Trade Compliance

How to Start Exporting from India: A Beginner's Guide

March 20, 20265 min read

A 5-minute read for procurement managers, plant heads, and anyone who's ever signed off on the cheapest quote and lived to regret it

India is one of the world's fastest-growing export economies, and you don't need to be a large corporation to participate. Whether you make handicrafts, spices, garments, or industrial parts, this guide covers what you need to start selling to international buyers.

Step 1: Set up your business and get a PAN + GST

Your business needs to be legally registered before you can export. You can operate as a sole proprietor, a partnership firm, a private limited company, or an LLP. Once registered, you'll need a PAN (Permanent Account Number) and a GST Registration. Both are required for all export activities in India.

GST registration also allows you to claim a refund on taxes paid for inputs used in your exported goods, which can make a real difference to your margins.

Step 2: Get your IEC (Import Export Code)

The Import Export Code (IEC) is a 10-digit number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). You cannot legally export from India without it. It costs just Rs. 500, is applied for online, and is typically issued within 1 to 2 working days.

As of 2025, individuals and sole proprietors no longer need a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) to apply. An Aadhaar OTP is sufficient.

Note: Your IEC is valid for life, but you must log in to the DGFT portal every year between April and June to confirm or update your details, even if nothing has changed. Skipping this will deactivate your code.

Step 3: Open a business bank account and register your AD code

You'll need a current bank account in your business name to receive payments in foreign currency. Your bank will then issue you an AD Code (Authorized Dealer Code), which is an 8 to 14 digit number that connects your business to Indian Customs. You need it to file a Shipping Bill and to receive export incentives.

The AD Code is registered on ICEGATE, India's customs portal. Your bank provides a letter with the code, and registration usually takes 1 to 2 working days.

Step 4: Find overseas buyers

With your paperwork sorted, the next step is finding customers abroad. A few practical routes:

Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) are government-backed organisations that connect Indian exporters with international buyers by industry, covering textiles, spices, gems, engineering goods, and more. When you register with the right EPC, you get an RCMC certificate, which is needed to access government export schemes. FIEO (Federation of Indian Export Organisations) is the central body that oversees all EPCs.

You can also list your products on B2B platforms like IndiaMART, TradeIndia, and Alibaba. The government's Indian Trade Portal is also worth bookmarking for market research across 100+ countries.

Step 5: Prepare your export documents

Every international shipment needs a specific set of documents for customs clearance, both here in India and at the destination. The core ones are:

Commercial Invoice (goods description and price), Packing List (contents of each package), Shipping Bill (filed with Indian Customs via ICEGATE), Bill of Lading or Airway Bill (issued by your carrier), and a Certificate of Origin if the importing country requires it for duty benefits.

You also need to identify the correct HS Code (Harmonized System Code) for your product. This is a globally used classification number that customs authorities use to determine what's being shipped and what duties apply.

Step 6: Choose a freight partner and ship

For a first shipment, working with a Customs House Agent (CHA) or a freight forwarder is a good idea. They handle customs filing, coordinate with carriers, and keep your shipment compliant, so you're not learning all of that from scratch on your first order.

For smaller or sample shipments, couriers like DHL, FedEx, or Shiprocket X offer straightforward international shipping with tracking. For larger commercial quantities, you'll be looking at sea freight (FCL or LCL) or air freight through a forwarder.

Tip: Always get marine cargo insurance for your shipment. It covers you for loss or damage in transit and is required under certain trade terms, such as CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight).

Step 7: Claim your export incentives

The Indian government runs several schemes that reduce the cost of exporting. Many first-time exporters miss out on these simply because they don't know they exist.

The RoDTEP Scheme (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products) refunds taxes and duties embedded in your product that aren't covered elsewhere. It applies to over 10,000 product categories. You can also file for a GST refund on inputs used in your exported goods. The NIRVIK Scheme by ECGC offers up to 90% insurance cover on export credit, which is worth looking into if you're an MSME or exporting for the first time.

Quick-start checklist

Register your business (Sole Prop / LLP / Pvt Ltd)
Obtain PAN and GST Registration
Apply for IEC on the DGFT portal (Rs. 500 fee)
Open a current bank account in your business name
Get your AD Code from the bank and register it on ICEGATE
Register with your Export Promotion Council and get an RCMC
Research your target market on the Indian Trade Portal
Find international buyers via FIEO, B2B platforms, or trade fairs
Confirm the correct HS Code for your product
Prepare your commercial invoice, packing list, and shipping bill
Work with a CHA or freight forwarder for your first shipment
Buy marine cargo insurance
File for GST refund and RoDTEP incentives after the shipment

Need help navigating your first export shipment or finding the right freight partner? Our team works with Indian exporters on documentation, customs compliance, and international logistics. Get in touch. The first conversation is free.

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