Getting started
First steps for new exporters: IEC, RCMC, GST, customs registration and exporting services.
6 articles
How to start exporting from India: the first ten stepsThe ten things a first-time goods exporter must do, in order: IEC, GST LUT, HS code, export policy, RCMC, customs registration, buyer checks, pricing, finance and
IEC: getting, updating and keeping your Importer Exporter Code activeHow to apply for an IEC on the DGFT portal, the documents and ₹500 fee, the compulsory April–June update, what deactivation means and how to change your details.
RCMC: choosing your council, registering and renewingWhich export promotion council, commodity board or FIEO to join, how to apply for an e-RCMC on the DGFT portal, the five-year validity and how to renew or amend it.
GST for exporters: LUT, zero-rating and refundsExport under LUT or pay IGST and claim it back? How to file RFD-11, claim ITC refunds in RFD-01, get IGST refunds through customs and fix the usual shipping bill
AD code and ICEGATE: what customs needs before your first shipping billRegister on ICEGATE, get a digital signature, register your bank's AD code and the account for drawback and IGST refunds, and avoid PFMS rejections.
Exporting services from India: GST, payments and paperworkWhen a service counts as an export under GST, exporting under LUT, getting paid in foreign exchange, the new EDF that replaces SOFTEX, FIRCs, e-BRC and which incentives