How to Verify an Indian Exporter Before Paying

Verification 1 small - The IEC Number (Import Export Code)

What is an IEC?

The IEC (Import Export Code) is a 10-digit identification number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) of the Indian government. Every company or individual who exports from India is legally required to hold an IEC. Without an IEC, it is impossible to legally export from India.

Verify at: dgft.gov.in → IEC Search

How to verify: Go to dgft.gov.in, find the "IEC Online Search" section, and enter the IEC number provided by the exporter or their company name. The result must match exactly the company name and address.

If an "exporter" refuses to provide their IEC number, or if the number cannot be found in the DGFT database small - that is a major red flag. Stop all dealings immediately.

Verification 2 small - APEDA Certification

What is APEDA?

APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) is the Indian government body that regulates and certifies agricultural exports, including rice. To export rice from India, an exporter must be registered with APEDA and hold a valid RCMC (Registration-cum-Membership Certificate).

Verify at: apeda.gov.in → RCMC Verification

An APEDA-certified exporter has demonstrated compliance with Indian agricultural export standards. They are subject to regular inspections and can have their certification revoked for non-compliance. This is your minimum guarantee of legitimacy.

Verification 3 small - MCA Company Registration

Why check company registration?

The MCA (Ministry of Corporate Affairs) manages India's company register. Every limited liability company (Private Limited or Limited) must be registered there with a unique CIN (Company Identification Number). Registered companies are subject to legal transparency and reporting obligations.

Verify at: mca.gov.in → Company Search

On mca.gov.in you can search any Indian company by name or CIN. The result will show you its incorporation date, current status (active/inactive), directors, and paid-up capital. A company created less than 6 months ago with very low capital warrants extra caution.

Verification 4 small - GST Number

Check the GST registration

GST (Goods and Services Tax) is India's national sales tax. Every exporter above a minimum turnover threshold must be registered. An exporter without GST is either too small to be credible for international trade, or operating informally.

Verify at: gst.gov.in → Search Taxpayer

8 Fraud Warning Signs You Must Never Ignore

Abnormally Low Price

An FOB price 20–30% below market is almost always a sign of fraud or severely inferior quality. Real market prices have real floors.

Gmail / Yahoo Email

A serious exporter uses a professional email (@companyname.com). A Gmail or Yahoo email for an export company is suspicious.

Refuses Verification

A legitimate exporter will never refuse to provide IEC, APEDA or MCA details. Any refusal = immediate red flag.

Pressure to Pay Fast

"Offer valid 24 hours only", "container available tomorrow" - time pressure is a classic manipulation technique.

Personal Bank Account

Payment must go to a corporate account in the company's name, not a personal account. Always verify the account name.

Stolen or Generic Photos

Some fraudsters use warehouse photos stolen from the internet. A reverse image search (Google Images) can expose the deception.

New or Empty Website

Check website age via who.is. A site created less than 6 months ago with thin content is a warning sign.

Refuses Video Call

A legitimate exporter is proud of their facilities. If they consistently refuse video calls from their warehouse or office, be very wary.

Comparison: Legitimate Exporter vs Fraudster

Factor	Legitimate Exporter	Red Flag
IEC Number	Provided immediately, verifiable	Refused or not found on DGFT
APEDA Certification	Valid RCMC on apeda.gov.in	"Pending" or unverifiable
Professional email	@companyname.com	Gmail / Yahoo / Hotmail
Bank account	Corporate account, SWIFT provided	Personal or informal account
FOB price	Within market range	20–30% below market
Video call	Accepts, shows premises	Refuses or "not available"
Buyer references	Can provide verifiable contacts	Vague or refuses
Product sample	Sends DHL within 48–72h	Excuses or charges for it

Complete Pre-Order Verification Checklist

1
IEC verified on dgft.gov.inThe IEC number exactly matches the company name and address provided.
2
APEDA RCMC verified on apeda.gov.inActive certification, not expired, for the rice export category.
3
Company verified on mca.gov.inCIN found, company active, reasonable incorporation date (ideally 2+ years).
4
GST verified on gst.gov.inActive GST number in the company's name.
5
Video call completedDirector visible, company premises or warehouse visible in background.
6
Sample received and inspected1kg rice sample sent by DHL, quality confirmed matching specifications.
7
Corporate bank account confirmedSWIFT/BIC in company name, recognised Indian bank.
8
At least one buyer reference contactedA previous buyer confirms having received compliant deliveries.
9
Sales contract signedPro-forma invoice or contract specifying variety, quality, quantity, price, port, Incoterms, timeline.
10
Secure payment method chosenLC for first order small - never wire the full amount before container loading.

Draba Ventures small - Full Transparency

Draba Ventures is a legally incorporated Indian Private Limited company registered with MCA, APEDA certified, holding an active IEC, and GST registered. All verification documents are available on request:

CIN: U10612KA2026PTC215003
APEDA RCMC: Merchant Exporter category, valid 2026–2031
IEC: Available on request (verifiable on dgft.gov.in)
GST: Registered, number available on request

We welcome all video calls, send free DHL samples, and provide verifiable buyer references before any transaction.

FAQ small - Verifying Indian Rice Exporters

Can I verify an exporter for free?

Yes, all verifications mentioned in this guide are freely accessible online: dgft.gov.in (IEC), apeda.gov.in (APEDA), mca.gov.in (company registration), gst.gov.in (GST). No payment is required for these basic checks.

Can an exporter have an IEC but no APEDA certification?

Yes, technically. The IEC is required for all exports, but APEDA is specific to agricultural products. An exporter who has an IEC but no APEDA certification for rice is not legally authorised to export rice. APEDA is therefore the most important verification specifically for rice imports.

How can I verify that the Bills of Lading presented as references are genuine?

Request B/L copies showing the shipping line name (MSC, Maersk, CMA CGM, etc.). You can then verify the B/L number directly on the carrier's website to confirm the shipment actually took place. This is a verification that few fraudsters anticipate.

Can a third-party agency verify on my behalf?

Yes. Companies like SGS, Bureau Veritas and Intertek offer supplier verification services (supplier audits) in India. They send an inspector to the supplier's premises and provide a certified report. This service costs approximately $300–600 but is very useful for large first orders.

What should I do if I have already been defrauded?

Contact your bank immediately to attempt a wire recall (possible within 24–48 hours of the transfer). File a complaint with local police and the Indian embassy/consulate in your country. Also report the case to Interpol IC3 (Internet Crime Complaint Center). Preserve all evidence of communication.

Draba Ventures: Transparent, Verifiable, Certified

Every document mentioned in this guide, we can provide it. IEC, APEDA, MCA, DHL sample, video call small - available on simple request, before any transaction.

Request Verification Documents ✉ Email