Export Documentation

Export Documentation for India: Required Documents

Documents for shipping to or from India: core documents, certificates, restricted goods, and customs procedures.

Country
India
Customs authority
Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC)
Currency
INR
Estimated clearance
3-7 business days typical

IEC (Import Export Code) required

ICEGATE electronic filing

BIS certification for specified products

FSSAI license for food imports

Core documents

  • Commercial Invoice (required): Detailed with CIF value
  • Packing List (required): Complete packaging details
  • Bill of Lading / Air Waybill (required): Transport document
  • Bill of Entry (required): Filed via ICEGATE
  • IEC Certificate (required): Import Export Code from DGFT

Additional documents

  • Certificate of Origin: For preferential rates
  • BIS Certificate: Bureau of Indian Standards Mandatory for listed products
  • FSSAI License: For food products Import license required
  • Drug License: For pharmaceuticals
  • Phytosanitary Certificate: For plant products

Special certificates

  • BIS Registration: applies to Electronics, toys, safety items, issued by Bureau of Indian Standards.
  • FSSAI License: applies to Food products, issued by FSSAI.
  • WPC Approval: applies to Wireless equipment, issued by WPC Wing.
  • CDSCO Registration: applies to Cosmetics, drugs, issued by CDSCO.

Customs procedures

  • ICEGATE electronic filing mandatory
  • Self-assessment with verification
  • Risk Management System (RMS) screening
  • Faceless assessment in many cases

Restricted goods

  • Electronics (BIS certification)
  • Food products (FSSAI)
  • Cosmetics (CDSCO)
  • Automobiles (homologation)
  • Chemicals (licensing)

Prohibited goods

  • Beef and pork products
  • Counterfeit currency
  • Maps depicting incorrect boundaries
  • Products with incorrect origin labeling
  • Certain wildlife products

Tips

  • Obtain IEC code before importing
  • BIS registration takes time - plan 2-4 months
  • Work with experienced Indian customs brokers
  • Understand state-level requirements (GST registration)
  • Classification disputes are common - get rulings in advance

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Frequently asked questions

What is an IEC code and how do I get one?

IEC (Import Export Code) is a 10-digit code required for importing into India. Apply online through DGFT website - it's a one-time registration valid for lifetime.

Is BIS certification mandatory for all electronics?

BIS certification is mandatory for electronics covered under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS), including laptops, mobile phones, LED lights, and many other products.

How do GST and customs duties work together?

Import duties (Basic Customs Duty) and IGST (Integrated GST) are charged on imports. IGST is calculated on assessable value plus BCD. IGST paid can be claimed as input tax credit.