Starting an export-import business in India can look complicated when you first hear terms such as IEC, GST, customs, shipping bills, HS codes, AD codes and international payments.
But the basic idea is actually simple.
You buy or manufacture a product in one country and sell it in another. The real challenge is not simply moving goods across borders. A successful export-import business requires the right product, the right market, reliable buyers or suppliers, correct documentation, competitive pricing and proper payment protection.
India offers opportunities for manufacturers, traders, merchant exporters and small businesses that want to enter international markets.
This guide explains how the export-import business works in India, what registrations you may need, how to find products and buyers, how an export order moves from inquiry to shipment, and what beginners should know before investing money.