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Export procedure and documentation: A guide on export documentation
Exporting your products can be simple with the right information. Learn about the export procedures and documentation to help you start selling internationally.
Did you know that India’s total merchandise exports growth in FY 2024-25 was $437.42 billion? To promote exports from India, the government has taken various initiatives that simplify the process of exports including paperless transactions and hassle-free license approvals. It has also set up many export promotion councils and provides financial aids through incentives and schemes to enhance exports of India. For an entrepreneur who intends to start an export business, this will blog will help you to understand the process, regulations and documentation required.1
Overview of export procedure and documentation
The ecommerce export procedure enables businesses to sell directly to overseas customers through online platforms. Logistics, customs coordination, and delivery are often handled by marketplaces or courier partners, allowing exporters to focus on their business. Exporters’ responsibility includes:
● Understanding destination-country regulations, product compliance, and platform-specific requirements.
● Generating order-wise export documents such as the commercial invoice, packing list, and shipping bill.
● Packaging goods according to international standards and handing them over to platform- or courier-managed logistics.
Although the basic steps are similar, every company’s export journey differs depending on its markets, products, and level of global experience.2
Governing authorities involved in exports
To streamline varied processes in each step of exports, the government has established trade bodies and regulatory departments. Some of the key institutions and authorities involved in exports are:
1. Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT):
Directorate General of Foreign Trade is the principal governing body that formulates and regulates import-export policies in the country. It also issues IEC and other certificates to exporters.
2. Federation Of Import Export Organisations (FIEO):
Federation of Export Organisations is the apex body that governs all Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) set up for different categories of export products and services.
3. Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC):
Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs is a part of the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, which regulates policies regarding customs, excise duties, Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) and Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST). The Indian Customs Electronic Gateway (ICEGATE) is the national portal of the CBIC.
4. Export Inspection Council:
Export Inspection Council is a government body that tests and certifies export products. It also encourages Indian manufacturers and exporters to implement the best quality management systems to produce quality products according to international standards.
Along with these key authorities, there are various departments under Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Ministry of Finance that regulate various aspects of India’s import and export trade.3
Along with these key authorities, there are various departments under Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Ministry of Finance that regulate various aspects of India’s import and export trade.3
What is the procedure to export from India?
Here’s a step-by-step roadmap for Indian entrepreneurs and small businesses looking to begin their ecommerce export journey:
Step 1: Set up a business entity
Register a legal business in India (proprietorship, LLP, or company) and open a current account in the business name for foreign transactions.
Step 2: Obtain IEC and AD code
To start exporting goods from India, apply for Importer Exporter Code (IEC) from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade using your PAN and bank details. You also need to get a 14-digit AD Code from your bank and register it on the ICEGATE. Without this, customs clearance and export payments are not possible.
Step 3: Prepare export documentation
Prepare key documents such as invoice, packing list, shipping bill, and air waybill. Accurate documentation ensures smooth customs clearance and timely shipments.
Step 4: Select an ecommerce exports program
Choose an ecommerce exports program like Amazon Global Selling depending on your product and target market. Create SEO-optimised listings with clear images and pricing in local currency. Ensure compliance with safety, labelling, and import regulations of the destination country.
Step 5: Choose logistics and shipping partner
Export via self-shipping or fulfillment services like Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) depending on cost and control. The right logistics model impacts delivery time and customer experience.
Step 6: Set up payment method
Most ecommerce export platforms handle collections and remit funds in INR after conversion. Track exchange rates, fees, and settlement timelines carefully.4
What is the export documentation procedure?
Following is a step-by-step process for entrepreneurs to prepare export documentation:
Step 1: Prepare commercial invoice
Create an order-wise commercial invoice with exporter and buyer details, product description, HS code, value, and payment terms.
Step 2: Prepare packing list
List package count, weight, dimensions, and packing details to help customs and logistics verify the shipment.
Step 3: Generate shipping bill
File the shipping bill electronically on the ICEGATE portal using your IEC and AD code details.
Step 4: Obtain transport document
Collect the air waybill or bill of lading from the courier or freight forwarder as proof of shipment.
Step 5: Certificate of origin (if required)
Obtain the certificate of origin from an authorised agency if the importing country or trade agreement requires it.
Step 6: Regulatory certificates for specific products
Submit additional documents such as FSSAI, phytosanitary, MSDS, or CE compliance, depending on the product and destination.
Step 7: Payment realisation proof
Maintain Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate (FIRC) or bank credit advice along with platform settlement reports.
Step 8: Record keeping
Preserve all export documents for statutory compliance, audits, and future reference.5
Formalities of registration and export documentation
Before entering the global market, an exporter must complete several essential preparations to ensure smooth and compliant export operations:
1. Set up the business structure and complete all foundational registrations.
2. Open a dedicated bank account for export transactions.
3. Obtain a PAN and apply for the Importer Exporter Code (IEC).
4. Secure the Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) from the relevant export promotion council.
5. Choose the products you plan to export and evaluate their export potential.
6. Identify promising international markets through research and analysis.
7. Protect against payment risks with ECGC insurance coverage.6
How to prepare for executing an export order?
