Export from India in 2025: A Complete Beginner’s Guide
📦 Introduction
India is rapidly becoming a global hub for exports — from agricultural goods to engineering products, Indian exporters are finding success across continents. But if you’re new to this space, the process can seem overwhelming. In this complete guide, we’ll break down the step-by-step process to start exporting from India in 2025, covering registration, product selection, compliance, logistics, and much more.
Whether you’re a startup, a small business owner, or an individual looking to expand globally, this guide is your launchpad.
- 📦 Introduction
- ✅ 1. What Makes 2025 a Great Year to Export from India?
- 📦 2. Step 1: Choose Your Export Product
- 🏢 3. Step 2: Register Your Export Business
- 🔑 4. Step 3: Get the Required Licenses and Codes
- 🌍 5. Step 4: Research Target Markets
- 📑 6. Step 5: Understand Export Documentation
- 💰 7. Step 6: Set Your Pricing and Incoterms
- 🌐 8. Step 7: Find Genuine International Buyers
- 🚚 9. Step 8: Logistics, Shipping, and Freight Forwarders
- 🏦 10. Step 9: Get Paid – Payment Terms and Banking
- 🎯 Bonus: Government Schemes & Export Incentives in 2025
- ✅ Final Checklist Before You Start
- 🔚 Conclusion
✅ 1. What Makes 2025 a Great Year to Export from India?
- Robust Global Demand: Indian products like spices, organic food, and garments are in high demand.
- FTA Agreements: India is signing new trade deals (UAE, EU, Australia) offering low or zero duty access.
- Digital Export Tools: Platforms like eBRC, ICEGATE, DGFT portal upgrades make compliance easier.
📦 2. Step 1: Choose Your Export Product
Start with:
- Agro Commodities: Spices, rice, corn grits, jaggery
- FMCG: Packaged snacks, instant food, ayurvedic products
- Handicrafts/Garments: High margin and global appeal
📌 Tip: Use DGFT’s Export Data or India Trade Portal to check which Indian products are in demand.
🏢 3. Step 2: Register Your Export Business
You’ll need:
- GST Certificate
- PAN Card
- Business Bank Account
- MSME Udyam Registration (optional, but recommended)
- Shop Act/LLP/Private Ltd. registration
🔑 4. Step 3: Get the Required Licenses and Codes
- IEC Code (Import Export Code) from DGFT (mandatory)
- RCMC from an export promotion council (e.g., APEDA, FIEO)
- FSSAI license (for food exports)
You can apply online via DGFT’s portal.
🌍 5. Step 4: Research Target Markets
Use tools like:
- IndiaTradePortal.in
- ITC’s Trade Map
- Export Genius (paid)
- Identify top importing countries for your product
📌 Example: UAE for spices, Germany for organic goods, USA for Indian snacks.
📑 6. Step 5: Understand Export Documentation
Essential documents include:
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Bill of Lading or Airway Bill
- Shipping Instructions
- Certificate of Origin
- FSSAI/Fumigation/Phytosanitary Certificates (if needed)
💰 7. Step 6: Set Your Pricing and Incoterms
Use the following to calculate:
- Product cost + Packaging + Inland transport + Freight + Margin
- Choose the right Incoterm (EXW, FOB, CIF, etc.)
- Offer competitive rates but don’t underprice
📘 For a full guide: Start Exporting from India in 30 Days – ₹299 PDF eBook
🌐 8. Step 7: Find Genuine International Buyers
Channels include:
- B2B platforms (IndiaMART, Alibaba, Tradewheel)
- Export Promotion Councils
- LinkedIn outreach
- Participation in trade fairs and virtual expos
Warning: Always verify buyer credentials and use secure payment terms.
🚚 9. Step 8: Logistics, Shipping, and Freight Forwarders
- Use freight portals like Cogoport, Freightos, or work with a licensed CHA (Customs House Agent).
- Choose container size, incoterm, and route.
- Prepare for customs clearance (ensure HS Code is correct).
🏦 10. Step 9: Get Paid – Payment Terms and Banking
- Common methods: Advance Payment, LC (Letter of Credit), DA/DP
- Use Export Factoring to get paid early
- Ensure you raise e-BRC for foreign exchange proof
🎯 Bonus: Government Schemes & Export Incentives in 2025
Explore:
- RoDTEP (Refund of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products)
- Interest Equalization Scheme
- Market Access Initiative
- Districts as Export Hubs (DEH) scheme
Visit DGFT and Export Promotion Councils for latest updates.
✅ Final Checklist Before You Start
✅ IEC Code
✅ Product HS Code
✅ Pricing + Incoterms fixed
✅ Logistics partner selected
✅ Buyers verified
✅ Documents ready
✅ Website & catalog ready
🔚 Conclusion
Starting an export business from India in 2025 can be a rewarding venture if done right. With global trade opening up and the digital infrastructure in place, there’s no better time than now.
🔗 Stay tuned to StartExportIndia.com for more in-depth guides, free templates, and expert insights tailored for Indian exporters.
