indian importers and exporters.

We at Afleo Consultants are India’s leading Export Import Consultants, having rich experience of 10+ Years in the domain. We specialize in all the DGFT related matters, Export promotion schemes such as RoDTEP, MEIS, SEIS, Advance License, EPCG, AEO certification, Star Export House certification, Duty Drawback, etc.

Here we follow a very unique methodology for obtaining the Star Export/Status Holder/Export House certificate. We have helped hundreds of the company to get the Star Export House at an affordable cost.

Our dedicated team of experts helps in simplifying the following procedure -

• Assistance in Documentation,
• Online application to get the status,
• Follow up with the DGFT.
• Assistance in Physical Verification.

[Not sure whether your company is taking all the Export incentives notified by the Govt? – Refer to our article on "18 latest Export promotion schemes/Export Incentives in India"]

Please get in touch for any queries.