Step 1 — Check Eligibility for SEIS
You may apply for SEIS if your entity:
- Provides notified services listed in Appendix 3D/3E of FTP
- Earns foreign exchange from customers located outside India
- Has a valid IEC during the period of service export
- Has a valid RCMC and is located in India
- Has earned minimum net foreign exchange (NFE) as per DGFT norms
Eligible service categories include:
- IT & software services
- BPO/KPO
- Professional consulting services
- Hotel & tourism services
- Aviation services
- Healthcare services
- R&D and engineering services
Not eligible: units located in SEZ, foreign branches, freelancers without IEC, domestic service revenue.
Step 2 — Calculate Net Foreign Exchange (NFE)
Formula:
NFE = Gross Earnings in Foreign Exchange – Total Expenses in Foreign Exchange
NFE must be positive, and minimum thresholds apply depending on service category (e.g., USD 15,000 for individuals, higher for companies).
Step 3 — Gather Required Documents
- IEC copy
- PAN & GST certificate
- RCMC issued by the relevant Export Promotion Council
- FIRC / e-BRC for foreign exchange realization
- Statement of foreign exchange earnings (CA-certified)
- P&L account and audited financial statements
- Invoices for services exported
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
- Service category code mapping (HSN/ITC codes)
Step 4 — Register on DGFT Portal
- Visit: https://dgft.gov.in
- Create login
- Link IEC
- Add Digital Signature Certificate
- Update exporter profile
- Ensure e-BRC data is linked from banks
This enables online SEIS filing under the new DGFT system.
Step 5 — File SEIS Application (ANF 3B)
- Go to Services → SEIS → Apply for SEIS
- Select financial year of export
- Enter NFE earnings
- Select applicable service category code (Appendix 3D/3E)
- Upload supporting documents
- Pay DGFT application fee
- Submit the form
- Save SEIS File/Reference Number for tracking
Application goes to the respective DGFT Regional Authority.
Step 6 — Respond to DGFT Queries / Deficiency Letters
DGFT may ask for:
- Clarification on service category
- FIRC/e-BRC mismatch
- Detailed breakup of foreign exchange earnings
- Proof of service delivery (agreements, invoices, work orders)
- CA certificate correction
- Missing mandatory documents
Upload revisions and explanations directly under:
SEIS → Deficiency → Respond / Upload Documents
Step 7 — DGFT Processes & Approves the Claim
After verification:
- DGFT approves the application
- Duty credit scrip is generated electronically
- Notification appears in exporter dashboard
Step 8 — Obtain SEIS Duty Credit Scrip
After approval:
- Scrip is available under “My Scrips”
- Scrip contains value (typically 3% / 5% depending on service category)
- Scrip is freely transferable
Step 9 — Use or Transfer Duty Credit Scrip
SEIS Duty Credit Scrip can be used to pay:
- Basic Customs Duty
- Additional Customs Duty
- Safeguard and anti-dumping duties (as permitted)
Scrip can also be sold to other importers at market value.
Documents Required for SEIS Filing (Summary)
- IEC copy
- GST Registration
- RCMC
- Digital Signature
- FIRC / e-BRC
- Service invoices
- CA-certified foreign exchange earnings statement
- Balance sheet & Income statement
- Proof of service delivery (if requested by DGFT)
Timeline Overview
| Process Step | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Filing of SEIS Application | 1–2 days |
| DGFT Review & Approval | 30–90 days |
| Deficiency Letter Resolution | Depends on exporter |
| Issuance of Scrip | 3–7 days after approval |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Selecting incorrect service category (Appendix 3D/3E mismatch)
- Incorrect NFE calculation
- Missing or delayed e-BRC uploading
- Not linking IEC with DGFT portal
- Wrong financial year selection
- Submitting invoices without supporting documentation
- Not responding to deficiency letters on time
Benefits of SEIS
- Additional revenue through duty credit scrip
- Incentivizes forex-generating service sectors
- Scrip is transferable and tradable
- Reduced customs duty costs for importers
Saving Mantra — SEIS Assistance (CTA)
We support service exporters with:
- Eligibility evaluation
- Calculation of net foreign exchange
- Preparation of ANF 3B and DGFT filing
- e-BRC linking & documentation support
- Deficiency letter replies
- Follow-up with DGFT for scrip issuance
CTA (Insert in WordPress):<a href="/contact">Get Expert Help with SEIS Filing — Contact Saving Mantra</a>
FAQ
Q: Is SEIS still active?
A: Not for new exports after March 2020. Only past-year applications or pending deficiency replies continue.
Q: What is the reward percentage under SEIS?
A: Typically 3% or 5% of net foreign exchange earned.
Q: Are SEZ units eligible for SEIS?
A: No, SEZ units are excluded.
Q: What if e-BRC is missing?
A: Claim cannot proceed until the issuing bank uploads e-BRC to the DGFT database.
Excerpt (for WordPress Post Summary)
A complete step-by-step guide to SEIS filing under DGFT. Includes eligibility, NFE calculation, documents required, DGFT online application process, deficiency letter handling, and scrip issuance.
Disclaimer (Add at bottom of post or footer)
Disclaimer: This article provides general information on the SEIS scheme and should not be considered legal, financial, or professional advice. SEIS regulations, eligibility norms, and DGFT procedures are subject to change through government notifications. Exporters should verify the latest DGFT guidelines or consult a qualified professional before filing SEIS claims. Saving Mantra is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or outcomes arising from the use of this information.