If youre in the business of exporting alcohol, concentrates, or flavouring agents, chances are you’re leaving lakhs of rupees on the table — without even realising it.
How? By missing out on government refunds under RoDTEP or Duty Drawback.
Most exporters assume they’re doing everything right — until they get a rejected refund or no money at all. And it usually comes down to small, avoidable mistakes.
Here are 7 simple steps that can help you claim every rupee you’re eligible for, and avoid the common traps alcohol exporters fall into.
Step 1: First, Check if Your Product’s HSN Code Qualifies
Not every export gets RoDTEP benefits. It depends on your 8-digit HSN code.
Just exporting alcohol or flavours isn’t enough — you need to make sure your exact HSN is on the official RoDTEP list. This list is published by the government, and it’s very specific.
So before you do anything else, check your HSN code. If it matches, great — youre on the right track.
Step 2: Even Basic Blending or Bottling Can Qualify for Refunds
Some exporters think they don’t qualify because they’re only bottling or doing light blending.
But the truth is, even simple processing counts — as long as youre using duty-paid inputs, and you can link those inputs to your exported product.
So don’t skip the claim just because your process feels “too basic”.
Step 3: Yes, You Can Claim Both RoDTEP and Drawback
Many businesses believe they have to pick one — either RoDTEP or Duty Drawback.
But that’s not true. You can claim both, as long as you’re not claiming the same cost components under each scheme.
So if you’re importing raw materials, claim Duty Drawback for that. And if you’re using domestic inputs, claim RoDTEP.
The key is to keep your cost sheet clean and clear.
Step 4: Your Refund Should Match Your Sourcing Strategy
If most of your raw materials are imported, you’ll likely benefit more from Duty Drawback.
If your inputs are mostly local, then RoDTEP usually pays better.
Simple logic, but very few exporters think this through.
So, don’t just follow what others are doing — look at where your costs are coming from, and plan your claim accordingly.
Step 5: Don’t Let a Small Error Block Your Entire Refund
This is where most refunds get stuck.
A wrong HSN digit. A missing document. A mismatched invoice.
Even small slip-ups like these can get your entire refund rejected, especially if you’re exporting through ICEGATE and haven’t double-checked your shipping bill data.
So before you file, take 5 minutes to cross-check everything. That 5 minutes could save you Rs. 5 lakhs.
Step 6: Tick “RODTEPY” on Your Shipping Bill — No Exceptions
One small checkbox can decide whether or not you get your RoDTEP refund.
When filing your shipping bill, always tick “RODTEPY”. If you forget, you lose the chance to claim RoDTEP for that shipment — even if everything else is perfect.
This one’s non-negotiable. So make it part of your standard export checklist.
Step 7: Don’t Let ICEGATE Typos Delay Your Refund
The ICEGATE portal processes your RoDTEP and Drawback claims. But it’s also very sensitive to errors.
Even one wrong entry — a port code, IEC number, or bank detail — can block your refund. And sometimes, you won’t know until months later.
Always double-check what your CHA files on ICEGATE. If possible, review it yourself before submission.