Status House Certificate
Recognition for Export Excellence
Gain prestigious recognition, enhanced credibility, and exclusive privileges for your export achievements with the Status House Certificate program.
Why Apply?
- Official recognition of export excellence
- Enhanced credibility in international markets
- Exclusive privileges and benefits
- Simplified customs procedures
Status House Categories
One Star Export House
Export Performance (FOB/FOR)
No skilling obligation
Two Star Export House
Export Performance (FOB/FOR)
5 trainees per year
Three Star Export House
Export Performance (FOB/FOR)
10 trainees per year
Four Star Export House
Export Performance (FOB/FOR)
20 trainees per year
Five Star Export House
Export Performance (FOB/FOR)
50 trainees per year
Note: For granting status, an export performance would be necessary in all the three preceding financial years (and in all the two preceding financial years for Gems & Jewelry Sector).
Detailed Requirements
I. Status Holder Category - Export Performance & Skilling Criteria
| Sl No | Status Category | Export Performance FOB/FOR (in US $ Million) | Skilling & Mentorship Obligation (Number of Trainees per year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | One Star Export House | 3 | - |
| 2 | Two Star Export House | 15 | 5 |
| 3 | Three Star Export House | 50 | 10 |
| 4 | Four Star Export House | 200 | 20 |
| 5 | Five Star Export House | 800 | 50 |
II. Skilling & Mentorship Program Details - Post Issuance Obligation
| Sl No | Particulars | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Purpose | To enhance skills of Trade ecosystem by providing Training and Mentoring in International Trade. |
| 2 | Training Period* | 6 Weeks every year at the choice of Status Holder |
| 3 | Training Curriculum | At the choice of Status Holder |
| 4 | No of Trainees* | As per Status Category mentioned in the table above or Refer 3rd Column in the table above. |
| 5 | Annual Status Report | Need to maintain Registers / Records regarding No. of Trainees attended, Topics Covered, Training Period alongwith Dates, Trainee Signature, Location |
Grant of Double Weightage
The exports by IEC holders under the following categories shall be granted double weightage for calculation of export performance for grant of status.
Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME)
As defined in Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises Development (MSMED) Act 2006.
Manufacturing units having ISO/BIS
Units with recognized quality certifications.
Units located in North Eastern States
Including Sikkim and Jammu & Kashmir.
Units located in Agri Export Zones
Special zones designated for agricultural exports.
Double Weightage shall be available for grant of One Star Export House Status category only. Such benefit of double weightage shall not be admissible for grant of status recognition of other categories namely Two Star Export House, Three Star Export House, Four Star export House and Five Star Export House.
A shipment can get double weightage only once in any one of above categories.
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.
Privileges of Status Holders
Customs Clearance Priority
Status holders are given priority for customs clearance of their consignments at ports and airports, reducing processing time.
Self-Certification
Status holders can self-certify their manufactured goods as originating from India, simplifying export documentation.
EPCG Authorization
Exemption from furnishing Bank Guarantee under various schemes of Foreign Trade Policy, reducing financial burden.
Faster Duty Drawback
Status holders enjoy faster processing of duty drawback claims, improving cash flow management.
Reduced Bank Guarantee
Status holders are eligible for reduced bank guarantee requirements for various customs and excise related matters.
Market Access Initiative
Preferential treatment and priority in participation in government-sponsored trade delegations and exhibitions.
Application Process
Eligibility Check
- Verify export performance for the last three years
- Ensure all export proceeds have been realized
- Check applicable status category
Documentation
- Prepare export performance statements
- Collect bank realization certificates
- Prepare CA certificate for export performance
Application Submission
- Apply online through DGFT portal
- Upload all required documents
- Pay applicable application fees
Post-Approval
- Receive status certificate
- Implement skilling obligations (if applicable)
- Maintain required records and documentation
Frequently Asked Questions
The Status House Certificate is valid for a period of 5 years from the date of issue. The status holder must maintain the export performance and fulfill all obligations during this period to continue enjoying the benefits.
Yes, service exports can be counted for Status House certification. The FOB value of service exports as certified by the concerned bank through which the foreign exchange is received would be taken as the export performance for the purpose of status recognition.
Failure to meet the skilling obligation may result in the following consequences:
- Warning from DGFT for non-compliance
- Potential suspension of status benefits until compliance is achieved
- In severe cases of continued non-compliance, the status may be downgraded or revoked
It's important to maintain proper records of all skilling activities and submit annual reports as required.
Yes, you can apply for an upgrade to a higher status category during the validity period if your export performance meets the criteria for the higher category. You need to submit a fresh application with updated export performance data and supporting documents. Upon approval, a new certificate with the upgraded status will be issued with a fresh validity period.
Export performance is calculated based on:
- FOB value of physical exports
- FOR value of supplies to SEZ units (converted to USD)
- FOB value of service exports
- Double weightage for eligible categories (for One Star status only)
The performance is considered for three consecutive financial years (two years for Gems & Jewelry sector). The export performance must be certified by a Chartered Accountant.
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Our Services
Status House Application
Complete assistance in preparing and submitting your Status House application, including documentation and follow-up.
Export Performance Calculation
Expert analysis of your export data to maximize eligible performance and identify double weightage opportunities.
Skilling Program Design
Development and implementation of compliant skilling programs to meet post-issuance obligations.
Status Benefits Optimization
Strategic advice on maximizing the benefits available to your status category.