How to Export-Made in India Products? Step-by-Step Process for Beginners 2025

🔍 Introduction

India is becoming a global hub for quality products — thanks to the “Make in India” initiative and rising global demand for Indian goods like spices, textiles, handicrafts, and ayurvedic products. If you’re a beginner and want to learn how to export Indian products abroad, this step-by-step guide will help you understand the entire process.

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📚 Table of Contents:

1. What is Export?

2. Benefits of Exporting from India

3. Legal Registrations Needed for Export

4. How to Choose the Right Product to Export

5. How to Research Export Markets

6. Export Documentation

7. Packing and Labeling Requirements

8. Pricing and Payment Terms

9. Logistics and Shipping Process

10. How to Find Buyers for Export

11. How to Receive Payments from International Buyers

12. Government Schemes & Support for Exporters

13. Common Export Challenges and Solutions

14. FAQs on Exporting from India

15. Final Tips for Beginner Exporters

BUY NOW: How To Start Your Own Export Business (5th Revised Edition)

1. 🌐 What is Export?

Export means selling goods or services from your country to a foreign country for commercial purposes.

Types of exports:

Direct Export – Selling directly to the foreign buyer.

Indirect Export – Selling through an intermediary like an export house or agent.

2. ✅ Benefits of Exporting from India:

Earn foreign currency
Expand your business globally
Get government incentives like RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products) , MEIS (Merchandise Exports from India Scheme )
Tap into new markets
Help in boosting Indian economy

3. 📝 Legal Registrations Needed for Export from India:

a. PAN Card

A valid PAN card in your name or business name is required.

b. Business Registration

Sole Proprietorship
Partnership Firm
LLP (Limited Liability Partnership)
Private Limited Company

c. Import Export Code (IEC)

Issued by DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade).
Mandatory for export and import.
Apply online at: https://www.dgft.gov.in

d. GST Registration

Required if your goods/services fall under GST.

e. RCMC (Registration Cum Membership Certificate)

Obtain from the relevant Export Promotion Council based on your product:

APEDA – For food & agriculture
FIEO – For general exporters
EPCH – For handicrafts

4. 🎯 How to Choose the Right Product for Export:

When selecting a product to export, consider:

High international demand
Competitive pricing
Ease of transportation
Low perishability
Available in India in bulk

Popular Indian export products:

Spices
Ayurvedic & herbal products
Garments & textiles
Leather goods
Handicrafts
Jewelry
Organic food

5. 🌍 How to Research Export Markets:

You must understand:

Which countries import your product
Competitor pricing
Customer preferences
Import regulations in destination countries

Tools & Websites:

ITC Trade Map: https://www.trademap.org
India Trade Portal: https://www.indiantradeportal.in

Export Promotion Councils

Market study reports from FIEO, APEDA, etc.

6. 📄 Export Documentation:

Proper documentation is essential. Common export documents include:

Document Purpose

IEC Code Export permission
Proforma Invoice Offer made to buyer
Commercial Invoice Final bill
Packing List Product details
Shipping Bill Customs clearance
Bill of Lading Shipping proof
Certificate of Origin Country where goods are made
Insurance Certificate Transit insurance
AD Code Required for receiving payment in foreign currency

7. 📦 Packing and Labeling Requirements:

Use export-quality packaging to protect goods in long transit.

Labeling should follow destination country’s regulations:

Product name
Quantity
Country of origin
Handling instructions
Manufacturer details

8. 💰 Pricing and Payment Terms:

Set pricing carefully:

Consider cost, taxes, packaging, freight, and profit.

Currency: Usually in USD, Euro, GBP, etc.

Common Payment Terms:

Advance Payment
Letter of Credit (LC)
Documents Against Payment (D/P)
Open Account

9. 🚢 Logistics and Shipping Process:

Export logistics includes:

Booking shipment (via air, sea, or courier)
Loading goods
Customs clearance
Delivery to the foreign buyer

Modes of Shipping:

Air Freight – Fast but expensive
Sea Freight – Cost-effective for large consignments
Courier – Best for small packages

Hire freight forwarders or logistics partners like DHL, FedEx, Maersk, etc.

10. 🔍 How to Find Buyers for Export:

a. Online Marketplaces

Alibaba
IndiaMART
TradeIndia
ExportersIndia

b. B2B Portals

GlobalSources

c. Participate in:

Trade fairs
International expos
Virtual B2B meetings

d. Use LinkedIn to connect with importers

11. 💵 How to Receive Payment from Buyers:

Open a current account with AD code
Payment comes in foreign currency
Use Export Invoice and FIRC (Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate) to show proof of payment
Banks involved: SBI, HDFC, ICICI, Axis, etc.

12. 🏛️ Government Schemes & Support:

a. RoDTEP – Refund of duties & taxes on exported goods

b. MEIS – Merchandise Exports from India Scheme

c. EPCH, APEDA, FIEO support – Market access, training, and certifications

d. Niryat Bandhu Scheme – For new exporters

e. Interest Subsidy Scheme – Cheaper loans for exporters

13. ⚠️ Common Export Challenges & Solutions:

Challenge Solution

Finding buyers Use online portals & EPC help
Documentation errors Hire CHA or export consultant
Payment delays Use LC or verified buyers
Shipping delays Choose reliable logistics
Quality rejection Ensure product quality & compliance

14. ❓ FAQs:

Q. Can I export without IEC?
No, it is mandatory to get IEC from DGFT.

Q. What is the minimum investment to start exporting?
Can start with ₹50,000–₹1 lakh if small scale.

Q. Is GST applicable on exports?
Exports are zero-rated, but you need GST registration.

15. 🏁 Final Tips for Beginners:

Start small with 1-2 products.
Focus on quality and packaging.
Research your target market well.
Join export training by DGFT or EPCs.
Always ensure legal compliance.

Be consistent and build trust with buyers.👍