To verify an Indian supplier, check five free government records: company registration (MCA), GST registration, export licence (IEC), MSME registration (Udyam) and court cases (eCourts). Then confirm the premises and the people with a site visit. The online checks take an afternoon. The site visit is where most fraud fails.
Step 1: Does the company exist? (MCA)
On the Ministry of Corporate Affairs portal, search the company name or CIN under company master data. Check that it is active, when it was registered, who the directors are, whether its filings are up to date, and whether any charges (secured loans) are registered.
A company that was registered last year but claims “20 years of experience” may be a new company run by an old business. That can be fine. Ask about it.
Step 2: Is the GST number real and active?
Use “Search Taxpayer” on the GST portal. The GSTIN should be active. The legal name and the place of business should match the invoice and the address you were given. The portal also shows whether returns are being filed. A supplier that has stopped filing returns may not be able to pass GST credit to you.
Step 3: Can they export? (DGFT)
An exporter needs an Importer Exporter Code (IEC) from DGFT. Check that it exists and that the name matches the company.
Step 4: Is the MSME claim true? (Udyam)
Small suppliers often have an Udyam registration. Verify the number on the Udyam portal, and check that the activity listed matches what they sell you.
Step 5: Are there court cases?
Search the company and its directors on eCourts. Look for cheque-bounce, recovery, fraud and insolvency cases. For larger companies, also check insolvency proceedings at the NCLT.
What can’t the portals tell you?
| Question | Why online records aren’t enough | How to check |
|---|---|---|
| Does the factory exist? | Any address can be registered | Scheduled or unannounced site visit |
| Can they deliver your volume? | Records show no capacity | Visit, machine count, staff, existing orders |
| Are they who they say they are? | Fake websites copy real companies | Call the number on the MCA record, not the one on the website |
| Will they pay their own suppliers? | Filings show only part of it | Trade references and bank reference |
Red flags
- The GST name doesn’t match the bank account name.
- The company is newly registered but claims years of experience.
- They resist a video call from the factory floor.
- They want 100% advance to a personal account.
- The bank details change by email just before payment.
A simple order of work
- Run the five online checks in one sitting and save screenshots with dates.
- Write down every mismatch and ask the supplier about each one.
- For a first order of any real size, arrange a site visit before paying.
- Start with a small order and pay against delivery or inspection where you can.
- Repeat the GST and court checks once a year for suppliers you keep.
Need help?
Ameya Artha runs these checks for buyers in India and overseas, with site visits in Andhra Pradesh. You get a written report with the evidence for every finding. See our due diligence services