Step-by-Step Guide with Government Links
📍 Introduction
Starting an export business in India is a great opportunity — but before you can ship your first order, you need to register your business legally and complete key government formalities.
This step-by-step guide covers everything you need to register your export business — from choosing the right business type to getting your IEC, GST, and more. All steps include official website links for easy access.
✅ Step 1: Choose a Business Structure
Your first step is deciding the legal format of your business.
Common Business Types:
| Type | Best For | Requires GST? | Suitable for Exports? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sole Proprietorship | Individual beginners | Yes | Yes |
| Partnership Firm | Two or more partners | Yes | Yes |
| LLP | Small teams | Yes | Yes |
| Private Limited Company | Scalable, serious exporters | Yes | Highly Recommended |
📌 Register Here:
- Sole Proprietor (via UDYAM): https://udyamregistration.gov.in
- LLP / Pvt Ltd (via MCA): https://www.mca.gov.in
✅ Step 2: Get a PAN Card
A PAN (Permanent Account Number) in your business name is mandatory for tax and bank account purposes.
📌 Apply here:
- NSDL ePAN Portal: https://www.onlineservices.nsdl.com/paam/endUserRegisterContact.html
✅ Step 3: Open a Current Bank Account
You must open a current account in your business name at any nationalized or private bank.
Requirements:
- PAN card
- Business registration proof
- Address and ID proof
- GST certificate (usually required)
✅ Step 4: Apply for GST Registration
Even if you’re exporting goods under zero-rated supply, GST registration is mandatory to issue valid invoices and claim IGST refunds.
📌 Register here:
- GST Portal: https://www.gst.gov.in
✅ Step 5: Apply for Import Export Code (IEC)
The IEC is your license to export. Without it, you cannot ship goods or receive payments internationally.
✅ Documents Needed:
- PAN card
- Address proof
- Bank certificate or cancelled cheque
- Aadhar (linked with mobile)
📌 Apply Online:
- DGFT Portal (IEC Registration): https://www.dgft.gov.in
✅ Step 6: Register on ICEGATE (Customs e-Filing Portal)
Once you have your IEC, register on ICEGATE to file shipping bills and access customs clearance.
📌 Register here:
✅ Step 7: Get RCMC from an Export Promotion Council (Optional but Beneficial)
An RCMC (Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate) is issued by the Export Promotion Council (EPC) related to your product.
It allows you to:
- Access export incentives
- Attend global buyer-seller meets
- Build trust with buyers
Examples:
- FIEO (All sectors): https://fieo.org
- APEDA (Agri): https://apeda.gov.in
- EEPC (Engineering): https://eepcindia.org
🧠 Bonus: Checklist to Start Export Business in India
✅ Register business entity (Proprietor/LLP/Pvt Ltd)
✅ PAN card and current account
✅ GST Registration
✅ IEC via DGFT
✅ ICEGATE Registration
✅ RCMC (optional but useful)
✅ Bank and shipping documentation
✅ Apply for schemes like RoDTEP and EPCG
📥 Coming Soon:
🎁 Download a free Startup Registration Checklist PDF for exporters
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🔗 Explore more tools & downloads → [Visit Export Resource Hub]
