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Alankar Mishra

May 1, 2025

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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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