Government Introduces DNK Portal for MSMEs Exporting Pharmaceutical Goods to Global Markets

In an effort to simplify the pharmaceutical export process for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the Union Ministry of Communications has unveiled the Dak Ghar Niryat Kendra (DNK) portal

The Union Ministry of Communications, through the Department of Posts, has unveiled the Dak Ghar Niryat Kendra (DNK) portal, aimed at simplifying the process of pharmaceutical exports for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to various countries. This initiative is set to benefit commercial customers and MSMEs by providing a seamless platform for exporting goods globally.

DNK, designed exclusively for commercial customers and MSMEs across the nation, aims to make "Exports made Easy" for these enterprises. One of the key advantages of the portal is the reduction of expenses on third-party software for tasks such as generating invoices and Postal Bills of Export (PBE). Exporters can now efficiently handle all export-related tasks from the comfort of their homes, resulting in considerable time savings. Additionally, the portal enables a reduction in printing costs for barcodes and lowers expenses on Customs House Agents (CHA).

DNK is geared towards paperless documentation, eliminating the need for repeated Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures during parcel bookings. The platform ensures digital customs clearance and offers system-generated invoices, CN22 or CN23 forms, PBE forms, and online barcode generation. It also promotes visibility and transparency in financial transactions, assists in creating Import-Export Code (IEC), Authorized Dealer (AD) code, GSTIN, and Letter of Undertaking (LuT), and enables the uploading of relevant documents directly on the DNK portal. Moreover, the platform offers a volume discount and pickup facility to further support exporters.

To be eligible for using the DNK portal, an exporter must hold a valid Import-Export Code. The export process involves filing a PBE as per the regulations outlined in the "Export by Post Regulations 2018." Customs and other concerned organizations have issued notifications specifying the procedures for filling and filing the two types of PBE forms: PBE-I for e-commerce exports and PBE-2 for exports other than e-commerce. These forms are subject to terms and conditions communicated periodically.

Upon completing the PBE processing, the goods, along with the PBE, must be presented to the customs at the Foreign Post Office. Once customs approves the shipment, the postal department will acknowledge receipt and affix a tracking number on the PBE consignment. The customs grant the "Let Export Order" after the postal authorities affix the tracking number. The original PBE is retained by customs, while the duplicate is handed over to the exporter or their customs broker. For non-e-commerce exports, the PBE-II form is to be filed, and the postal authorities will furnish proof of export to customs at the Foreign Post Office.

Exporters can utilize a range of products for their shipments, including registered packets (up to 2 kg), air parcels (for consignments weighing up to 20 kg), International Tracked Packet for select destinations, and EMS-Speed Post for parcels weighing up to 35 kg. It is worth noting that for natural persons (individuals other than firms and companies) exporting parcels, the existing procedure remains unchanged, and they are not required to file any PBE.

The DNK portal is set to revolutionize pharmaceutical exports for MSMEs, simplifying the export process and bolstering India's presence in the global market for pharmaceutical products.