Export Business Setup Guide

How to Start Export Business in India – Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to start export business in India the right way — from choosing a product and registering your business to getting your Import Export Code (IEC) and shipping your first order. SetupFiling.in helps you get IEC registered within 1 day so you can start exporting legally.

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IEC Registration Package

Professional Fee ₹1499 + Govt Fee ₹500

₹1999 all inclusive

Mandatory to legally start an export business in India.

  • ✓Documents Preparation
  • ✓Application Filing with DGFT
  • ✓Issuance of IEC Certificate
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India's exports crossed record levels in recent years, and thousands of small traders, manufacturers and service providers are now looking to sell internationally. If you are wondering how to start export business in India, the process is simpler than most people think — it mainly involves choosing the right product, registering your business, obtaining an Import Export Code (IEC), and finding overseas buyers. SetupFiling.in has helped over 50,000 businesses with GST, MSME and IEC filings, and our experts can get your export documentation ready within 24 to 48 hours.

What is an Export Business?

An export business involves selling goods or services produced in India to buyers located outside the country. Exporters can be individuals, proprietorships, partnership firms, LLPs or private limited companies, and can deal in physical goods, digital services, or both. Every export transaction is regulated by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under India's Foreign Trade Policy, and requires a valid Import Export Code (IEC) before any shipment or international payment can be processed.

Starting an export business in India does not require a large company structure — even a sole proprietor with a current bank account and IEC registration can legally export goods worldwide.

How to start export business in India - step by step guide by SetupFiling.in

How to Start Export Business in India: Step-by-Step Process

  1. Decide Your Export Product and Check Its Export PolicyChoose a product you understand well and check whether it is freely exportable, restricted, or prohibited under India's ITC(HS) classification before proceeding further.
  2. Register Your Business EntitySet up your business as a sole proprietorship for a small export setup, or as a partnership firm registration for joint export ventures, or a private limited company for larger export operations.
  3. Obtain PAN and Open a Current Bank AccountUse your business PAN to open a current account with an authorised dealer bank — this account is required to receive foreign currency payments from overseas buyers.
  4. Apply for Import Export Code (IEC) from DGFTSubmit your IEC application with basic KYC and bank details. This 10-digit lifetime code from DGFT is mandatory before any export shipment or foreign remittance can be processed.
  5. Register with the Relevant Export Promotion CouncilDepending on your product category, register with the applicable Export Promotion Council, or complete APEDA registration for agricultural and processed food exports to access export incentives.
  6. Complete GST registration and File LUT for Zero-Rated ExportsGet GST registration done for your export business, then file a Letter of Undertaking (LUT) to export without paying IGST upfront.
  7. Find International Buyers and Start ShippingList your products on B2B export marketplaces, attend trade fairs, or use platforms like GeM registration to sell to government buyers, then tie up with a freight forwarder or customs house agent to ship your first export order.

Documents Required to Start Export Business in India

Keep the Following Ready for IEC & Export Registration

  • PAN Card and Aadhaar Card of Proprietor / Partners / Directors
  • Passport-Sized Photographs of Proprietor / Partners / Directors
  • Email ID and Mobile Number of Proprietor / Partners / Directors
  • Proof of Business Address (Rent Agreement / Utility Bill)
  • Bank Account Details (Cancelled Cheque or Bank Statement)
  • Certificate of Incorporation or Partnership Deed (if any)
  • GST Registration Certificate (if any)
  • Business Email ID and Mobile Number for DGFT Correspondence

Don't have GST yet? You can apply for new GST registration online alongside your IEC application to stay fully export-ready.

How to Apply for IEC Registration with SetupFiling.in

  1. Place Your OrderClick "Apply Now for IEC" and complete the payment of ₹1999 through our secure Razorpay checkout.
  2. Submit DocumentsEmail your documents to help@setupfiling.in or WhatsApp them to +91 9818209246.
  3. Get Filed Documents Within 24–48 HrsOur team verifies your details and files your IEC application with DGFT, sharing your acknowledgement and certificate as soon as it is issued.

Cost to Start Export Business in India

The main statutory cost to start an export business in India is the IEC registration, priced at ₹1999 (₹1499 professional fee + ₹500 government fee) with SetupFiling.in, and issued within 1 day. Beyond IEC, budget for optional registrations such as GST, APEDA or Export Promotion Council membership depending on your product category — see our complete IEC code registration process and pricing for full details.

Related Business & Export Registration Services

Complete IEC code registration guide and process Renew an existing Import Export Code online Register with APEDA for agri and food product exports Apply for new GST registration for your export business File LUT to export goods without paying IGST Register on GeM to sell to government buyers Protect your export brand with trademark registration Set up a private limited company for export operations Register a sole proprietorship for small export businesses Get MSME Udyam registration for export benefits Apply for Startup India DPIIT recognition Obtain LEI registration for large-value export transactions

Frequently Asked Questions on Starting an Export Business in India

How do I start an export business in India from scratch?

To start an export business in India, choose an exportable product, register your business entity, open a current bank account, apply for an Import Export Code (IEC) from DGFT, complete GST and other applicable registrations, and then find international buyers to begin shipping.

Is IEC mandatory to start an export business in India?

Yes. An Import Export Code (IEC) issued by DGFT is mandatory for any business or individual exporting goods or services from India, except in specific exempted cases such as personal-use shipments or exports by certain government departments.

How much does it cost to get an IEC for an export business?

IEC registration with SetupFiling.in costs ₹1999, which includes a ₹1499 professional fee and ₹500 government fee, and the certificate is issued within 1 day of successful application.

Can an individual start an export business without forming a company?

Yes. An individual can start an export business in India as a sole proprietorship, without forming a partnership, LLP or private limited company, as long as they obtain an IEC and a current bank account in the business name.

What documents are required to start an export business in India?

You typically need PAN and Aadhaar of the proprietor or directors, business address proof, a cancelled cheque or bank statement, certificate of incorporation or partnership deed (if any), and GST registration (if applicable).

Is GST registration required for an export business?

GST registration is generally required for exporters, though exports are treated as zero-rated supplies. Filing a Letter of Undertaking (LUT) allows exporters to ship goods without paying IGST upfront.

How long does it take to get IEC registration in India?

With SetupFiling.in, IEC registration is typically completed and the certificate issued within 1 day of submitting complete documents, once the application is filed with DGFT.

Do I need APEDA registration to export food products from India?

Yes, exporters of agricultural and processed food products listed under APEDA's schedule must obtain APEDA Registration in addition to their IEC before exporting such products.

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