Step-by-Step Guide: How to Start an Export Business from India

One of the most fulfilling entrepreneurial projects can be the establishment of an export business so that it is in India in 2025. Exporters have colossal world markets with the global demand of Indian products experiencing the surge of the Indian goods such as spices, textiles, electronics, and even herbal products.

The best part? It does not require huge capital to get started. When you do the correct process though, you can start small and keep expanding with the help of free online tools, clever marketing and trustworthy trade networks.

With this simple guide you will have a chance to get going in your export business in India in a step-by-step manner, starting with the selection of a product, to initial shipment.

Step 1: Select the Products to be exported.

The initial and the most important thing is what you are going to export. Most successful exporters tend to concentrate on high demand and shippable products.

Export Products of India.

Spices Agro products: Turmeric, chili, rice, pulses.

Garments and Textiles: fabrics, scarfs, cotton clothes.

Leather Goods; Wallets, belts, handbags.

Herbal and Ayurvedic Products: Herbal teas, essential oils, supplements.

Handicrafts and Home decor: Wooden products, rugs, bamboo products.

How to study Export Demand Research.

Analysis of market demand is free and can be done before selecting your product:

Google Trends: To investigate trending products in the world.

Trade Portals: Alibaba, Trade Map, Export Genius, Indiamart.

Government Reports: Data of DGFT and APEDA exports.

 recommends: Select goods that are not perishable, non-durable, and lightweight in weight - they are easier to deliver and store.

Step 2: Legalize your Business of Export.

You need to make sure that you have registered business and you have the necessary export documents before you can export.

Mandatory Registrations

Select the Type of Business: Proprietorship, LLP or Private Limited Company.

Apply PAN Card: In the Business name (out of the personal PAN)

Open Current Account: International trade transactions.

Get Import Export Code(IEC): Issued by DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade)

In India, you cannot export the goods without an IEC.

Non-Mandatory (Non-But) Important Registrations.

GST Registration: Domestic compliance is necessary.

Membership: FIEO, APEDA or EEPC based on the type of product.

Online Customs filing: Digital Signature Certificate (DSC).

Step 3: International Buyers (Lead Generation)

After registering, the next thing is to establish contact with authentic international purchasers. Luckily, they are available online at no cost.

Poculars The Top Buyer Finding Websites.

B2B Portals: Alibaba, ExportHub, Tradekey, Indiamart, GlobalSources.

LinkedIn: Buyers and sourcing managers, importers or sourcing agents.

Export Promotion Councils: Attend to buyer-seller meets.

Social Media: Instagram and Facebook to display products in pictures.

Bonus Tools in Communication.

WhatsApp Business: Control product catalogs in real time.

Email Sends:Send personalized offers to confirmed leads.

Chat/WhatsApp Button on the Web site: allow buyers to get in touch with you immediately.

Hint: Check with Import Export Data and ask trade references before you become a victim of a scam.

Step 4: Establish Logistics and Compliance.

Once you have found buyers, the second problem is to make a comfortable delivery and documentation.

Documentation Export Logistics Essentials.

Employ CHA (Custom House Agent): He manages customs documentation and shipment.

Select Shipping Terms (Incoterms): What should cover freight, insurance, and so on.

EXW- Buyer collects in your factory.

FOB – You deliver to port

CIF- You are charged freight and insurance.

Choose Trustworthy Freight Forwarders: Air and sea cargo comparison.

Export-Quality Packaging: The packaging must be up to the international standards.

Significant Export Certifications (Depending on Product)

FSSAI / APEDA: In the case of food and agro products.

CE / RoHS: For electronics

ISO/ GMP: Pharma and herbal products.

MSME Certificate: On incentives and government schemes.

The right logistics establishment would guarantee your delivery to a secure place and allow a follow-up business.

Step 5: Pricing Your Products to make a profit.

The question of whether your export business can be sustained or not is a question of pricing. Before quoting your final export price you have to work out all the costs.

Cost Components

Raw material and manufacturing cost of a product.

Packaging and labeling

Freight and logistics

Customs and Handling charges.

Insurance and bank fees

When you sum these up, add 1025% profit margin depending on the demand of the market.

🧾 Example:

If total cost = ₹800 per unit

Add 20% profit = ₹160

Final export price = ₹960 (FOB basis)

This is because you should constantly research the prices of competitors on websites such as Alibaba.

Step 6: Begin exportations and expansion.

Your first order is ready and it is time to ship it out!

Before Dispatch:

Mode of payment confirmation Advance TT, Letter of credit (LC) or PayPal.

Broadcast Proforma Invoice and Packing List.

Get your shipping bill out of your CHA.

Send merchandise by air or sea.

After Shipment:

Send buyer tracking and invoice.

Feedback and testimonial follow up.

Order repetitions or referrals.

Post new product information on email or WhatsApp.

Scaling Strategy

Create your own export web site (such as vskglobaltrade.co.in)

Make frequent posts on blogs and case studies.

Participate in online trade fairs and seminars.

Provide own-label services to brands in the foreign market.

It is simply a matter of staying the same and gaining trust amongst your buyers.

Other Successful Advice to the Exporters.

Keep abreast with Government Policies:

Adhere to DGFT announcements, RBI circulars and MEIS/ RODTEP incentives.

Free Leads using Digital Marketing:

Add your site on Google Search Console & Analytics.

Post LinkedIn, Quora, and Medium.

Search engine optimization words should be such as Indian exporter of [product].

Join Export Communities:

FIEO, EEPC India, APEDA, MSME Exporter Hub.

Attend their B2B networking sessions.

Provide Open Pricing and Punctuality of Delivery:

The two factors form long term international relations.

Win the Battle of Professional Branding:

Prepared a clean company web site, export brochure and product catalog PDF.

Final Thoughts

It has never been easier to launch an export business in India, beginning in 2025 due to the digital tools, the world-wide demand and the available government assistance. You can build your business into a global brand by just doing the right planning, legal arrangement and clever buyer outreach, you can be a global brand in a few months.

In VSK Global Trade, we guide the new exporters to learn, develop and connect with tested international buyers.

Ready to Begin Your Export Journey?

Visit our official website: www.vskglobaltrade.co.in 

📲 Chat with our experts on WhatsApp: Click to Message

Published by VSK Global Trade – Your Partner in Global Success.