INDIA EXPORT SETUP — OFFICIAL GUIDE

Start your export business from India in 10 concrete steps

Every registration, license, portal, fee and timeline — from PAN + GST to your first Bill of Lading and RoDTEP credit. Written for Indian MSMEs, first-time exporters and trading houses. Follow top to bottom.

All fees quoted in ₹ (Indian Rupees). Portal links are official Govt of India websites.

Mandatory registrations
5
IEC · GST · LUT · AD Code · RCMC
Total govt fees
₹5,500 – ₹30,000
One-time + first year
Setup time
10–20 days
If you move in parallel
Refunds & incentives
2%–7% of FOB
RoDTEP + Drawback + GST refund
Step 1

Business Entity Setup (Proprietorship / LLP / Pvt Ltd)

Authority
MCA / State Registrar
Govt fee
₹0 (proprietor) — ₹7,000–₹15,000 (Pvt Ltd / LLP)
Timeline
1–7 working days

Who needs it: Anyone planning to export as a business. Proprietorship works for small MSMEs; Pvt Ltd / LLP is recommended once turnover crosses ₹40–₹50 lakh or you need external investors.

Documents required

  • PAN card of proprietor / directors
  • Aadhaar of proprietor / directors
  • Address proof of business premises (electricity bill / rent agreement + NOC)
  • Passport-size photos
  • Cancelled cheque

Step-by-step procedure

  1. Decide entity type — Proprietorship (fastest), OPC, LLP, or Private Limited.
  2. For Pvt Ltd / LLP: obtain DSC (Digital Signature Certificate) and DIN via MCA SPICe+ form.
  3. File incorporation on MCA portal — get Certificate of Incorporation, PAN and TAN.
  4. Open a Current Account in the entity name with any AD-Category-I bank.
  5. Register under Shop & Establishment Act with your state municipal body.
Pro tips
  • • Proprietorship: skip MCA — go straight to GST + IEC.
  • • Use MSME/Udyam registration (free) to unlock priority-sector lending and PSU tenders.
Open official portal → mca.gov.in
Step 2

PAN + GST Registration + LUT (Letter of Undertaking)

Authority
Income Tax Dept + GSTN
Govt fee
Free (₹0 government fee)
Timeline
3–7 working days for GST; LUT filed annually online

Who needs it: Mandatory for every exporter. Exports are zero-rated under GST; LUT lets you export without paying IGST upfront.

Documents required

  • PAN of business
  • Aadhaar-linked mobile of authorised signatory
  • Business address proof + rent agreement / NOC
  • Bank account details + cancelled cheque
  • Photograph of proprietor / directors

Step-by-step procedure

  1. Apply for GSTIN on gst.gov.in → Services → Registration → New Registration.
  2. Verify OTP, upload documents, complete Aadhaar authentication.
  3. GST officer verifies — GSTIN issued in 3–7 days.
  4. File LUT (Form GST RFD-11) under Services → User Services → Furnish LUT — valid for one financial year.
  5. Without LUT you must either pay IGST and claim refund (slower) or bond with bank guarantee.
Pro tips
  • • File LUT on 1 April every year — miss it and you'll pay 18% IGST that's locked for months.
  • • Enable e-Invoicing if turnover > ₹5 crore (mandatory).
Open official portal → gst.gov.in
Step 3

IEC (Import Export Code) — the mandatory export license

Authority
DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade)
Govt fee
₹500 (one-time, lifetime validity — annual update mandatory)
Timeline
1–2 working days

Who needs it: Absolutely mandatory — you cannot ship a single kilo of goods or receive a single dollar from a foreign buyer without IEC.

