How to Apply for Star Export House Certificate in India: Complete 2026 Guide

Key Takeaways

• Star Export House recognition is granted by DGFT under India’s Foreign Trade Policy (FTP).

• Eligibility depends on export performance during the prescribed financial years and the applicable category threshold.

• Categories range from One Star to Five Star Export House.

• DGFT introduced system-generated electronic Status Holder Certificates based on available export data, reducing the need for applications in many cases.

• Exporters seeking recognition or an upgrade may need to apply online and provide supporting documents.

• Accurate export data, IEC details, and certification documents are essential for smooth processing.

Introduction

Star Export House recognition is an important milestone for Indian businesses involved in international trade. It acknowledges qualifying export performance and may provide access to specific facilities and procedural benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy.

However, many exporters are unsure about the eligibility criteria, export turnover requirements, documents, and application process.

In 2026, understanding the system-generated electronic Status Holder Certificate process is especially important because exporters may not need to submit a fresh application in every case. This guide explains the eligibility criteria, categories, benefits, documents, and steps to obtain or upgrade Star Export House status.

What Is a Star Export House Certificate?

A Star Export House Certificate, formally known as a Status Holder Certificate, is issued under the Foreign Trade Policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

It recognizes eligible exporters based on their export performance during the prescribed period. The recognition system includes five categories, ranging from One Star to Five Star Export House.

Under FTP 2023, eligibility is generally assessed using export performance in the current and preceding three financial years. For the Gems and Jewellery sector, the prescribed assessment period is the current and preceding two financial years, subject to applicable conditions.

Star Export House Eligibility and Export Turnover

The following are the export performance thresholds under Paragraph 1.26 of FTP 2023:

These figures represent the applicable export performance thresholds, not necessarily the turnover for a single financial year.

Exporters should verify the prescribed assessment period, eligible export earnings, and other conditions before determining their category. Export performance must meet the applicable requirements across the prescribed years.

Important Update: Is a Fresh Application Required in 2026?

DGFT introduced a system-based process for generating electronic Status Holder Certificates using merchandise export data available in the government’s DGCI&S database.

This means exporters may receive recognition automatically without filing a separate application in many cases. However, exporters seeking recognition or an upgrade may still need to apply online through the prescribed process.

Before applying: Log in to the official DGFT portal and check whether your Status Holder Certificate is already available. If it is missing, incorrect, or requires an upgrade, review the applicable application procedure.

Documents Required for Star Export House Certification

For cases requiring an application or supporting clarification, prepare the relevant documents according to the current DGFT portal requirements.

Commonly relevant information and documents include:

• Valid Importer Exporter Code (IEC).

• Export performance details for the prescribed financial years.

• Export realization and supporting records.

• Chartered Accountant (CA) certificate, as applicable.

• Previous Status Holder Certificate, if applying for an upgrade or where requested.

• Certificate of foreign exchange earned through service exports, where applicable.

• Supporting evidence for deemed exports.

• Documents relating to exports from eligible SEZ, EOU, EHTP, STP, or BTP units, where applicable.

• Additional declarations or supporting documents requested by DGFT.

The official DGFT Status Holder Certificate user guide identifies the CA certificate as a mandatory attachment in the relevant application workflow. Other attachments depend on the applicant’s circumstances.

How to Apply for a Star Export House Certificate in India

Step 1: Check Your Export Performance

Calculate eligible export performance for the prescribed assessment period. Reconcile the figures with export records and supporting certificates.

Step 2: Verify IEC and Business Details

Confirm that your IEC and business information are accurate and that your export data can be correctly associated with the relevant IEC holder.

Export performance cannot simply be transferred from one IEC holder to another. Re-export transactions are also excluded from recognition under the applicable policy conditions.

Step 3: Check for Automatic Certificate Generation

Log in to the DGFT portal and look for the electronically generated Status Holder Certificate.

If the system has already issued the appropriate certificate, a fresh application may not be necessary.

