IEC Code and Export Documents Every Indian Manufacturer Needs to Start Selling Overseas

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Every Indian exporter needs an Import Export Code (IEC) from DGFT, plus documents like a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and certificate of origin. Once you are export-ready, list your factory on Sauda via WhatsApp (wa.me/9987549010) to get matched with verified buyers. It is free to list. Sauda earns a commission only when a deal closes.

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Frequently asked

What is an IEC code and how do I get one from DGFT?
The Import Export Code (IEC) is a 10-digit registration number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). It is mandatory for any Indian business that wants to export or import goods. You can apply online at the DGFT portal (dgft.gov.in) by submitting your PAN, Aadhaar, bank certificate, and a cancelled cheque. The current government fee is Rs 500, and the code is typically issued within a few working days. The IEC is valid for a lifetime and does not need renewal, though you must update it annually on the DGFT portal between April and June.
What are the core export documents required from India?
Beyond your IEC, you will need several documents for every export shipment. A commercial invoice details the goods, value, and terms of sale. A packing list describes the contents, weight, and dimensions of each package. A bill of lading (for sea freight) or airway bill (for air freight) serves as the shipping contract and proof of dispatch. A shipping bill, filed electronically through ICEGATE, is required by Indian Customs. You will also need a certificate of origin if your buyer wants to claim preferential duty rates under a free trade agreement. Depending on your product, additional certificates such as a phytosanitary certificate (for agricultural goods), a fumigation certificate, or test and quality reports may be required by the destination country.
Why does a certificate of origin matter, and which trade agreements should I know about?
A certificate of origin (CoO) proves that your goods were manufactured in India. It is essential for your buyer to claim reduced or zero import duty under India's free trade agreements. Key agreements include the India-UAE CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement), the India-Australia ECTA (Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement), and the India-UK CETA (which comes into force on 15 July 2026 and removes UK duty on most Indian goods). You can obtain a preferential CoO from agencies authorised by DGFT, such as the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) or your local chamber of commerce. Having the right CoO makes your pricing more competitive for the buyer, which directly helps you win more orders.
Is Sauda free to use, and how does it make money?
Yes, listing your factory on Sauda is completely free. You onboard via WhatsApp at wa.me/9987549010, share what you manufacture, and Sauda matches you with verified buyer requirements. There is no subscription fee and no listing charge. Sauda earns a commission from the supplier only when a deal actually closes. This means there is zero risk for you to get started, and Sauda's incentive is fully aligned with yours: it only succeeds when you make a sale.
What kind of buyers does Sauda connect me with?
Sauda works as a B2B sourcing concierge for India, connecting Indian manufacturers with verified buyers both within India and overseas. These are businesses that have active, specific purchasing requirements, not casual enquiries. Sauda verifies buyer intent before matching, so you spend your time responding to genuine opportunities rather than chasing unqualified leads. Whether you produce textiles, engineering components, chemicals, food products, or any other category, Sauda matches your capabilities to relevant demand.
I already have my IEC and export documents ready. What should I do next to find international buyers?
Once your paperwork is in order, the biggest challenge is finding reliable buyers with real purchase intent. This is exactly where Sauda helps. Message Sauda on WhatsApp at wa.me/9987549010, describe your products and manufacturing capacity, and you will start receiving matched buyer requirements. Because Sauda is free to list and charges a commission only on closed deals, there is no cost to getting started. Many small and mid-size Indian factories use Sauda alongside trade fairs and online marketplaces to build a steady pipeline of verified buyer leads.
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