Why Start an Export Business in India?
India's merchandise exports crossed $450 billion in 2025-26. The government actively supports new exporters through schemes like RoDTEP, Duty Drawback, EPCG, and various FTAs. With India's diverse manufacturing base — from textiles to pharmaceuticals, engineering goods to agricultural products — there's enormous opportunity for new exporters.
Step 1: Choose Your Export Product
Start with a product you understand well. Research global demand using:
- Indian Trade Portal (indiantradeportal.in) — Government's export data portal
- UN Comtrade — Global trade statistics by HS code
- Export Promotion Council data — Sector-specific export trends
- Alibaba/IndiaMART — See what international buyers are searching for
Top export sectors from India: IT services, petroleum products, gems & jewelry, pharmaceuticals, textiles, chemicals, engineering goods, rice, spices, marine products.
Step 2: Register Your Business
- Company registration — Proprietorship, Partnership, LLP, or Private Limited
- PAN & GST registration — Mandatory for all businesses
- IEC (Import Export Code) — Apply on dgft.gov.in (Rs 500 fee, see our IEC guide)
- RCMC — Register with the relevant Export Promotion Council
- AD Code registration — Register your bank's Authorized Dealer code with customs
Step 3: Find International Buyers
- B2B marketplaces — Alibaba, IndiaMART, TradeIndia, ExportersIndia
- Trade fairs — Attend IITF, international fairs via your EPC
- Government platforms — Indian Trade Portal, embassies and trade missions
- LinkedIn — Connect directly with importers and distributors
- Cold outreach — Email/WhatsApp potential buyers found through import data
Step 4: Negotiate Terms & Create Documents
Key documents for every export order:
- Proforma Invoice — Quote with product details, price, terms, delivery timeline
- Purchase Order — Buyer's confirmation of the order
- Commercial Invoice — Final invoice for customs and payment
- Packing List — Detailed list of packed goods with weights and dimensions
- Bill of Lading / Airway Bill — Transport document from shipping line/airline
- Certificate of Origin — For claiming FTA benefits (if applicable)
- Shipping Bill — Filed on ICEGATE for customs clearance
Step 5: Ship Your Goods
- Choose shipping mode — FCL/LCL (sea), air freight, or courier for samples
- Hire a Custom House Agent (CHA) — They handle port documentation
- File Shipping Bill on ICEGATE — Your CHA files this electronically
- Customs examination — Goods may be inspected at the port
- Get LEO (Let Export Order) — Customs clearance to load goods
- Track shipment — Use vessel tracking until delivery
Step 6: Get Paid
Common payment methods in export:
- Advance payment (T/T) — Safest for exporter, buyer pays before shipment
- Letter of Credit (LC) — Bank guarantees payment upon document submission
- Documents against Payment (D/P) — Buyer pays through bank to get documents
- Open account — Riskiest, buyer pays after receiving goods (30-90 days)
All export payments must be received in foreign currency through your AD Code registered bank account. RBI requires realization within 9 months.
How Eximly Helps New Exporters
Eximly is built specifically for Indian exporters. From generating professional documents (Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading) to tracking shipments, managing ICEGATE compliance, and monitoring payments — everything in one platform. Start your free 30-day trial and simplify your export operations from day one.
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