Step 4: Apply for Recognition or Upgradation, If Required

If the certificate is unavailable or your business qualifies for a higher category, follow the current DGFT procedure for filing an online application under the prescribed form, ANF 1B, where applicable.

Step 5: Upload Supporting Documents

Attach the CA certificate and other documents relevant to your application. Ensure the export figures and supporting records are consistent.

Step 6: Submit and Monitor the Application

Complete the declaration and submission process, retain the acknowledgement, and monitor the application status. Respond promptly if DGFT requests clarification or additional documents.

Benefits of Star Export House Recognition

Depending on the category and applicable conditions, Status Holders may receive benefits under FTP 2023, including:

• Preferential treatment and priority in handling consignments by concerned agencies.

• Simplified procedures under applicable foreign trade provisions.

• Exemption from compulsory negotiation of export documents through banks, while receipts must still be received through banking channels.

• Eligibility for specified export-promotion facilities, subject to applicable limits and conditions.

• Certain self-certification benefits for eligible manufacturer-exporters who qualify under the prescribed provisions.

Not every benefit applies to every exporter or transaction. Businesses should review the relevant FTP provisions before relying on a particular facility.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming that total business turnover is the same as eligible export performance.

• Calculating export performance for the wrong financial years.

• Failing to reconcile export data with the supporting CA certificate.

• Ignoring discrepancies in IEC or business details.

• Applying for an upgrade without checking the existing electronic certificate.

• Assuming that all exports or re-exports qualify automatically.

• Relying on outdated application instructions instead of the current DGFT portal.

Featured Snippet: How Do You Apply for a Star Export House Certificate in India?

To obtain a Star Export House Certificate, first verify your eligible export performance and IEC details. Check the DGFT portal for an automatically generated Status Holder Certificate. If recognition or an upgrade requires an application, submit the prescribed online form with the required CA certificate and supporting documents, then monitor the application status.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Star Export House certification mandatory for exporters?

No. It is a recognition based on qualifying export performance. Exporters may operate without this status if they otherwise meet the requirements applicable to their business.

2. What is the minimum export performance for One Star Export House?

The One Star Export House threshold under FTP 2023 is USD 3 million, subject to the prescribed assessment period and eligibility conditions.

3. Can DGFT issue the certificate automatically?

Yes. DGFT introduced system-generated electronic Status Holder Certificates based on available merchandise export data. A separate application may still be required in certain cases, including relevant recognition or upgrade requests.

4. Is a CA certificate required?

The official DGFT user guide identifies the CA certificate as mandatory in the relevant application workflow. Follow the current portal instructions for your particular case.

5. How long is the Status Holder Certificate valid?

Under Paragraph 1.09 of the Handbook of Procedures, 2023, Status Holder Certificates issued under FTP 2023 are generally valid for five years from the date the application for recognition was filed. Check the certificate and applicable DGFT provisions for your case.

6. Can an exporter upgrade from One Star to Two Star or a higher category?

Yes, if the exporter meets the applicable higher-category export performance threshold and other requirements. The existing certificate and the prescribed upgrade process should be checked before applying.

Conclusion

The Star Export House Certificate recognizes qualifying export performance and can provide access to specific procedural benefits under India’s Foreign Trade Policy.

In 2026, exporters should first check whether DGFT has already generated their electronic certificate. Where an application or upgrade is necessary, accurate export calculations, valid IEC details, and complete supporting documents can help reduce avoidable processing issues.

Need Professional Help With Star Export House Certification?

A V International assists exporters with Status Holder Certificate eligibility checks, export performance calculations, DGFT application support, documentation, and upgrade procedures.

Our team helps businesses understand the applicable requirements and prepare their certification documentation efficiently.

Written By

Akash Bhangare

Having more than 10 years of experience in EPR Compliance, Legal Metrology, DGFT Regulations, and Import Export Consulting Services in India.

Associated with A V International, a company with over 35 years of expertise in Environmental Compliance, EPR Registrations, Licensing, and Regulatory Approvals.