Tick off each document as you go. Your ticks are remembered on this device, and you can print the list for your team or customs broker.
DGFT · Once
Ten-character code from DGFT, needed for every export and import. Free to apply online; update it once a year between April and June.
Your bank → ICEGATE · Once per port
Your bank’s Authorised Dealer code must be registered at each port so export proceeds can be tracked.
Exporter · Every shipment
Buyer, seller, description, HS code, quantity, unit price, Incoterm, currency and total. Must match the shipping bill.
Exporter · Every shipment
What is in each carton or pallet, with net and gross weights and dimensions. Customs uses it to examine cargo.
GST portal · Once a year (LUT)
File an LUT to export without paying IGST; otherwise pay IGST and claim a refund later.
GST portal · Movement to port
Needed to move goods worth over ₹50,000 by road from your premises to the port, ICD or airport.
Customs broker on ICEGATE · Every shipment
The export declaration. After customs clears it you get the “Let Export Order” (LEO), and the cargo can be loaded.
Shipping line / airline · After loading
Receipt for the cargo and contract of carriage. An original “negotiable” bill of lading also acts as the title to the goods.
Chamber / EIC / DGFT portal · If the buyer asks
Proves the goods were made in India. A preferential certificate lets the buyer pay lower duty under a trade agreement.
Insurer · If you insure (CIF/CIP)
Needed when you sell on CIF or CIP terms, where the seller must insure the goods.
FSSAI, APEDA, EIC, plant quarantine… · If your product needs them
Food, agriculture, seafood, chemicals and some other goods need health, phytosanitary or quality certificates.
Your bank → DGFT · After payment
Proof you received the export payment; needed for export incentives such as RoDTEP.
DGFT · Once
Required on every bill of entry. Individuals importing for personal use do not need one.
Buyer / supplier · Before shipping
Agree the product, price, Incoterm and payment terms in writing before the supplier ships.
Supplier · Every shipment
The value customs uses (with freight and insurance) to work out duty. It must match what was paid.
Supplier · Every shipment
Carton-by-carton contents and weights, used if customs examines the cargo.
Shipping line / airline · On shipment
Needed to collect the cargo. With a negotiable bill of lading you need the original (or a surrender / telex release).
Supplier’s chamber or government · For lower duty
Needed to claim a preferential duty rate under a free trade agreement; check the CAROTAR rules.
Insurer · If insured
If not provided, customs adds 1.125% of FOB as insurance when calculating duty.
BIS, FSSAI, WPC, DGFT, Drugs Controller… · If your product needs them
Many electronics, toys, food, medicines and chemicals need registration or a licence before they can be cleared.
Customs broker on ICEGATE · Every shipment
The import declaration. File it in advance (before arrival) to avoid late fees and speed up clearance.
ICEGATE · Every shipment
Pay basic duty, surcharge and IGST online. Use our duty calculator to estimate it first.
Shipping line · After arrival
Issued once freight and local charges are paid; the terminal releases the container against it.
Customs · After clearance
Customs’ final release. Collect the goods before free days end to avoid demurrage and detention.
The three documents that cause most delays
Customs brokers in India see the same three problems again and again: an invoice that does not match the shipping bill or bill of entry (different value, quantity or description), a wrong HS code that changes the duty or needs a licence nobody applied for, and a missing product licence (BIS, FSSAI or WPC) discovered only when the goods reach the port. Each day of delay can add port storage, demurrage and detention charges.
Who files what
Most businesses file the shipping bill and bill of entry through a licensed customs broker on ICEGATE, the customs portal. You still provide the invoice, packing list, licences and payment, and you are responsible for their accuracy. Keep digital copies of every document for at least five years.
Courier and post shipments
Small exports and imports by courier or India Post follow simpler procedures, but the invoice, IEC and any product licences are still needed for commercial shipments.
Questions
What documents are required for export from India?
IEC, commercial invoice, packing list, shipping bill, bill of lading or air waybill, and — depending on the buyer and product — a certificate of origin, insurance certificate and product certificates. GST exporters also need an LUT or must pay IGST.
What is the difference between a shipping bill and a bill of entry?
The shipping bill is the export declaration; the bill of entry is the import declaration. Both are filed with Indian customs on ICEGATE.
Do I need an IEC to import for personal use?
No. Individuals importing goods for personal use do not need an IEC, but commercial importers do.
Are my ticks saved?
Yes, only in this browser on this device. Nothing is sent to a server.