How to Start an Export Business from India – Step-by-Step Guide
- Parth Torawala
- Jun 19
- 5 min read
Exporting from India isn’t just a commercial venture—it’s an opportunity to connect Indian products with the world. With global supply chains shifting and demand rising for Indian goods, there's never been a better time to start. This comprehensive guide is designed for new and aspiring exporters who want to understand the process, build a solid plan, and scale their business internationally.
Why Start Export Business from India?
India is emerging as a global sourcing hub due to several factors:
Shifting Global Demand: Nations like the USA, UAE, UK, and Australia are choosing India over China for imports.
Strong Manufacturing Base: India offers a diverse range of globally demanded products, from textiles to pharmaceuticals.
Government Incentives: Schemes like RoDTEP, SEZ, and FTAs enhance export profitability.
Diaspora Demand: Over 35 million Indians abroad drive consistent cultural and lifestyle demand.
Digital Tools & Ease of Doing Business: Platforms like ExportAgent.in facilitate registration, research, and buyer discovery.
Sustainability Factor: Emphasis on eco-friendly packaging and clean manufacturing boosts appeal in Western markets.
Understanding Export Business Basics
Starting with the essentials is key. The export business entails selling goods or services produced in one nation to buyers in another. India boasts a vast range of products, from textiles to electronics, providing numerous opportunities for entrepreneurs.
Understanding international trade principles, regulatory landscapes, and market dynamics is vital for achieving success. For example, the textile exports from India constitute about 12% of the country's total exports, making it an ever-relevant sector to explore.
Types of Exporters:
Manufacturer Exporter: You create products and distribute them.
Merchant Exporter: You purchase from Indian producers and export overseas.
Service Exporter: Pertains to sectors such as IT, education, and consulting.
Step 1 : Conduct Market Research
Thorough market research is the essential first step in starting an export business. Identify products that are in demand in foreign markets and assess their trends.
Identify Demand and Target Markets:
Look for countries with rising demand for your products. For instance, the demand for organic food items in Europe has been growing steadily, with the organic food market projected to reach $100 billion by 2025.
Use these tools:
Google Trends – Identify what’s trending globally
TradeMap.org – Shows top importing countries per product
DGFT & ITC Reports – Government trade insights
Amazon, Etsy, eBay – Scan best-selling categories abroad
ExportAgent's Export Growth Tool – Analyze demand, explore HS codes, and benchmark competitor countries
Analyze Competition:
Understanding your competitors' strategies and pricing can provide critical insights. If you’re selling handicrafts, study the approaches of other Indian exporters, especially the ones who succeed in markets like the US and Germany.
Use HS Codes:
Every export product has a Harmonized System (HS) code. It helps in:
Tracking international trends
Determining taxes/duties
Registering the product for compliance
Market research lays the groundwork for informed decisions down the line.
Step 2 : Develop a Business Plan
After completing your market research, it's time to draft an effective business plan. This document will be your guide, detailing your business strategy and financial forecasts.
Your Export Business Plan Should Include:
Vision & Mission: Define what you aim to solve and provide.
Product Selection: List top 1–3 products with demand data.
Target Markets: Choose 2–3 countries to focus on initially.
Business Model: Will you manufacture, aggregate, or trade?
Initial Budget: Setup, sampling, marketing, compliance
Buyer Acquisition Plan: How will you find and pitch buyers?
Logistics & Payment Strategy: Incoterms, bank accounts, shipping
Profitability Estimate: Use export costing calculators by export agent
Real-Life Snapshot:
Mr.Joshi from Pune started with 3 SKUs of bedsheets and used ExportAgent's Service. Within 6 months, he got repeat orders from USA and scaled to Canada.
A well-structured business plan helps in attracting investment and providing direction.
Step 3 : Legal Requirements and Documentation
Fulfilling legal requirements is crucial before launching your business. This includes everything from registering your business to obtaining necessary licenses.
Requirement | Purpose |
IEC Code | Import Export Code from DGFT, required to ship goods abroad |
GSTIN | Needed for tax compliance in India |
Business Entity | Register your company as sole proprietorship, LLP, or Pvt. Ltd. |
Bank Account | Open a current account in your business name |
Optional Licenses (Product-Specific):
FSSAI – Food exports
APEDA – Agricultural products
GJEPC – Gems & jewelry
US FDA – If exporting food, cosmetics, or pharma to the USA
Step 4 : Establish Supply Chain Management
Effective supply chain management is vital for exporting successfully. This involves planning how to source, produce, and deliver your goods internationally.
Sourcing: Identify suppliers who can supply quality products. For instance, sourcing raw materials for handmade goods from local Indian artisans can foster quality and craftsmanship.
Logistics and Shipping: Partner with trusted logistics companies. For example, understanding costs and timeframes with major carriers like DHL or FedEx can facilitate smoother deliveries.
Warehousing: Depending on your business model, consider using third-party warehousing services to manage inventory effectively. This can reduce overhead and streamline storage. An efficient supply chain can significantly enhance customer satisfaction.
Step 5 : Pricing Strategy
A sound pricing strategy is vital to ensure both competitiveness and profitability.
Take into account all expenses (FOB, CIF, packaging, taxes).
Use ExportAgent’s Export Costing Calculator check demo
Research competitors on platforms like Alibaba, Amazon
Create multiple pricing tiers
Add 1-2% forex buffer to pricing
Proper pricing strategies can draw international buyers while also protecting your profits.
Step 6 : Marketing Strategies
A comprehensive marketing approach is essential for attracting international clients and establishing a presence in foreign markets.
Buyers must know you exist:
Create professional product catalogs and price sheets
Create a professional website that effectively showcases your products.
Outreach via LinkedIn, B2B platforms, or cold email
Use ExportAgent’s buyer finder tool to find buyers globally
Attend international trade fairs like Magic Las Vegas and Gulfood
Travel to other countries and connect with prospective importers
Optional: Run targeted online ads in selected countries
Step 7 : Build Customer Relationships
After initiating samples, focus on building solid relationships with your clients. Happy customers often lead to repeat business and referrals.
Respond swiftly to all buyer communications and inquiries
Proactively send high-quality product samples and timely order updates
Maintain clear, real-time shipping visibility and tracking information
Provide exclusive discounts for returning or bulk orders to encourage loyalty
Regularly introduce and share updates about new product launches, seasonal offerings, or upgraded SKUs
Strong customer relationships can distinguish your business from the competition.
Step 8 : Ship Your First Order
Choose freight partner: air or sea
Use CHA or freight forwarder
Select Incoterms: FOB, CIF, EXW
Finalize export documents & certifications
Final Thoughts
Starting an export business from India can be a fulfilling and profitable journey when approached with a thorough plan. By conducting rigorous market research, crafting a solid business plan, and establishing robust marketing strategies, aspiring exporters can effectively navigate international markets.
Building strong customer relationships and keeping abreast of regulatory compliance are necessary steps in establishing a sustainable export business. With determination and strategic planning, the chances for success in global markets are significant.
Start Your Export Journey with ExportAgent.in
ExportAgent.in is India’s smart platform for new and scaling exporters. Use our tools to:
Find verified buyers globally
Research HS codes and top export products
Calculate export costs accurately by using costing calculator
Access checklists, email templates, and marketing kits
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