India is one of the world’s fastest-growing export hubs. With global consumers seeking Indian products, it’s the best time to start an Export Business and tap into international trade opportunities.

If you’re a beginner, the idea of exporting might feel overwhelming—licenses, compliance, logistics, payments, markets, documentation. But in reality, once you understand the structure, starting an export venture is very doable, especially for small businesses and first-time entrepreneurs.

This guide by Biz Glows breaks down the entire process step-by-step—choosing products, setting up paperwork, finding foreign buyers, dealing with logistics, and ensuring secure payments. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to confidently Start an Export Business from India.

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Why Start an Export Business from India?

India today exports over $400+ billion worth of goods annually. Global buyers actively purchase Indian products for one simple reason: good quality at competitive prices. For beginners, exporting is profitable because:

• Many products have 30–200% margins overseas
  
• You earn in foreign currency (USD, EURO, GBP)
  
• The Indian government offers multiple incentives to exporters
  
• Online trade platforms have made buyer discovery easier
  
• Even small-scale manufacturers and traders can export
  

You don’t need a large factory or warehouse to begin. Thousands of Indian exporters operate from a single room or shared office and ship products globally.

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Step 1: Choose the Right Product to Export

Your export journey begins with selecting a product that has global demand, easy sourcing, and attractive margins. Many beginners start with familiar categories like:

• Spices, herbs, and food products
  
• Cotton garments, ethnic wear, and fabrics
  
• Wooden handicrafts, home décor
  
• Imitation jewelry, accessories
  
• Leather goods
  
• Engineering parts (for skilled manufacturers)
  
• Ayurvedic products (with proper licensing)
  

A good product has four qualities:

1. High international demand,
   
2. Easy Indian availability,
   
3. No complicated regulations,
   
4. Decent margin after shipping.
   

Always research international competitors, pricing, and packaging norms. This ensures your product stands out in the foreign market.

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Step 2: Register Your Export Business (Minimal Paperwork)

To Start an Export Business, you need basic legal registrations in India. Luckily, most are online and completed within days.

Business Registration

You can begin as a proprietor (cheapest and easiest), partnership, or private limited company depending on your long-term vision.

PAN & Aadhaar

Mandatory documents for any business owner.

IEC (Import Export Code)

This is your primary export license issued by DGFT.
The entire process is online and takes about 10–15 minutes. IEC has no renewal fees.

Export Promotion Council (EPC) Membership

Joining your relevant EPC (like EPCH, APEDA, TEXPROCIL) provides market data, buyer leads, and trade fair opportunities.

GST Registration

Most exporters require a GST number to issue invoices, claim input tax credits, and benefit from export incentives.

Once these documents are ready, you can officially operate as an exporter.

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Step 3: Identify Your Target Countries

Instead of exporting everywhere when you start an export, a beginner should pick 1–2 countries initially. The choice depends on:

• Import demand
  
• Competition level
  
• Shipping feasibility
  
• Trade policies
  
• Cultural demand for Indian goods
  

For example:
● USA and UK love Indian spices, handicrafts, jewelry, Ayurveda.
● Middle East prefers garments, FMCG, and food essentials.
● Europe imports textiles, organic products, engineering goods.

Use market research tools such as Trademap.org and Google Trends to evaluate export potential.

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Step 4: Find Genuine Foreign Buyers

This is often the biggest challenge—but today there are MANY easy ways.

Online B2B Trading Platforms

Websites like IndiaMART, TradeIndia, Alibaba, ExportersIndia, and Global Sources allow exporters to showcase products and connect with global buyers.

Government Platforms

FIEO, ITPO, and EPC websites regularly publish international buyer lists and trade leads.

Social Media Outreach

Many small exporters get orders directly via:

• WhatsApp Business
  
• Instagram
  
• Facebook Marketplace
  
• LinkedIn
  
• YouTube product showcases
  

International Trade Fairs

Joining trade fairs gives huge visibility and lets you interact with buyers face-to-face.

