Standard Unit Quantity Codes (UQCs) for Import and Export Authorisation The grand scale of modern business dealings is much more fragile than it seems, because a single misstep can lead to irreparable complications. There are even more severe mistakes, like the failure to comply with units of measurement. Don't think it’s that big of a deal? Picture your shipment being halted at the port, or having your license application refused simply because you wrote ‘bottles’ on your paperwork instead of the correct bottle UQC which is ‘NOS.’ That is the Indian global trade compliance nightmare. To avoid such situations as described in the previous paragraph, the Government of India established standard unit quantity codes or UQC. These codes serve as approved units of measurement across all import-export documents. Unlike other forms of codes used in different fields, UQCs cannot be customized. This is mandatory and has to be used while communicating with DGFT , customs and ICEGATE. Overview Feature Details Full Form Unit Quantity Code (UQC) Used In Import-Export Licensing, DGFT Filing, Customs Clearance Who Issues the UQC List Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), CBIC Purpose Standardisation of measurement units for global trade Examples KGS, NOS, MTR, LTR, BOX, SET, DZN Where Applied Bill of Entry (BOE), Shipping Bills, EDI Filing, ICEGATE Editable No – Fixed by Government Standards Penalty for Wrong UQC Customs Penalty, Clearance Delay, File Rejection
What Are Standard Unit Quantity Codes (UQCs)? Unit Quantity Code, which is identified by the abbreviation "UQC," refers to the 3-character short codes signifying standard units of measurement in international trade.
In trade, every item is measured and traded by some specific UQC’s Metric- weight, length, volume, number, sets, pieces, etc..
Due to various foreign buyers and Indian customs using different names, the Government of India had to introduce Standard UQCs because of the confusion, fraud, miscalculation and misdeclaration in India.
These UQCs are mandatory in:
DGFT License Applications.
Import Export Documentation.
Shipping Bill Preparation.
Bill of Entry Filings.
e-Sanchit uploads.
ICEGATE Portal Filings.
Customs Clearance Processes.
Why Are UQCs Mandatory in Import & Export? UQCs create uniformity across all Indian customs locations.
This eliminates misinterpretation of local words like Dozen, Carton, Pack, Roll, Piece, etc.
Helps in valuation checks of goods at the port.
Ensure clear reporting in DGFT documents.
Reduces manual errors in automated clearance systems like EDI .
Protects importers/exporters from fraudulent quantity disputes with customs officers.
Who Provides the Official UQC List? Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).
Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).
Refer: Customs Notification, ICEGATE documentation, and DGFT Handbook of Procedures.
You cannot create your own UQC.
Where Are UQCs Used in Import-Export? Process Usage of UQC DGFT Licensing Required in ANF forms like ANF-4A, ANF-4F, Advance Authorisation, EPCG, etc. Bill of Entry Mandatory for all imports at customs Shipping Bill Mandatory for export clearance e-Sanchit Attached are in invoice documents during upload ICEGATE Portal Used in online filing and payments
Most Common Standard UQC Codes Used in Import-Export UQC Code Meaning Usage Example KGS Kilograms Metals, Raw Materials, Food Items NOS Numbers Machinery, Electronics, Auto Parts MTR Metres Fabric, Wire, Cable, Pipes LTR Litres Chemicals, Oils, Liquids BOX Box Packaged Items, Bulk Goods PCS Pieces Spare Parts, Equipment SET Set Furniture, Machinery Kits DZN Dozen Gloves, Socks, Bottles (12 items) GMS Grams Jewellery, Chemicals PAIR Pair Shoes, Gloves, and Socks SQM Square Metre Tiles, Sheets, Fabric TBS Tablets Medicines, Pharma Products YDS Yards Textile Industry MGS Milligrams Medicines, Perfume, Chemicals TNE Tonnes Bulk Material, Heavy Goods
Note: Always check the latest updated UQC list from DGFT or the Customs website before filing.
Mistake Alert: UQC vs UOM in Import-Export UOM (Unit of Measurement) is what businesses use internally.
UQC (Unit Quantity Code) is what customs want during documentation.
For example:
UOM in your company → "Carton of 20 Bottles".
Correct UQC → NOS (Number of Bottles)
You cannot mention Carton directly unless it matches an official UQC like BOX.
Penalties for Wrong UQC in Import-Export Incorrect usage of UQC can lead to:
Clearance delay.
Additional duty verification.
Penalties under the Customs Act.
File rejection from ICEGATE.
GST input mismatch.
Cancellation of license application
How to Find the Correct UQC for Your Products? Refer to the DGFT Handbook of Procedures Annexure on UQC.
Use the ICEGATE portal's UQC search tool.
Consult your CHA (Customs House Agent) .
Match the product HSN code with the suggested UQC.
Refer to the Tally ERP or SAP system’s custom settings.
Practical Example: UQC Application in Import-Export Example 1: Import of Machinery Document Field Entry Product CNC Machine UOM 1 Unit UQC NOS Quantity 1 NOS
Example 2: Export of Textile Rolls Document Field Entry Product Polyester Fabric Roll UOM 200 MTR per roll UQC MTR Quantity 2000 MTR
Example 3: Import of Lubricant Oil Document Field Entry Product Lubricant Oil UOM 50 Litres UQC LTR Quantity 50 LTR
Tips to Avoid Mistakes in UQC Filing Always match UQC with the product type.
Avoid local terms like Bottle, Bag, and Tin unless present in the UQC list.
Do not use full words like “Kilograms” or “Litres” — only 3-letter codes like KGS or LTR.
Automate your DGFT and ICEGATE filing using licensed software tools.
Consult DGFT's latest notifications regularly.
Conclusion Understanding and using the correct Standard Unit Quantity Codes (UQCs) is a non-negotiable part of any successful import and export process in India. These codes bring clarity, accuracy, and uniformity in the way goods are measured and reported in international trade.
Whether you are an importer, exporter, customs agent, or a new business applying for a DGFT license, knowing the right UQC for your product ensures faster customs clearance, prevents documentation errors, and helps avoid costly penalties or shipment delays.
FAQs Q1. What is UQC in import and export? Ans: UQC stands for Unit Quantity Code , which is a 3-character standardised code used in import-export documentation to indicate the unit in which goods are measured. It is mandatory in customs documents like the Shipping Bill , Bill of Entry , and DGFT license applications .
Q2. Why is UQC important in international trade? Ans: UQC ensures uniformity and standardisation in measuring goods across all customs locations in India. It helps prevent errors, miscalculations, and clearance delays in DGFT filings , ICEGATE submissions , and EDI-based customs procedures .
Q3. Where are UQCs used in the import-export process? Ans: UQCs are used in:
Shipping Bills for exports.
Bills of Entry for imports.
DGFT license applications such as Advance Authorisation and EPCG.
e-Sanchit document uploads.
ICEGATE and Customs EDI portals
Q4. Who issues the official list of UQC codes? Ans: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) issue and maintain the list of approved UQC codes. These codes must be used exactly as specified.
Q5. Can I use full words like 'Kilograms' or 'Pieces' instead of UQC codes? Ans: No. You must use the 3-letter standard UQC code, such as KGS for kilograms or NOS for numbers. Writing in full words or unrecognised units will result in document rejection or clearance delays .
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