The registrations to look for are the Importer-Exporter Code (IEC), Udyam registration and GST registration, plus company records if the agent is a company or LLP. Together they show a real, traceable Indian business.
Each one proves something narrow. None of them proves that the agent is competent or that it works only for you.
Importer-Exporter Code (IEC)
The IEC is issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade. Indian businesses need it to import or export goods. It shows the business is set up for international trade and is known to the trade authorities.
It does not prove that the holder makes anything, or that it has ever shipped a container. A trader and an agent can both hold one. An agent who never exports goods in its own name may not strictly need it, but holding one is a reasonable sign that the business deals with foreign trade.
Udyam registration
Udyam is the Government of India's registration for micro, small and medium enterprises. It gives the business a Udyam Registration Number and classifies it by size. It shows the business exists and has registered as an enterprise.
Udyam registration is based largely on self-declaration, so it says little about quality or track record. It is a useful identity check, not a seal of approval.
GST registration
The Goods and Services Tax registration gives the business a GSTIN. It shows that the business is registered for indirect tax, and the public record shows its legal name, status and principal place of business.
Whether a business must register depends on its turnover and the type of supply, and those rules change. If an agent does not hold a GSTIN, ask why; there may be a valid reason. Check the current rules on the GST portal if it matters to you.
Company or LLP records
If the agent is a private limited company or an LLP, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs holds its incorporation details and directors or partners. Many smaller agents are proprietorships or partnerships, which do not appear there. That is normal, and the other registrations then carry more weight.
How to use them together
Ask for all the numbers at once, then check that the legal name and address agree across every record. A mismatch is not always fraud, since a business may have moved or changed its trade name. But it should be explained before you sign anything or pay a fee.
What none of them prove
- That the agent visits factories and inspects goods itself.
- That the agent takes nothing from suppliers.
- That the agent has the product knowledge your goods need.
- That the agent's past clients were satisfied.
Next step
To check any of these numbers yourself, follow how to verify a sourcing agent is registered. We hold IEC and Udyam registration, and we explain how we work on our about page. To talk about your product, book a free sourcing review.