Start an Export Business on a small scale, but approach consistently—genuine buyers always look for reliable suppliers from India.

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Step 5: Set Up International Pricing (FOB, CIF, etc.)

Export pricing is not just product cost. It includes:

• Production cost
  
• Packaging
  
• Freight + logistics
  
• Customs charges
  
• Profit margin
  

You will quote using common export terms like:

• FOB (Free on Board) – Price till Indian port
  
• CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight) – Price including shipping to buyer’s country
  
• DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) – Price including customs duties
  

Beginners often start with FOB because it keeps their responsibility minimal.

A well-structured price list helps you negotiate confidently.

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Step 6: Understand Export Payment Methods

International payments must be secure. Beginner exporters commonly use:

Advance Payment

Buyer pays before dispatch—best for new exporters.

LC (Letter of Credit)

Bank guarantees payment once the shipment is delivered.

Bank Transfer (TT Payment)

Common for repeated buyers—secure and fast.

Escrow Services

Safe for both parties, especially for small orders.

Avoid working on credit in the early stages.

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Step 7: Packaging, Labelling & Quality Standards

Your product must meet international quality and packaging norms. Each country has its own regulations—for example:

• European Union has strict food packaging rules
  
• USA requires exact labelling and barcodes
  
• Middle East prefers strong protective packaging due to climate
  

High-quality packaging increases trust and reduces the risk of returns.

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Step 8: Logistics, Shipping & Customs Clearance

Export logistics may seem complex at first, but freight forwarders handle most of it. They help with:

• Cargo booking
  
• Customs documentation
  
• Insurance
  
• Shipping arrangements
  
• Delivery tracking
  

Shipping modes include:

• Air freight – fast but expensive
  
• Sea freight – suitable for large and heavy shipments
  
• Courier exports – good for small parcels or samples
  

Once the shipment is cleared and loaded, the exporter receives the Bill of Lading or Airway Bill—the most important shipping document.

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Step 9: Claim Export Incentives & Benefits

The Government of India provides several incentives:

• RoDTEP Scheme – Refunds embedded taxes
  
• RoSCTL – For textile exporters
  
• MEIS (on certain products)
  
• GST refunds for exporters
  
• Financial support for international fairs and buyer meets
  

These benefits improve your overall profitability.

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Websites Every Beginner Exporter Must Follow

Here are crucial websites to stay updated:

Purpose	Website
Policy updates & incentives	https://dgft.gov.in
Export statistics & data	https://commerce.gov.in
Buyer connections & networking	https://fieo.org
Agricultural exports	https://apeda.gov.in
Global market trends	https://trademap.org, https://statista.com
Logistics & shipping rates	https://maersk.com, freightos.com
International quality standards	https://iso.org

Bookmark these sites—they’re essential for market research, compliance, and growth.

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Tips for Beginners to Succeed in the Export Business

1. Start Small

Begin with smaller consignments to learn the process.

2. Build Trust

Timely delivery and consistent quality build long-term buyers.

3. Maintain Quality Certifications

ISO, FSSAI, APEDA certifications help attract serious buyers.

4. Focus on Branding

Strong product branding increases export pricing power.

5. Use Digital Marketing

Today’s exporters grow faster through LinkedIn, Google Ads, and B2B portals.

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Pro Tips for Beginners Starting an Export Business

• Start with one product and one country
  
• Build your brand through quality and timely delivery
  
• Keep documentation and contracts clean
  
• Always pack professionally—packaging is your first impression
  
• Accept small initial orders—they build trust
  
• Maintain transparent communication with buyers
  

Consistency matters more than scale in exporting.

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Conclusion

Starting an export business from India is no longer limited to big traders or manufacturers. Even small sellers, home-based entrepreneurs, and part-time business owners are now successfully shipping products worldwide. The key is to understand the process, stay compliant, price correctly, and focus on building trusted long-term relationships with global buyers.

With rising global demand for Indian products and government incentives making it easier than ever, this is the right time to start an Export Business and tap into international markets.

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FAQs