Documents required

  • PAN of business / individual
  • Cancelled cheque or bank certificate (Annexure A2)
  • Address proof of business premises
  • Aadhaar of proprietor / signatory (for e-signing)

Step-by-step procedure

  1. Register on dgft.gov.in with PAN + mobile + email.
  2. Go to Services → IEC → Apply for IEC. Fill ANF-2A form.
  3. Upload PAN, address proof and bank certificate.
  4. Pay ₹500 online. Digitally sign with Aadhaar OTP or DSC.
  5. IEC issued instantly to registered email + linked on ICEGATE automatically.
  6. Update IEC every year (April–June) even if no changes — non-update deactivates it.
Pro tips
  • • IEC is your national exporter ID — quote it on every shipping bill, BRC and bank realisation.
  • • One PAN = one IEC. Same IEC works for imports too.
Open official portal → dgft.gov.in
Step 4

AD Code Registration + Current Account with AD-I Bank

Authority
Authorised Dealer Bank + Customs (per port)
Govt fee
Free (bank issues AD code letter free)
Timeline
3–5 days for AD code letter; 1 day per port registration on ICEGATE

Who needs it: Mandatory. Without AD Code registered against a port, customs will not accept your shipping bill at that port and export proceeds cannot be credited.

Documents required

  • IEC certificate
  • GST certificate
  • PAN card
  • Bank request letter on company letterhead
  • Board resolution (for companies)

Step-by-step procedure

  1. Open a Current Account with any AD-Category-I bank (SBI, HDFC, ICICI, Axis, BoB, etc.).
  2. Request an AD Code Letter — 14-digit code issued in the bank's SWIFT format.
  3. Log in to ICEGATE → Bank Account Management → register AD Code against each port of shipment (JNPT, Mundra, Chennai, DEL air cargo etc.).
  4. Verified in 24–48 hours per port.
  5. Optionally open an EEFC (Exchange Earner's Foreign Currency) account to hold up to 100% export proceeds in USD/EUR — saves conversion loss.
Pro tips
  • • Register AD Code at every port you intend to ship from — including air cargo terminals.
  • • EEFC account = natural hedge against INR volatility.
Open official portal → icegate.gov.in
Step 5

RCMC (Registration cum Membership Certificate) from Export Promotion Council

Authority
Product-specific EPC / Commodity Board (FIEO, APEDA, EEPC, GJEPC, CLE, PLEXCONCIL, Spices Board, etc.)
Govt fee
₹5,000 – ₹25,000 (varies by council, plus 18% GST)
Timeline
5–15 working days

Who needs it: Mandatory to claim DGFT export incentives (RoDTEP, Duty Drawback higher rates, EPCG, Advance Authorisation) and to attend govt-sponsored buyer-seller meets.

Documents required

  • IEC certificate
  • GST certificate
  • PAN card
  • Bank certificate
  • MoA / Partnership Deed
  • Board resolution nominating signatory

Step-by-step procedure

  1. Identify the correct EPC for your product (e.g. Rice = APEDA; Engineering goods = EEPC; Apparel = AEPC; Gems = GJEPC).
  2. File the e-RCMC application on dgft.gov.in with the chosen council.
  3. Pay the council's membership fee online.
  4. Council verifies documents and issues RCMC — valid for 5 years.
  5. Renew before expiry to avoid losing incentive eligibility.
Pro tips
  • • One RCMC covers ALL products of that council. If you export across categories, take multiple RCMCs.
  • • FIEO RCMC is a good catch-all if your product doesn't fit a dedicated council.
Open official portal → dgft.gov.in → e-RCMC
Step 6

Product Compliance & HS Code Classification

Authority
Customs (CBIC) + destination country regulator
Govt fee
Varies by product (BIS ₹5,000+, FSSAI ₹7,500+, APEDA registration free for members)
Timeline
0–60 days depending on certification

Who needs it: Every exporter must classify goods under a correct 8-digit HS/HSN code and comply with destination-country technical standards.

