by What Documents You Need to Start Exporting from India – Beginner’s Guide with Government Links and Pro Tips
- 📍 Introduction
- 📑 1. Business Registration Certificate
- 🧾 2. PAN Card
- 🏦 3. Current Account in a Bank
- 🌐 4. Import Export Code (IEC)
- 🧾 5. GST Registration
- 📄 6. Registration with DGFT & ICEGATE
- 🧾 7. RCMC (Optional but Recommended)
- 📑 8. Basic Export Documentation (Before First Shipment)
- 🧠 Pro Tips for Beginners
- 🎁 Free Download: Export Checklist (PDF)
📍 Introduction
Starting an export business in India is a rewarding venture — but only if your documentation is complete and accurate.
Even one missing paper can delay shipments, lead to penalties, or stop payments.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what documents you need to start exporting legally and smoothly from India, along with registration links to government portals.
📑 1. Business Registration Certificate
Before exporting, you must legally register your business in India.
Types of Registration:
- Sole Proprietorship
- Partnership Firm
- LLP (Limited Liability Partnership)
- Private Limited Company
✅ Where to Register:
- MCA (Ministry of Corporate Affairs): https://www.mca.gov.in
- For MSME Udyam Registration (Optional, but helpful): https://udyamregistration.gov.in
🧾 2. PAN Card
You need a Permanent Account Number (PAN) issued by the Income Tax Department in the name of your business (or individual if sole proprietor).
✅ Apply or verify: https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/
🏦 3. Current Account in a Bank
Open a current account in your business name at any authorized bank to receive export payments and handle foreign currency transactions.
🌐 4. Import Export Code (IEC)
The IEC is a mandatory 10-digit number issued by DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade).
It’s your business’s identity in international trade.
✅ Apply online: https://www.dgft.gov.in
Documents Required:
- PAN card
- Business address proof
- Cancelled cheque
- Aadhaar linked with mobile
💡 No IEC = No legal exports from India.
🧾 5. GST Registration
Even if you’re exporting zero-rated goods, GST registration is compulsory for generating invoices and claiming benefits like IGST refunds.
✅ Register here: https://www.gst.gov.in
📄 6. Registration with DGFT & ICEGATE
A. DGFT Registration:
Once you have your IEC, your business is auto-registered on DGFT’s portal.
✅ Visit: https://www.dgft.gov.in
B. ICEGATE Registration:
ICEGATE is the customs e-filing system for shipping bills, bills of entry, etc.
✅ Register for ICEGATE: https://www.icegate.gov.in
🧾 7. RCMC (Optional but Recommended)
RCMC = Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate, issued by Export Promotion Councils like:
- APEDA (Agri Products) → https://apeda.gov.in
- EEPC India (Engineering goods) → https://eepcindia.org
- FIEO (General exports) → https://fieo.org
Benefits:
- Access to export subsidies/incentives
- Participation in trade fairs
- Buyer-seller meet opportunities
📑 8. Basic Export Documentation (Before First Shipment)
Once you’re ready to ship, here are the essential documents:
📌 Mandatory:
- Proforma Invoice (initial quote)
- Commercial Invoice (finalized sale)
- Packing List (item-wise details)
- Shipping Bill (filed online via ICEGATE)
- Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
- Certificate of Origin (for duty benefits)
- Insurance Certificate
- FIRC (Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate)
Optional:
- Inspection Certificate (for sensitive items)
- Phytosanitary Certificate (for plant/food exports)
- Letter of Credit (for secured payment)
🧠 Pro Tips for Beginners
✅ Always double-check your HS Code
✅ Start with smaller, trial shipments to learn the process
✅ Use a Customs House Agent (CHA) for your first shipment
✅ Save soft & hard copies of all documents for 5+ years
🎁 Free Download: Export Checklist (PDF)
Want all this in a printable, step-by-step checklist format?
👉 Download the Export Startup Checklist PDF
🔗 Explore more tools & downloads → [Visit Export Resource Hub]
