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📦 Free Checklist — Export Documentation · All Markets

Export Documentation Checklist for Indian Manufacturers

Every document you need to export manufactured goods from India — from IEC registration to customs clearance, shipping bills, and country-specific certificates. Use this before every shipment to ensure zero delays at customs.

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🔑 One-Time Setup — Export Registration

Import Export Code (IEC) obtained from DGFT Mandatory
Apply at dgft.gov.in — takes 2–3 working days, costs ₹500
GST registration active with export LUT (Letter of Undertaking) filed
File LUT on GST portal before first export — enables zero-rated export without upfront IGST payment
AD Code registered with bank and customs port
Authorised Dealer code needed for foreign exchange receipt
RCMC (Registration Cum Membership Certificate) from relevant Export Promotion Council
EEPC for engineering, APEDA for food, CHEMEXCIL for chemicals, FIEO for general
Freight forwarder / customs broker (CHA) relationship established

📄 Every Shipment — Core Documents

Commercial Invoice — buyer details, description, quantity, unit price, total, payment terms, Incoterms Critical
Must match L/C terms exactly if using Letter of Credit payment
Packing List — item-wise details, gross/net weight, dimensions, number of packages, marks & numbers
Bill of Lading (sea) or Airway Bill (air) — issued by shipping line / airline after cargo loaded
Shipping Bill — customs export declaration filed on ICEGATE Critical
Can be Drawback, DEPB, free SB, or MEIS — choose correctly for maximum benefit
Export Inspection Certificate — if product falls under compulsory inspection (EIC notified commodities)
Applies to basmati, marine products, coffee, spices, engineering goods to select countries
Certificate of Origin (non-preferential) — issued by FIEO, Chamber of Commerce, or EEPC
Insurance Certificate or Policy — if selling on CIF terms (seller arranges freight + insurance)

🇦🇪 Country-Specific — UAE & Gulf (GCC)

Certificate of Origin — India-UAE CEPA preferential Certificate of Origin from DGFT/authorised agency
India-UAE CEPA gives 0% duty on most manufacturing goods. Use Form AI-1 for CEPA CoO
Packing List and Invoice attested by Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC/MCCI) if required by buyer
Health/Safety Certificate for chemicals, food contact materials, or consumer products
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for chemicals
Halal Certificate if product is food/pharmaceutical (from HALAL India or accredited body)
HS code verified for Gulf tariff schedule — GCC common tariff applies

🇺🇸 Country-Specific — USA

CBP (Customs and Border Protection) entry — commercial invoice with buyer EIN (if above $2,500)
FDA prior notice filed for food, cosmetics, medical devices, or regulated products
FCC / UL / ETL certification for electrical/electronic products
TSCA compliance for chemicals (EPA requirement)
Country of Origin marking — "Made in India" on product and packaging
Section 301 tariffs considered — check HS code for additional tariff liability

🇪🇺 Country-Specific — European Union

CE Marking for applicable products (machinery, electrical, PPE, toys, pressure equipment)
Declaration of Conformity (DoC) prepared and signed
REACH compliance for chemical substances
EU Authorised Representative appointed (required for non-EU manufacturers post-2021)

💰 GST Refund on Exports

LUT filed — zero-rated export without IGST payment (most common method)
GSTR-1 filed on time with export invoice details including shipping bill number
IGST refund claim filed on ICEGATE if IGST was paid on export
Input Tax Credit (ITC) refund claim filed via RFD-01 if LUT route used
FIRC (Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate) obtained from bank after payment received
FIRC required for GST refund processing
Duty Drawback claim filed where eligible (drawback rates updated annually)

✅ Pre-Shipment Quality Check

Pre-shipment inspection passed (if buyer or L/C requires)
All marks and numbers on packages match packing list and B/L
Dangerous goods declaration (DGD) ready if shipping hazardous materials by air

📥 Download as PDF

Get the printable PDF + bonus templates: blank commercial invoice, packing list, and Certificate of Origin request letter.

  • 60-point export documentation checklist
  • Blank Commercial Invoice template
  • Blank Packing List template
  • CoO request letter template
  • Country-wise duty rate quick guide

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