Documents required

  • Product spec sheet
  • Material composition / ingredient list
  • Test reports (BIS, ISI, CE, FDA depending on destination)
  • Phytosanitary / health certificates (food, agri, seafood)
  • MSDS (chemicals)

Step-by-step procedure

  1. Find your HS code using ICEGATE / CBIC tariff — 8 digits (e.g. 09042110 for whole black pepper).
  2. Check destination-country import policy (WTO / TradeMap / buyer specification).
  3. Obtain required certificates: FSSAI (food), BIS (electronics/steel), Drug licence (pharma), APEDA (agri), Spices Board (spices), MPEDA (seafood), Wildlife Board (leather/handicrafts).
  4. For EU: CE marking + REACH; for USA: FDA / FCC; for GCC: SASO / G-Mark; for China: CCC.
  5. Get product tested at NABL-accredited lab and keep the certificate for every shipment.
Pro tips
  • • Wrong HS code = wrong duty + seized cargo. Always cross-check with CHA and customs broker.
  • • Save destination-country tariff (MFN + India-FTA rate) before quoting — 8% duty gap decides margin.
Open official portal → icegate.gov.in HS finder
Step 7

Buyer Discovery + Sample + Contract + Advance / LC

Authority
Commercial — your own responsibility
Govt fee
Depends on channel (₹0 – ₹2 lakh/year for premium buyer databases)
Timeline
1–6 months of active outreach for first PO

Who needs it: Every exporter — this is where 90% of first-time exporters fail. No buyer, no export.

Documents required

  • Company profile PDF
  • Product catalogue with photos + HS codes + MOQ
  • Proforma Invoice template
  • Sales contract / SPA
  • Sample courier receipt (DHL / FedEx)

Step-by-step procedure

  1. Shortlist 3–5 target countries using demand + duty data (e.g. UAE, USA, Germany, UK, Saudi Arabia).
  2. Find verified buyers via TradeMap, Panjiva, ImportGenius, Volza, GlobalSources, Alibaba Gold, LinkedIn or EPC-organised BSMs.
  3. Send catalogue → get sample request → courier sample with DHL/FedEx via WPX shipment.
  4. Negotiate Incoterms (FOB / CFR / CIF / DDP), currency (USD preferred), payment terms (30% advance + 70% against BL copy, or Irrevocable LC at sight).
  5. Sign a Sales Contract or Purchase Order — clearly capture HS code, quantity, unit price, packing, port of loading/discharge, delivery window, quality clause, force majeure, arbitration seat.
  6. Insist on ECGC cover or LC for first-time buyers.
Pro tips
  • • Never ship on Open Account to a first-time buyer.
  • • Get buyer's importer profile checked via Dun & Bradstreet / Coface / ECGC.
Open official portal → indiantradeportal.in
Step 8

First Export Shipment — Packing, CHA, Shipping Bill & LEO

Authority
Customs (CBIC) + shipping line / airline
Govt fee
CHA charges ₹4,000–₹10,000 per shipping bill + terminal/handling charges
Timeline
3–7 days from ready-to-ship to Bill of Lading

Who needs it: Every exporter, every shipment.

Documents required

  • Commercial Invoice + Packing List
  • Proforma Invoice
  • Sales Contract / PO
  • IEC + GSTIN + AD Code
  • Certificate of Origin (from EPC or DGFT CoO portal)
  • Inspection / SGS certificate (if buyer asks)
  • Insurance policy (marine)
  • MSDS / phytosanitary / fumigation certificate as applicable

Step-by-step procedure

  1. Book container / air cargo space via freight forwarder — get SI (Shipping Instructions) cutoff.
  2. Pack goods with export-grade packaging + shipping marks + net/gross weight labels.
  3. Hand over documents to CHA (Customs House Agent).
  4. CHA files Shipping Bill on ICEGATE — you get a Shipping Bill Number.
  5. Customs examines cargo at port (RMS may waive physical exam). Officer grants LEO (Let Export Order).
  6. Cargo loaded on vessel/aircraft → carrier issues Bill of Lading (sea) or AWB (air).
  7. Courier a full document set (invoice, packing list, BL/AWB, CoO, insurance) to buyer for customs clearance at destination.
Pro tips
  • • Always keep Shipping Bill + EGM (Export General Manifest) — needed for RoDTEP, DBK and BRC.
  • • Get an EDI-enabled CHA — non-EDI shipping bills are becoming rare.
Open official portal → icegate.gov.in
Step 9

Realisation, BRC / eBRC + Export Incentives (RoDTEP, Duty Drawback)

Authority
AD Bank + DGFT + Customs
Govt fee
Free (auto-credited on ICEGATE)
Timeline
RoDTEP scroll in 2–8 weeks; DBK in 1–4 weeks; BRC on payment realisation

Who needs it: Every exporter — this is where you earn back 2–7% of FOB value in incentives + refund of un-rebated taxes.

