Import Export Business in India – Start, Register & Grow Globally

 

import export business

What is an Import Export Business?

An Import Export Business is a venture that enables trade between India and other countries. Businesses can either:

  • Import goods – bringing raw materials, equipment, or finished products from abroad into India

  • Export goods/services – selling Indian products or services to foreign buyers

To legally operate, every import export business must obtain an Import Export Code (IEC) from the DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) along with other necessary registrations like GST, AD Code, and customs compliance.

Why Start an Import Export Business in India?

India’s international trade sector is booming, with strong global demand for:

  • Spices, agricultural products & processed food

  • Pharmaceuticals & ayurvedic products

  • Engineering goods, textiles & handicrafts

  • IT and software services

  • Gems, jewelry & lifestyle products

Starting an import export business allows entrepreneurs to:

  •  Expand into global markets
  •  Earn in foreign currencies
  •  Avail government export incentives (RoDTEP, SEIS, MEIS, etc.)
  •  Build international trade networks
  •  Diversify and scale faster

Step-by-Step Guide to Start an Import Export Business

1. Decide Your Business Structure

  • Sole Proprietorship

  • Partnership / LLP

  • Private Limited / Public Limited Company

2. Register Your Business & PAN

  • Get PAN for the entity/individual

  • Incorporate company or partnership firm (if applicable)

3. Apply for Import Export Code (IEC)

  • Mandatory 10-digit registration from DGFT

  • Valid for both imports and exports

4. Open a Current Bank Account

  • Required for international trade & currency transactions

5. Get GST Registration

  • Needed for tax compliance and export LUT filing

6. Register AD Code with Customs

  • For clearance of shipments at ports

7. Apply for Industry-Specific Licenses 

  • FSSAI for food items

  • APEDA for agricultural exports

  • BIS for regulated products

  • EPC membership for export promotion

Documents Required for Import Export Business

  • PAN Card (Individual/Business)

  • Aadhaar/Passport/Voter ID (for proprietors/directors)

  • Business registration proof (Partnership Deed / COI / MOA & AOA)

  • Address proof of business premises

  • Bank account details (Cancelled cheque/Bank certificate)

  • Passport-size photograph (for individual applicants)

Compliance for Running an Import Export Business

Once you’ve started your business, these compliances must be maintained:

  • DGFT IEC Annual Update

  • GST returns and refunds

  • Customs filing & documentation (Shipping Bill, Bill of Lading, COO, etc.)

  • Foreign trade certificates (Health, Phytosanitary, GMP, COO as per product type)

  • AEO, APEDA, FSSAI & other registrations for eligible businesses

We at YKG Global provide end-to-end compliance management for your import export business so you stay focused on growth.

Why Choose YKG Global for Import Export Business Setup?

  • 40+ years of consulting expertise in global trade

  • One-stop solution – IEC, GST, AD code, ICEGATE, APEDA, AEO & more

  • Fast registration process – IEC in 1–3 working days

  • Dedicated compliance support for smooth operations

  • Industry-specific solutions tailored to your product/service

FAQs – Import Export Business

1. Can I start an import export business from home?
Yes. Even small businesses or individuals can start as proprietors with IEC registration.

2. How much investment is required to start an import export business?
Depends on scale. IEC registration is low-cost, but additional licenses (like FSSAI, APEDA, GST) and logistics costs vary.

3. Can I run import export business without GST?
No, GST registration is required if your turnover exceeds the threshold or if you plan to claim export benefits.

4. How do I get buyers for export business?
Through export promotion councils, international marketplaces (Amazon, Alibaba, etc.), trade fairs, and digital marketing.

5. What is the difference between import export code and import export business license?
IEC is the basic license from DGFT to legally conduct import/export activities. Additional licenses may be needed depending on the products.

Call to Action

Want to start your own Import Export Business in India? 🚀
We handle everything – registration, IEC, GST, AD code, customs compliance & more.

📧 Email: Rishi@ykgglobal.com
🌐 Website: www.ykgglobal.com
📱 Call/WhatsApp: +91 76782 77665
📍 Offices: Delhi | Mumbai | Dubai | Singapore


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