Top 5 Documents Required for Import Export Business in India.
Planning to Starting Your Import Export Journey?
You’re in the Right Place!
Starting a Import export business sounds exciting, & challenging at a time ?
Are you ready to take your product global market, but then—Damn!
You’re hit with the question: “Which market i should go for ? Which documents do I need for exporting from India? and so on ….”
Don’t worry—this Article will guide you step by step like as we are expert in this particular field with experience over 7+ years along with 100’s of private & Multiple government Projects for specialized import export consultancy & guidance.
Why Documents is one of the most important parameter in Import-Export Business?
Without the right documents, your shipment can be stuck at customs for days—or worse, returned to you with Fines as well.
Documents are your Key to compliance, payments, and hassle-free trade.
Doesn’t matter Whether you’re exporting spices, garments, or software solutions in every sector you need Correct documentation which is slightly critical process if you’re new into this.
📄 Top 5 List of Documents Required for Import Export from India
1. Commercial Documents
These are directly related to your Products , packing , consignees & consigner details as well.
Proforma Invoice: The first offer sent to the buyer.
Commercial Invoice: Final sales invoice with terms and value.
Packing List: Detailed packing with size and shape of goods in the shipment.
Certificate of Origin (CoO): Specifies the origin of goods.
Bill of Lading / Airway Bill: Issued by carrier for sea/air shipment.
2. Regulatory Documents
These are necessary to meet Indian and international trade laws.
Importer Exporter Code (IEC) – Mandatory for any export Important license of your international business.
GST Invoice – Required under the GST Act for material purchase & processing if any.
AD Code Registration – Authorized Dealer Code from your bank for port registration & bank account connection with port data & customs department.
3. Shipping & Customs Documents
Ensure smooth transit and customs clearance.
Shipping Bill – Generated through Indian Customs’ via the ICEGATE portal of Gov of India.
Export Declaration Form (EDF) – Required by RBI for foreign exchange compliance.
Freight Forwarder Instructions – Communicates shipment details for smooth operations.
4. Inspection and Compliance Certificates
These documents prove quality, safety, and conformity.
FSSAI Certificate (for food & direct consumable items mostly ) Central FSSAI preferred.
Phytosanitary Certificate ( Specially for agri-products )
Pre-shipment Inspection Certificate
Health Certificate (for animal-based products & Live stocks)
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What Happens if You Miss a Document?
Imagine your mango shipment lands in Dubai—but it’s stuck at the port due to a missing certificate of origin.
The buyer are ready to receive the & even pay for remaining but cannot clear the customs due to lack documents availability,
your money is on hold, and your reputation takes a hit.
Solution? Always have a checklist & cross-check twice with this documents.
I would always suggest specially in your first few consignments work with professionals for timely and compliant exports.
Exim federation can defiantly Guide you & makes your process Hassle free
Real Life Experience: A Lesson from a First-Time Exporter
Ramesh, a young exporter from Nashik, once shared how his shipment of grapes got delayed at JNPT.
The reason? He forgot to attach the SONCAP certificate which is mandatory for export to Nigeria.
After that hiccup, he started using a document checklist and our consultation service—and now exports over 5 containers monthly!
Here’s What Our Consultation Can Do for You
- ✅ Get fast IEC , documents & registration with AD Code.
✅ Help you gather & prepare documents.
✅ Connect with Human verified buyers who is already importing same products which you’re looking to export from India.
✅ Make your first export seamless and fast.
Sounds good? Let’s build your global business—one shipment at a time.
Final Thoughts: Let’s Make Exporting Easy
You’ve got a world-class product. Don’t let Market selection & Paperwork stop you from going global.
We are here to help you for this.
Book a Free 1 on 1 Consultation.
✨ Need help with Export consignment , Market Selection & documents, Registrations or your first shipment?
Let our export experts walk with you step by step. Book a free consultation and get your Product Nexus Report today!
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FAQ's of Import Export
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To start your first shipment of export you need an IEC (provided free without any professional fees by Exim Federation ), MSME certificate ,GST registration & bank account ( Forex Preferred) . After this for shipment particularly you need Pre Shipment i.e. Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Shipping Bill, Bill of Lading or Airway Bill and Certificate of Origin for completing the consignment smoothly.
Invoice is issued by the exporter to the Buyer / Importer which shows the product details, HS code price, quantity, payment terms and delivery conditions (as per Incoterms).
It is considered as one of the main document on basis of which most of the other documents are prepared.
Commercial invoice mainly shows the value and payment details and all but Packing List mentions how goods are packed — number of boxes, Net & Gross weights along with its measurements.
It mainly helps customs officers and importers check the cargo physically.
The Shipping Bill is very important prepared by customs based of Invoice & packing list it also a declaration filed with Customs through ICEGATE. Without an approved Shipping Bill, your goods cannot be legally exported from India.
The Bill of Lading (sea) or Airway Bill (air) is issued by the carrier / line of cargo handling company — the shipping line or airline. It confirms receipt of goods for transportation and acts as proof of shipment.
For COO i.e. certificate of origin You can apply online through the DGFT Common Digital Platform or even you can get it via Chamber of Commerce with your invoice and shipping documents.