The export procedure refers to the steps that an exporter must follow in order to successfully export goods or services to a foreign market. The following are the general steps involved in the export procedure:
Obtaining an Export License:
The first step in the export procedure is to obtain an export license from the relevant authorities, if required. The export license is a legal document that allows the exporter to export goods or services from the country.
Market Research:
Before exporting goods or services, it is important to conduct market research to identify potential markets, customers, and competitors. This will help the exporter to determine the demand for their products, the prices they can charge, and the competition they will face in the foreign market.
Finding Buyers:
Once the potential market is identified, the exporter needs to find buyers for their products or services. This can be done by attending trade shows, contacting importers, or using online marketplaces.
Negotiating the Sale:
After identifying potential buyers, the exporter needs to negotiate the terms of the sale, including the price, delivery terms, and payment terms.
Receiving and Processing the Purchase Order:
Once the sale is negotiated, the buyer will issue a purchase order to the exporter. The exporter needs to verify the details of the purchase order and ensure that all necessary information is included, such as the product description, quantity, price, and delivery terms.
Obtaining Necessary Certificates:
The exporter needs to obtain necessary certificates, such as certificate of origin, quality certificate, and inspection certificate, from the relevant authorities to ensure that the products meet the required standards.
Arranging Transportation and Logistics:
Once the goods are ready for export, the exporter needs to arrange transportation and logistics to ensure that the products are delivered to the buyer on time and in good condition.
Customs Clearance:
Before the goods can be exported, they need to be cleared by customs. The exporter needs to provide all necessary documentation, such as customs declaration, bill of lading, and commercial invoice, to the customs authorities for clearance.
Payment:
Once the goods are delivered to the buyer, the exporter needs to receive payment for the goods. The payment terms should have been agreed upon earlier, and the exporter needs to ensure that they receive the payment in full and on time.
Post-Sales Activities:
After the sale is completed, the exporter needs to follow up with the buyer to ensure that they are satisfied with the products and to build a relationship with the buyer for future sales.
The following are the steps involved in the export procedure under the Indian laws:
Registration:
The first step in the export procedure is to register with the relevant authorities, such as the Director-General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) or the Export Promotion Council (EPC), depending on the product to be exported. The exporter needs to obtain an Import Export Code (IEC) from the DGFT for exporting goods from India.
Obtaining Export License:
Depending on the product to be exported, the exporter may need to obtain an export license from the DGFT. Certain products, such as sensitive items or items that require quality control, may require a special license from the concerned authorities.
Finding Buyers:
The exporter needs to identify potential buyers for their products or services. This can be done through various methods, such as attending trade shows, contacting importers, or using online marketplaces.
Negotiating the Sale:
Once the potential buyer is identified, the exporter needs to negotiate the terms of the sale, including the price, delivery terms, and payment terms.
Obtaining Necessary Certificates:
The exporter needs to obtain necessary certificates, such as certificate of origin, quality certificate, and inspection certificate, from the relevant authorities to ensure that the products meet the required standards.
Preparing and Submitting Documents:
The exporter needs to prepare and submit various documents, such as export declaration, invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and certificate of origin, to the customs authorities for clearance. The exporter also needs to file an export shipping bill with the customs authorities.
Arranging Transportation and Logistics:
Once the goods are ready for export, the exporter needs to arrange transportation and logistics to ensure that the products are delivered to the buyer on time and in good condition. The exporter can use various modes of transportation, such as air, sea, or land, depending on the destination and the product.
Customs Clearance:
Before the goods can be exported, they need to be cleared by customs. The exporter needs to provide all necessary documentation to the customs authorities for clearance.
Payment:
Once the goods are delivered to the buyer, the exporter needs to receive payment for the goods. The payment terms should have been agreed upon earlier, and the exporter needs to ensure that they receive the payment in full and on time.
Post-Sales Activities:
After the sale is completed, the exporter needs to follow up with the buyer to ensure that they are satisfied with the products and to build a relationship with the buyer for future sales.