Documents required

  • Shipping Bill + EGM
  • Bank Realisation Certificate (eBRC) auto-uploaded by AD bank
  • FIRC / IRM for advance receipts
  • IEC + GSTIN + AD Code

Step-by-step procedure

  1. Buyer remits payment to your AD bank in USD/EUR → bank issues FIRC and eBRC on ICEGATE (must realise within 9 months per FEMA).
  2. RoDTEP scroll auto-generated on ICEGATE — 0.3%–4.3% of FOB credited as a transferable e-scrip usable to pay Basic Customs Duty.
  3. Duty Drawback credited directly to your bank account against shipping bill.
  4. Claim GST refund (unutilised ITC on zero-rated exports) monthly on gst.gov.in.
  5. For advance authorisation / EPCG holders — file EODC (Export Obligation Discharge Certificate) with DGFT.
Pro tips
  • • Track every shipping bill until BRC + RoDTEP scroll + DBK are all credited. Un-realised proceeds > 9 months = FEMA violation.
  • • e-scrips can be sold on secondary market at 92–97% face value if you don't import.
Open official portal → dgft.gov.in → eBRC
Step 10

Optional but High-Value: ECGC Cover, EPCG, Advance Authorisation, Star Export House

Authority
ECGC + DGFT
Govt fee
ECGC premium ₹0.06–₹0.80 per ₹100 per month; EPCG/AA licence fee ₹200–₹2,000
Timeline
ECGC 3–4 weeks; EPCG/AA 2–6 weeks

Who needs it: Exporters with recurring shipments, capital-goods import needs, or aspirations for Star Export House status.

Documents required

  • Buyer profile + credit report
  • Last 3 years IT returns + export turnover certificates
  • Capital goods invoice (for EPCG)
  • Input-output norms (for Advance Authorisation)

Step-by-step procedure

  1. ECGC Whole Turnover Policy or Small Exporters Policy — covers 90–95% of commercial + 100% political risk.
  2. EPCG — import capital goods at zero customs duty against 6× export obligation over 6 years.
  3. Advance Authorisation — duty-free import of raw material against a physical export obligation.
  4. Star Export House (1★ ₹3cr → 5★ ₹2000cr FOB in 4 years) — self-declaration of goods, priority customs, ICEGATE Green Channel.
Pro tips
  • • First-time exporters should start with ECGC Small Exporters Policy — 25% premium discount + free 3 buyer credit reports.
Open official portal → ecgc.in / dgft.gov.in

After the 10 steps — recurring compliance checklist

Annual IEC update on DGFT (April–June)
Non-update deactivates IEC — every shipping bill will bounce.
Annual LUT filing on GST portal (before 1 April)
Otherwise export on payment of 18% IGST and refund later.
Monthly GST returns (GSTR-1 + GSTR-3B)
Zero-rated exports declared in Table 6A. Refund of unutilised ITC via RFD-01.
Realise export proceeds within 9 months (FEMA)
Extension needed via AD bank if delayed. Non-realisation = penalty.
RCMC renewal every 5 years
Lapse = loss of incentive eligibility.
Track RoDTEP + Drawback scrolls on ICEGATE
Un-claimed scrolls expire in 1 year.
Star Export House renewal (if applicable)
Turnover-based recognition — file every 5 years.
APEDA/FSSAI/BIS certification renewals
Product-specific — set calendar reminders 60 days before expiry.

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