Question 1

What is the first legal step to start exporting from India?

Accepted Answer

You need an Import Export Code (IEC) issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). It is a 10-digit code linked to your PAN, and you can apply for it online at dgft.gov.in. The process typically takes two to three working days. Without an IEC, customs will not allow you to ship goods out of India. There is no renewal required; once issued, the IEC is valid for the lifetime of your business, though you must update it annually on the DGFT portal to keep it active.

Question 2

Which documents do I need to export goods from India?

Accepted Answer

At a minimum, you will need a commercial invoice, packing list, shipping bill (filed through ICEGATE), bill of lading or airway bill, certificate of origin (for claiming preferential duty under agreements like India-UAE CEPA, India-Australia ECTA, or the India-UK CETA effective 15 July 2026), and any product-specific certificates such as phytosanitary certificates for food or test reports for engineering goods. Your customs broker can help file the shipping bill, but as a manufacturer you should understand each document so you can catch errors before shipment.

Question 3

What are Incoterms and why should an Indian exporter understand them?

Accepted Answer

Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) are standardised trade terms published by the International Chamber of Commerce. They define who pays for freight, insurance, and customs clearance at each stage of shipment. The most common terms Indian manufacturers encounter are FOB (Free on Board), where you deliver goods onto the vessel and the buyer handles ocean freight onward, and CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight), where you arrange and pay for shipping to the destination port. Choosing the right Incoterm affects your pricing, risk, and cash flow, so clarify it before quoting any buyer.

Question 4

How do I find my first export buyers as a small or mid-size manufacturer?

Accepted Answer

Finding verified, serious buyers is usually the hardest step. Trade fairs, Export Promotion Council directories, and online B2B portals are traditional routes, but they can be expensive or flooded with unqualified leads. Sauda simplifies this: list your products on WhatsApp at wa.me/9987549010, describe what you manufacture, and Sauda matches you with verified buyers (both in India and overseas) who are actively looking for your products. It is free to list and there is no subscription. Sauda earns a commission only when a deal actually closes, so your interests are aligned.

Question 5

Is Sauda really free, and how does it make money?

Accepted Answer

Yes, listing on Sauda is completely free. There is no subscription fee, no listing charge, and no payment to receive buyer leads. Sauda earns a commission from the supplier only when a deal successfully closes. This means you pay nothing upfront and Sauda is motivated to send you genuine, high-quality buyer requirements rather than junk leads. You onboard in minutes on WhatsApp at wa.me/9987549010 by telling Sauda what you produce.

Question 6

What kind of buyers does Sauda connect me with?

Accepted Answer

Sauda works with verified buyers, both domestic Indian companies and international importers, who have shared specific product requirements. These are not random directory listings; they are active purchase requests with details like quantity, quality specs, and delivery timelines. Sauda's concierge team screens requirements before matching them to your manufacturing capabilities, so you spend time only on leads that are relevant to what you actually make.

How to Become an Exporter from India: A Step-by-Step Guide for Manufacturers

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