India's Best Export Documentation Blog & Trade Guides
In-depth guides on commercial invoices, packing lists, certificate of origin, IEC code, GST exports, Incoterms 2020, and everything Indian exporters, CHAs & freight forwarders need to know.
A commercial invoice is the most critical export document — it determines customs duty, payment release, and buyer trust. This step-by-step guide covers all mandatory fields, GST requirements, IEC code placement, and common mistakes that cause customs delays for Indian exporters.
Break down of all 11 Incoterms 2020 rules with real-world examples from Indian exporters. Covers risk transfer, insurance obligations, and cost division for sea, air, and multimodal shipments.
Preferential vs non-preferential COO, Form A, AIFTA, SAFTA — everything Indian exporters need to know about Certificate of Origin to get trade agreement benefits.
How to register for Import Export Code (IEC) on the DGFT portal. Documents needed, fees (₹500), processing time, and how to use IEC in your commercial invoice.
Should you file LUT or pay IGST on exports? Complete guide to GST on exports — zero-rated supply, how to raise a GST-free export invoice, and claim your IGST refund.
A complete packing list format guide — gross weight, net weight, number of cartons, package marks — with a downloadable template and TradeTrak auto-generation tips.
What features should CHA software have? Template management, multi-client profiles, bulk document generation, CSV import — a buyer's guide for Indian customs house agents.
Step-by-step guide to filing a Shipping Bill on ICEGATE — SB types, documents needed, LEO issuance, and how to link your commercial invoice with IGST refund claims.
Registration Certificate Membership Certificate (RCMC) is required to avail export benefits. Find out which EPC to join, documents required, and how to apply online.
Sea freight vs air freight documentation — what's in a BL, what's in an AWB, how to verify them, and why these are title documents every exporter must understand.
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Export Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions from Indian exporters and CHAs.
Essential export documents: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Certificate of Origin, Bill of Lading or AWB, Shipping Bill (ICEGATE), GST Invoice (or LUT), and optionally Insurance Certificate, Inspection Certificate, and Letter of Credit documents.
Yes. IEC (Import Export Code) issued by DGFT is mandatory for all commercial exports from India. It's a 10-digit PAN-based number. It's free to obtain and doesn't need annual renewal.
FOB (Free On Board): seller's responsibility ends when goods are loaded on the vessel. Buyer handles freight & insurance. CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight): seller pays freight and insurance to destination port. Risk transfers when goods cross the ship's rail.
Non-preferential COO: issued by Chambers of Commerce (FICCI, CII, ASSOCHAM). Preferential COO (Form A, AIFTA): issued by DGFT regional offices or Export Promotion Councils. Apply online with invoice, packing list, and IEC.
Yes. Exporters can generate their own commercial invoice, packing list, COO, and proforma invoice without a CHA. Platforms like TradeTrak generate all 10+ export documents in under 3 seconds with professional templates.
Letter of Undertaking (LUT) allows registered exporters to export goods/services without paying IGST. File LUT on GST portal before the export. This is the preferred option vs paying IGST and claiming a refund later.
Use the DGFT Trade Portal or CBIC website to search HS codes. You can also use the ITC-HS code finder. HS codes are 8-digit codes used in India — first 6 digits are international, last 2 are India-specific.
Proforma Invoice: sent before shipment for buyer approval, LC opening, and advance payment. Commercial Invoice: final legal document raised after shipment, used for customs clearance, duty calculation, and payment release.
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