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If you’re an importer-exporter or running an EOU (Export Oriented Unit), you’ve probably come across the term IGCR — Import of Goods at Concessional Rate of Duty Rules. In simple words, it’s a framework notified by the Government of India to allow manufacturers and exporters to import inputs or capital goods at a concessional or zero customs duty, subject to certain end-use and export obligations.

Earlier, this process was largely paper-based and involved multiple manual interactions with customs officials. But from September 2024 onwards, CBIC has fully digitized and automated the IGCR process for EOUs too, through the ICEGATE portal — bringing significant ease, speed, and clarity for exporters.

Let’s break this down for you.

📌 What’s New for EOUs under IGCR?

With the issue of CBIC Circular No. 11/2024-Customs dated 25.08.2024, and subsequent ICEGATE advisories, EOUs intending to import raw materials, capital goods, or components duty-free under Notification 52/2003-Cus must now process their imports through the IGCR module on the ICEGATE portal.

Key Changes:

• No physical application: All prior intimation for concessional imports is to be filed digitally on ICEGATE.

• Generation of an IGCR Intimation Number (IIN): This unique number is mandatory for every import consignment seeking IGCR benefit.

• Execution and uploading of Bonds and Bank Guarantees: EOUs must register their “EI” Bonds online and associate them with respective IINs.

• Filing of IGCR-3 Returns (Quarterly now): From January 2025, EOUs need to file quarterly returns on ICEGATE mentioning consumption, wastage, and closing stock details of imported goods.

• Auto re-credit of Bonds: Once returns are filed and verified, bond re-credits happen digitally, reducing the wait for approvals.

• Same IIN and Bond usable for subsequent financial years: A major relief to units previously required to execute fresh bonds each year.

📝 How Does the New IGCR Process Work?

Here’s a simple step-by-step for EOUs:

1. Login to ICEGATE 2.0

2. Access IGCR Dashboard via ‘Services’ menu.

3. File Prior Intimation: Select relevant Notification (like 52/2003) and generate an IIN.

4. Submit Bond & BG details online and hand over physical bond copy to the Jurisdictional Customs Officer.

5. Bond gets approved, a bond number is generated and linked to your IIN.

6. File Bill of Entry quoting IIN at the time of import to avail duty exemption.

7. File IGCR-3 Return quarterly via webform or Excel upload, reporting consumption, closing stock, and export status.

8. Bond re-credit and Bank Guarantee release happen digitally.

🎯 Why is this Important for EOUs?

✅ Faster processing and approvals

✅ Reduced paperwork and follow-ups

✅ Improved transparency and compliance tracking

✅ Uniform, online record management across India

✅ Same Bond/IIN usable in multiple years (from FY 2024-25 onwards)

📌 Common Queries Answered:

• Can I continue using old B-17 Bonds?
  ➝ No. Under IGCR, you must register a new “EI” bond on ICEGATE against each IIN.

• Is quarterly return filing mandatory?
  ➝ Yes, IGCR-3 returns must be filed by the 10th of the next month after every quarter.

• What if I already imported before 25.09.2024?
  ➝ Those imports remain under existing B-17 processes and should continue to be reported via Form-A until stocks are exhausted.

• What if I have multiple EOUs under one IEC?
  ➝ Now, multiple IINs can be generated for different units under the same IEC and GSTIN if they have separate Letters of Permission (LOP).

📞 Need Help? Talk to Our IGCR Compliance Experts!

The new process is designed for ease, but it can get tricky if you’re not familiar with ICEGATE or IGCR workflows.
At DGFT EXIM, we assist exporters, EOUs, and manufacturers in:

• Setting up ICEGATE registrations

• Filing Prior Intimations and generating IIN

• Executing IGCR Bonds

• Return filing support (Form 3 & 3A)

• Advising on duty exemption strategies

👉 Reach out to us for hassle-free and compliant IGCR operations.

📌 Stay Compliant. Save Duty. Simplify Your EOU Imports.