01Set-up
These are one-time steps. Do them before you talk price with a buyer.
- Business entity with PAN and a current account that handles foreign exchange (AD bank).
- IEC from DGFT, updated every year.
- GST registration and LUT filed for the year, so you can export without paying IGST.
- RCMC from your export promotion council or board, and product registrations (for example APEDA, FSSAI).
- AD code registered at the port or ICD you will use.
02Order
Get everything in writing before you buy raw material.
- Buyer checked (licence, address, call, ECGC if on credit).
- Proforma invoice and signed PO with Incoterm, payment terms, specification, packing and labelling.
- Advance received or LC checked by your bank.
03Shipment
Book early and keep every document consistent.
- Freight booked; customs broker appointed.
- Invoice, packing list, certificates (origin, phyto, health, fumigation) ready.
- Shipping bill filed with the right scheme ticked; LEO received.
- Draft BL checked before issue.
04After shipment
The job ends when the money is in and the records are closed.
- Documents sent to the buyer or bank as agreed.
- Payment realised within the RBI period (nine months for goods from 1 Oct 2026); e-BRC generated.
- RoDTEP / drawback / IGST refund tracked to credit.