13 August 2025
Regarding GST treatment for C & F (Clearing & Forwarding) agents when you are importers and sole distributors billing from your end, here’s a clear explanation: 1. Who is the supplier of services? The C & F agent provides services to you (importer/distributor) for clearance, warehousing, and logistics. Hence, C & F agent is the service provider, and you are the recipient. 2. GST Registration and Invoicing The C & F agent should be registered under GST if their turnover exceeds the threshold. They will raise invoices to you charging GST on the services rendered. 3. Billing From Your End If you are billing your customers directly for the sale of imported goods, then you should issue invoices without involving the C & F agent in the billing process. The charges paid to C & F agent are part of your input costs and should be accounted for separately. 4. Address of C & F agent on GST Portal You do NOT have to add the C & F agent’s address on your GST portal unless the agent is acting as your GST registered agent or branch. The C & F agent will have their own GSTIN and will file their returns separately. You just claim input tax credit (ITC) on the GST charged by the C & F agent. 5. Input Tax Credit You can claim ITC on GST paid to C & F agent for services used in your business. Ensure you receive proper tax invoices from the C & F agent. Summary: Aspect Details C & F agent registration Must be GST registered if turnover > threshold Invoice C & F agent invoices you separately with GST Billing to customers You bill directly; C & F agent not involved GST portal address No need to add C & F agent address in your GST portal ITC Claim ITC on GST paid to C & F agent