21 steps from idea to first shipment.
An interactive timeline of the complete export journey. Scroll to travel the route, or tap any step to see what it involves.
- 01
Define what you want to export, why, and what access you have to supply.
- Write a one-line business goal
- List products you can realistically source
- Estimate starting budget and time
- 02
Choose a clear, available name that works across international markets.
- Check domain and social availability
- Avoid meanings that translate poorly
- Check trademark conflicts
- 03
Select a legal form — proprietorship, partnership, LLP or private limited.
- Compare liability and compliance load
- Consult a chartered accountant
- Register the entity
- 04
Obtain the registrations commonly needed to export goods from India.
- PAN and GST registration
- Importer Exporter Code (IEC) from DGFT
- RCMC from the relevant export promotion council
- Product-specific licences where applicable
- 05
Open a current account able to receive international payments.
- Choose a bank with a trade-finance desk
- Register AD Code with customs at your port
- Understand foreign exchange realisation rules
- 06
Shortlist products with demand, margin and a reliable supply base.
- Identify HS codes
- Check export restrictions
- Compare demand vs. competition
- 07
Pick target countries using trade data and buyer requirements.
- Review import statistics by country
- Check tariffs and standards
- Note certification needs
- 08
Find manufacturers or growers who can deliver consistent quality.
- Visit or audit suppliers
- Collect samples
- Agree capacity and lead times
- 09
Build a cost sheet from product cost to the agreed Incoterm.
- Add packing, inland freight and clearance
- Include bank charges and margin
- Prepare EXW, FOB and CIF prices
- 10
Design packaging that protects goods and meets destination labelling rules.
- Select export-grade materials
- Follow labelling regulations
- Plan pallet and container loading
- 11
Create a credible identity: logo, colours, stationery and profile.
- Logo and brand guidelines
- Company profile and catalogue
- Visiting cards and letterhead
- 12
Launch a professional website and business email buyers can trust.
- Product and company pages
- Domain-based email
- Clear enquiry form
- 13
Identify importers, distributors and wholesalers in target markets.
- Use trade directories and fairs
- Check B2B platforms
- Build a qualified lead list
- 14
Confirm buyers are genuine before sharing samples or terms.
- Verify company registration
- Check references and trade history
- Watch for common fraud signals
- 15
Send a clear quotation or proforma invoice with all terms stated.
- Price, Incoterm and validity
- Specifications and MOQ
- Delivery time and payment terms
- 16
Agree price, quantity, quality and timelines in writing.
- Know your minimum acceptable price
- Confirm samples and inspection
- Sign a purchase order or contract
- 17
Choose terms that balance buyer comfort with your risk.
- Advance, LC, documentary collection or open account
- Consider export credit insurance
- Align documents with terms
- 18
Prepare commercial and regulatory documents for the shipment.
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Certificate of origin
- Shipping bill via customs broker
- 19
Book freight and coordinate pickup, stuffing and customs clearance.
- Choose a freight forwarder
- Book sea or air freight
- Arrange cargo insurance
- 20
Cargo departs; transport documents are issued and shared.
- Receive Bill of Lading or Airway Bill
- Send documents per payment terms
- Track the shipment
- 21
Confirm delivery, realise payment and build a repeat relationship.
- Confirm arrival and buyer satisfaction
- Ensure payment realisation
- Claim eligible export incentives
Progress depends on preparation.
This is a general setup framework, not a guaranteed route to export orders. Registrations and requirements vary by product and destination — verify them with qualified professionals.
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