Contents
- 1 7 Easy Steps to Export Goods from India Hassle-Free (Beginner-Friendly Guide)
- 1.1 ✅ Step 1: Choose What You Want to Export Goods
- 1.2 ✅ Step 2: Find Buyers Online (No Travel Needed!)
- 1.3 ✅ Step 3: Register Your Export Goods Business
- 1.4 ✅ Step 4: Know Your Shipping Terms (Very Important!)
- 1.5 ✅ Step 5: Pack and Ship Your Goods Safely
- 1.6 ✅ Step 6: Prepare Your Export Documents
- 1.7 ✅ Step 7: Receive Your Payment Safely
- 1.8 ✅ Final Thoughts
7 Easy Steps to Export Goods from India Hassle-Free (Beginner-Friendly Guide)
How to Export Goods from India is simple – you need an IEC code, GST registration, a buyer, and a shipping agent to send your products legally across borders.
Whether you’re a student, shop owner, or small manufacturer, you can start exporting from home without a big investment. Just choose a product, register your business, find buyers online, ship through a freight forwarder, and get paid safely through bank transfer or LC. That’s it — no complex license or office needed!
In this simple guide, I’ll show you 7 easy steps to export goods from India — even if you are a complete beginner. You don’t need to be a big company. You don’t need fancy degrees. Even a small shop owner can believe in starting their Business
✅ Step 1: Choose What You Want to Export Goods
Not all products sell well in every country. So first, decide what product you want to export.
Here are some best-selling export goods from India:
| Product Type | Popular Countries | Profit Range |
| Spices | USA, UAE, UK | 25% – 40% |
| Handicrafts | Europe, Canada | 30% – 50% |
| Garments | Middle East, Africa | 20% – 35% |
| Tea/Coffee | Russia, Japan | 15% – 25% |
| Leather Goods | Germany, USA | 35% – 60% |
👉 Tip: Pick a product that you can easily source at a good price.
✅ Step 2: Find Buyers Online (No Travel Needed!)
You don’t need to fly to foreign countries. You can find buyers right from your laptop or phone.
Here are free platforms to get buyers:
- IndiaMART International
- TradeIndia
- Alibaba
- ExportersIndia
- Facebook & LinkedIn Groups (Search “Importers of [Your Product]”)
You can also directly email or message buyers saying:
“Hello, I am an exporter from India. I can supply high-quality [Product]. Let me know if you are interested.”
✅ Step 3: Register Your Export Goods Business
Don’t worry — you don’t need a big company. Even a one-person firm works!
You just need these three basic things:
✔ GST Registration
✔ PAN Card
✔ Current Bank Account
Once done, apply for an IEC (Import Export Code) from DGFT.
👉 Cost: ₹500
👉 Time: 24 hours
👉 Website: https://dgft.gov.in
Good news: No monthly returns required for IEC!
✅ Step 4: Know Your Shipping Terms (Very Important!)
Before you send goods, decide who will pay for delivery — you or the buyer?
Here are simple terms to remember:
| Term | Who Pays Shipping? |
| EXW (Ex-Works) | Buyer picks up from your place |
| FOB (Free on Board) | You ship to an Indian port |
| CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) | You pay full shipping to buyer’s port |
👉 Most new exporters choose FOB — it’s safe and cheap.
✅ Step 5: Pack and Ship Your Goods Safely
Export packing is not like normal packing. It must be strong and moisture-proof.
Tips for safe packing:
- Use bubble wrap & wooden crates for fragile items
- Put product labels & barcodes
- Write “Made in India” on cartons
Then book shipping through:
- Freight Forwarders (They handle everything for you)
- Courier Companies like DHL / FedEx (for small parcels)
✅ Step 6: Prepare Your Export Documents
Don’t fear documentation. You only need 5 main papers:
| Document Name | Purpose |
| Invoice | Shows product price |
| Packing List | Shows items inside |
| Bill of Lading / Airway Bill | Proof of shipping |
| Certificate of Origin | Shows goods are from India |
| FSSAI / Phytosanitary (Only for food items) | Safety certificate |
Most documents are given by your freight agent. You just provide product details.
✅ Step 7: Receive Your Payment Safely
Always ask buyers to pay through safe methods:
✔ Advance Payment (Best for New Exporters)
✔ Letter of Credit (LC) — Very Safe for Large Orders
✔ Bank Transfer (TT / Wire Transfer)
Never send goods without payment proof.
📊 Quick Stats to Motivate You
- India exported $778 billion worth of goods in 2023-24 (Government Data)
- 85% of new exporters are small businesses and startups
- Spices, garments, and handicrafts are the top export goods
👉 If others can do it, you can too!
✅ Final Thoughts
Exporting is not scary. It’s just a step-by-step process. You don’t need to be rich or experienced. Even a beginner can start exporting with one small order.
Just follow these 7 steps, stay honest with buyers, and success will come!
❓ Top 10 FAQs on Exporting from India
Q1. Can I export without a GST number?
No, GST number is required to open a current account and get IEC.
Q2. How much money do I need to start exporting?
You can start with ₹10,000 – ₹50,000 depending on the product.
Q3. Is IEC mandatory for exports?
Yes, it’s the passport for exporters.
Q4. Can I export from home?
Yes, many people run from their home using online shipping.
Q5. Do I need a warehouse?
No, you can buy from local suppliers and ship directly.
Q6. Who handles customs?
Your freight forwarder or CHA (Customs Agent) handles it.
Q7. What is the safest payment method?
Advance Payment or Letter of Credit.
Q8. Can students or housewives start exports?
Yes! Anyone above 18 can get IEC.
Q9. Can I export single pieces?
Yes, through courier or e-commerce, export goods
Q10. How long does international shipping take?
By Air: 5-10 days | By Sea: 20-45 days