step 1: Choose Your Product Wisely
- Identify a product with international demand.
- It should be legally allowed for export from India.
- Check if the product needs any special certification (like FSSAI for food, or Phytosanitary for plants).
- Study your competitors and global pricing.
step 2: Identify Your Target Market
- Research countries where your product is in demand.
- Study import policies, restrictions and duties in those countries.
- Use tools like:
ITC Trade Map
Export Genius
Indian Trade Portal
step 3: Set Up Your Business Entity
- Choose a structure: Proprietorship, Partnership, LLP, or Pvt. Ltd. Company.
- Register your business with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) or local authorities.
step 4: Get Your Importer Exporter Code (IEC)
- Apply online through DGFT.
- Required documents:
PAN Card
Address Proof
Bank details
- It’s a one-time registration and mandatory for all exporters.
step 5: Open a Current Account
- Open a bank current account in the name of your business.
- Ensure the bank supports foreign exchange (Authorized Dealer Category-I).
step 6: Get Other Mandatory Registrations
- GST Registration (if applicable)
- RCMC (Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate) with Export Promotion Council (like APEDA, FIEO, EPCG)
- Product-specific licenses or quality certifications if needed (FSSAI, AYUSH, etc.)
step 7: Set Up Logistics and Packaging
- Choose a freight forwarder or customs broker to help with shipping and documentation.
- Learn about INCO Terms (FOB, CIF, etc.).
- Invest in good export packaging (must meet international shipping standards).
step 8: Understand Export Documentation
You'll need documents like:
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Shipping Bill
- Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
- Certificate of Origin
- Insurance Certificate
- Quality/Health Certificates (if required)
step 9: Find Buyers and Promote Your Product
- List on B2B platforms: Alibaba, Indiamart, TradeIndia, Global Sources
- Participate in international trade fairs & expos
- Use Indian Embassies, Export Promotion Councils and LinkedIn to connect with buyers
step 10: Choose a Payment Method
- Secure payments via:
- Advance Payment
- Letter of Credit (LC)
- Documents Against Payment (D/P)
- Documents Against Acceptance (D/A)
- Work closely with your bank to ensure forex compliance and get a BRC (Bank Realization Certificate) after payment.
step 11: Ship the Goods
- Get customs clearance using a CHA (Customs House Agent)
- Submit shipping bill and export documents
- Once cleared, goods are shipped and Bill of Lading is issued
step 12: Claim Export Incentives
- Indian government offers various schemes
RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products)
Interest Equalization Scheme
Duty Drawback
- Apply through DGFT and your bank using BRC and shipping documents.
