Exporting to India: What needs to be considered?Checklist for exporting goods to India

Required export documents

1. Commercial invoice

In addition to the usual commercial information, the invoice must contain the following:

• Precise description of the goods incl. HS code
• Country of origin 
• Gross and net weight of the goods 
• Number, quantity and type of packages
• Transport information such as the name of the ship / Flight number 
• Port of loading / Port of departure and port of unloading / Destination port
• Final destination
• Import license number, if applicable
• Goods and Service Taxpayer Identification Number (GSTIN) of the importer 
• Legal signature of the exporter

It is also advisable to add the following declaration at the end of the invoice.

"We declare that the invoice shows the actual price of the goods described and that all particulars are true and correct".

2. Packing list

The shipment must be accompanied by a packing list containing an overview of the details and contents of the packages, including their dimensions and quantity.

3. Origin Declaration

For preferential origin goods under the provisions of the EFTA-India Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement, a movement certificate EUR.1 must be issued.

The issuance of the origin declaration is reserved for Approved Exporters. The origin declaration must be completed in English only, using the prescribed wording, and must be electronically signed. An accredited certification service must be used for the electronic signature.

4. Marking of goods

As a rule, the following information must be marked on the packaging:

• Name and address of the manufacturer
• Name and type of product
• Country of origin
• Date of production and expiry, if applicable

 Depending on the product group, further information must be affixed. 

5. Goods and Service Taxpayer Identification Number (GSTIN)

The 15-digit GSTIN of the Indian importer must be indicated on all documents. If the importer is exempt from GSTIN, the 10-digit Permanent Account Number (PAN) must be listed instead.

You can also obtain detailed information on the import formalities applicable to your products in India from our free customs database. 

Sanctions / Embargoes / Export controls 

At the time of writing of this article, no sanctions or embargoes were in place against India. However, this can change at any time, which is why we recommend you check whether corresponding measures have been imposed prior to each export. Certain products and product groups, such as dual-use goods, require an export permit even for delivery to non-sanctioned countries.

S-GE tips

Incoterms

In principle, all Incoterms clauses can be used for deliveries to India. You should be aware, however, that under the DDP (Duty Delivered Paid) clause, you as the seller bear maximum responsibility and must cover all costs. 

Terms of payment

Getting paid can be difficult, frustrating and time-consuming. It is therefore advisable to find a compromise with the Indian company beforehand. A letter of credit, for example, does indeed incur fees, but is nevertheless less expensive than possible court proceedings.

All information in this article is provided for guidance only and is neither exhaustive nor legally binding.