Guide for New Exporters in India

🌍 Step-by-Step Guide for New Exporters in India

How to Start Export Business from Village to Global Market on a Low Budget

India’s rural entrepreneurs and small-town visionaries are now playing a key role in global trade. With government support, internet access, and digital tools, starting an export business from a village is not only possible—it’s becoming a powerful movement.

If you’re a first-time exporter from a small town or village, here’s a complete, low-budget, step-by-step guide to launching your export business from local to global.

✅ Step 1: Identify Your Exportable Product

Start by choosing a product that is:

  • Easily available locally (agricultural, handicraft, spices, textiles, herbal items, etc.)
  • Unique or in demand globally
  • Non-perishable or easy to preserve

🔍 Examples:

  • Organic Turmeric, Jaggery, Bamboo Handicrafts, Cotton Kurtas, Essential Oils, Leather products, Coir mats etc.

✅ Step 2: Market Research – Who Wants Your Product?

Do basic research using:

  • Google Trends, Amazon Global, Etsy, Alibaba, TradeIndia, Export Genius
  • DGFT’s Market Access Initiative
  • Join free government portals like India Trade Portal or Export Promotion Councils

🔎 Pro Tip: Study demand trends in UAE, USA, UK, Africa, and Europe. Learn what packaging and quality they expect.

✅ Step 3: Register Your Export Business

Formalize your business legally:

  1. Choose a business name & get it registered (as sole proprietorship/LLP/Pvt Ltd)
  2. Get PAN Card for business
  3. Open a Current Bank Account
  4. Apply for IEC (Import Export Code) from DGFT – It’s FREE and online.
  5. Register with GST, if required

📌 Tip: You can do all this online, even from a village with internet access.

✅ Step 4: Get Product Certification & Packaging Ready

For export, ensure your product complies with international standards:

  • FSSAI, APEDA, Spice Board, Tea Board, etc. (depending on product)
  • Attractive, durable, and export-friendly packaging
  • Add proper labels, batch number, barcode, etc.

🎯 Keep branding simple but authentic.

✅ Step 5: Find Global Buyers (Even Without Travel)

Use free and low-cost digital methods:

  • Register on B2B platforms: IndiaMART, TradeIndia, Alibaba, ExportersIndia
  • Use LinkedIn, WhatsApp Business, and Instagram to connect with importers
  • Participate in Virtual Trade Fairs, Export Council webinars
  • Join Facebook Groups for Exporters & Importers
  • Reach out to Indian embassies abroad via email

✈️ Pro Tip: You don’t need to attend expensive expos. Digital outreach works wonders.

✅ Step 6: Understand Export Documentation & Logistics

Work with a local CHA (Custom House Agent) or Freight Forwarder to help with:

  • Proforma Invoice, Commercial Invoice
  • Packing List, Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
  • Certificate of Origin, Fumigation Certificate (if needed)
  • Shipping Instructions, Insurance, and Customs Clearance

📄 Learn from EXIM training programs to manage documentation yourself eventually.

✅ Step 7: Choose the Right Shipping Mode

Depending on quantity and urgency:

  • Small Parcels: Use DHL, FedEx, India Post, ShiprocketX
  • Bulk Orders: Go for FCL/LCL Sea Cargo or Air Cargo via CHA

🚛 For low-budget, start with sample shipments via courier or postal service.

✅ Step 8: Receive Payments Securely

Export payments are usually received in foreign currency (USD, EUR, etc.) through:

Open a Bank AD Code for receiving export payments in your current account.

💸 Always verify buyers and use secured payment methods.

✅ Step 9: Avail Government Benefits & Schemes

Use Indian government schemes like:

  • MEIS / RoDTEP – Duty rebates
  • Interest Subsidy on Export Loans
  • MSME Exporter Benefits
  • SEPC, APEDA, and other Export Promotion Councils’ assistance

🏛️ Apply for UDYAM Registration (MSME) to get more subsidies and benefits.

✅ Step 10: Scale Step by Step – From Local to Global

Start with:

  • 1 or 2 buyers in 1 country
  • Small shipments
  • Test feedback, improve product quality

Then scale by:

  • Expanding to more countries
  • Launching a website / online store
  • Creating your brand presence globally
  • Participating in trade delegations or expos later

🌟 Focus on consistency, customer trust, and compliance.

💡 Summary

You don’t need a big office, big investment, or a big team to start export. With a mobile phone, internet, and local product, you can build a successful export business from your village to the world.

🎯 Patience, learning, and networking are your biggest assets.

🔗 Want Help?

EXIM Tutor can guide you with:

  • Personalized training
  • Documentation templates
  • Buyer communication strategies
  • Export-import compliance
error: Content is protected, do not copy and paste it !!