To execute an export order, the exporter must complete several key preparations. This includes:
1. Marking and packaging the goods as per the buyer’s specifications
2. Arranging a pre-shipment inspection and securing an inspection certificate from the Export Inspection Agency.
3. Obtain ECGC insurance to protect against credit risks and take out the required marine insurance.
4. Appointing a forwarding or customs house agent to manage customs formalities and related logistics. In e-commerce exports, the platform or courier partner appoints the forwarding agent.7
Formalities by a forwarding agent
Before goods can be exported, the forwarding agent completes several key operational and customs-related formalities to ensure a smooth shipment. Some of these are:
1. Securing customs clearance for the export consignment.
2. Providing the shipping line with full cargo details, including type, quantity, and weight.
3. Preparing essential export documents such as the shipping bill or shipping order.
4. Coordinating the loading of goods, carried out by the ship’s captain under customs supervision.
5. Obtaining the ship’s receipt from the vessel’s master once loading is completed.8
Foreign exchange formalities
Under India’s exchange control regulations, exporters must follow certain foreign exchange procedures:
● Exporters must submit a prescribed declaration under FEMA, confirming compliance with RBI guidelines.
● Any foreign exchange earned from exports must be realised and managed as per RBI rules and within the specified time limits.
● All shipping documents and negotiations must be routed through authorised foreign exchange dealers.
● Payments for exported goods must be received only through RBI-approved channels and methods.
● Exporters are required to surrender the realised foreign exchange to authorised dealers as directed by the exchange control authority.9
Conclusion
The export procedure in India involves a series of structured steps — from business registration and documentation to order processing, logistics coordination, and compliance with foreign exchange regulations. Each stage requires careful attention to detail, whether it is identifying the right markets and buyers, preparing export-ready goods, managing customs formalities, or ensuring that all mandated documents are accurately completed. By understanding and following these procedures, exporters can streamline operations, minimise risks, and ensure smooth international transactions. For businesses looking to export via ecommerce, Amazon Global Selling connects them to customers worldwide in 18+ global marketplaces and helps with obtaining export documentation.
Amazon Global Selling: Easy e-commerce exports and hassle-free shipping
If you are a business owner and you want to sell your products to the world, Amazon Global Selling enables you to list and sell ‘Made in India’ products on 18 Amazon global marketplaces. As an e-commerce export program, Amazon Global Selling provides support and guidance at every step of your export journey, connecting you to Amazon’s Service Provider Network for tailored compliance, payments, and logistics support.
Registered sellers can choose to ship their products by themselves through Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN) or they can opt for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and outsource order fulfillment to Amazon including packing, storage, delivery, and returns. Amazon Global Selling simplifies the process of international shipping to the world, helping businesses navigate customs and reach a vast audience.
Registered sellers can choose to ship their products by themselves through Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN) or they can opt for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and outsource order fulfillment to Amazon including packing, storage, delivery, and returns. Amazon Global Selling simplifies the process of international shipping to the world, helping businesses navigate customs and reach a vast audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is SBLC in banking?
SBLC stands for Stand by Letter of Credit. Similar to Letter of Credit, SBLC guarantees to pay the seller the due or complete amount when the buyer defaults on the agreement. But, in “standby” LOC, the bank will pay only in a worst-case scenario. For example, if the shipment gets delayed, then the bank will not immediately pay the seller.
2. What is BRC in export?
BRC is a Bank Realization Certificate issued by the banks as a receipt of the payment against export by the exporter. FTP allows various benefits to the BRC holders.
3. What are the export documents required to sell internationally?
To export from India, Indian sellers must obtain certain export documents and comply with regulations. Export documents and compliance depends on the product category, origin (India) and destination country. To make your export journey easy, Amazon supports you by providing guidance on the key requirements and regulations and connects you with experts who will assist you in obtaining your documentation through Export Navigator.
Published on May 25, 2022.
Updated on December 18, 2025.
Sources:
1. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2122016®=3&lang=2
2. https://www.noatumlogistics.com/what-are-the-steps-involved-in-export-procedure/
3. https://exportexpertsglobal.com/list-of-government-organisations-in-india-for-import-export-business/
4. https://cleartax.in/s/export-procedure
5. https://shippingsolutionssoftware.com/blog/shipping-documentation-process
6. https://www.vedantu.com/commerce/export-procedures-and-documentations
7. https://www.vedantu.com/commerce/export-procedures-and-documentations
8. https://afleo.com/what-is-a-clearing-and-forwarding-agent/
9. https://www.vedantu.com/commerce/export-procedures-and-documentations
Updated on December 18, 2025.
Sources:
1. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2122016®=3&lang=2
2. https://www.noatumlogistics.com/what-are-the-steps-involved-in-export-procedure/
3. https://exportexpertsglobal.com/list-of-government-organisations-in-india-for-import-export-business/
4. https://cleartax.in/s/export-procedure
5. https://shippingsolutionssoftware.com/blog/shipping-documentation-process
6. https://www.vedantu.com/commerce/export-procedures-and-documentations
7. https://www.vedantu.com/commerce/export-procedures-and-documentations
8. https://afleo.com/what-is-a-clearing-and-forwarding-agent/
9. https://www.vedantu.com/commerce/export-procedures-and-documentations
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