Want to know the difference between bill of lading and waybill? Read on below!

Out of the countless paperwork, the 2 main documents used to ship your goods by sea are the bill of lading and waybill. People often get confused between the two, but they carry very specific functions while exporting. But that does not mean they are not related to each other! There is a big difference between waybill and bill of lading, based on where and why the 2 are used and needed.

To put it simply, the Bill of lading exists as a receipt of your export goods and a contract of transportation. On the other hand, a waybill stands as evidence of the bill of lading and that it is valid as a contract. Here is a detailed breakdown of the difference between waybill and bill of lading, and what each one do

Major Difference between Waybill and Bill of Lading:

1. Bill of Lading:

According to the U.N. Commission on International Trade Law, the transport of goods by sea requires a document called the Bill of Lading (B/L) to be provided as information, receipt, and contract about the transaction. The B/L can be issued by various parties involved in the shipping process, such as the carrier, transport agent, shipping company, vessel operator, or even the captain of the ship.

The B/L serves multiple important functions, including serving as a receipt for the goods being transported and confirming their apparent condition. It also serves as evidence of the contract of carriage and a document of title, transferring ownership of the goods to the holder, who may collect them from the carrier at the destination port.

Additionally, the B/L is considered a negotiable instrument and is accepted by banking institutions. The names of the shipper, the carrier, the exporter, the consignee, and the notify.

A Bill of lading needs the following information to be considered valid:

• The accurate name and address of the shipper
• The accurate name and address of the carrier
• The name and nationality of the vessel
• Unloading and loading final destinations
• The accurate name and address of the receiving entity or person of your goods
• The number of packages, their quantity, weight, and any identifying marks if any)
• INCOTERMS
• The number of original copies submitted
• The date, location, and signature of either the carrier, shipping company, vessel operator, or captain

2. WayBill:

A Waybill is a shipping document used to track the movement of goods during transportation. It contains information about the shipment, such as the origin, destination, and route, as well as details about the consignor and consignee.

The Waybill is used by the carrier, such as a shipping company or a trucking firm, to document the movement of the goods and to keep track of their progress. The Waybill typically includes the following information:

• The name and contact information of the consignor (the person or company sending the goods) and the consignee (the person or company receiving the goods).
• A description of the goods being shipped, including the type, quantity, and weight.
• The origin and destination of the shipment, along with the route that the goods will take.
• The date and time of pick-up and delivery.
• Any special instructions or requirements for the shipment, such as temperature controls, handling instructions, or customs requirements.
• It is important to note that the Waybill does not transfer ownership of the goods or serve as a receipt for the goods being transported. Instead, it is simply a document used to track the movement of the goods and to ensure that they are delivered to the correct place and at the right time.
• The Waybill is typically created by the carrier and can be an electronic document or a paper document. It is used in combination with other shipping documents, such as the Bill of Lading or the Delivery Order, to ensure a smooth and efficient transportation process.

Difference between Waybill and Bill of Lading: Are Both Necessary?

It depends on the specifics of the shipment. In general, a Bill of Lading (B/L) is considered to be the most important document for the shipment of goods by sea. As it outlines the terms and conditions of the transportation, including the description of the goods, their weight and volume, and the destination, it also confirms the receipt of the goods in good condition and serves as proof of ownership.

A Waybill, on the other hand, is used to track the movement of goods and to keep track of their progress during transportation. While it is not as comprehensive as the B/L, the Waybill is still useful in ensuring that the goods are delivered to the correct place and at the right time.

In some cases, both the B/L and the Waybill may be necessary for the shipment of goods. For example, the B/L may be required for the legal and financial aspects of the shipment, while the Waybill may be necessary for tracking and coordination purposes. Ultimately, the necessity of both documents will depend on the specific requirements of the shipment and the parties involved in the transportation process.

Conclusion

Now that you are aware of the difference between waybill and bill of lading, while also understanding the importance of both, you can learn how to acquire them both from the Import Export Federation. With online and offline courses that help you master the entire export cycle, right from product selection to documentation to finding buyers, to customs clearance, and finally shipping your goods, you get full support from the federation to export even if you are a beginner.

With our JNPT visit and Dubai Business Tour, you can visit actual markets and experience export practically while interacting with officials and importers from various countries. Start your export journey with us today!

Once you find the right buyers for your export products, there is a crucial aspect left for the exporter. These are the terms of payment in export. This is an integral part of any trade, in which the importing party and exporting party come to an agreement regarding the finalized payment. Lots of negotiation can go into deciding the export payment terms between the buyer and seller.

If you are a new exporter, there is a risk that goes into invoices, which specify the total amount of the products, along with the preferred method of payment. Terms of payment in export also differ more and are riskier due to the added factor of physical distance and contrasting laws and legalities between the 2 parties of different countries.

This is why there exist a variety of terms of payment in export that exporters and importers can take advantage of. These include mutual terms of the agreement, but all differ from each other. Some might be more favorable to the exporter, while others might favor the importer more.

The export payment terms also depend on the previous relationship and trading history between the 2 parties. So, how many terms of payment in export are there? And how can you choose the best one for you? Read on to find out!

What are the Different Terms of Payment in Export?

Clean Payments

The first 2 terms of payments in export are called ‘clean payments.’ In these, all the shipping documents only circulate between the 2 parties involved directly. With no involvement of a third party, these are usually uncomplicated and cheap as well.

1. Open Account

In the many terms of payment in export, the open account one is built on trust and is more favorable to the buyer or importer. The payment is done after receiving the goods. A credit period is agreed upon beforehand of a certain number of days and the payment is made at the end of it.

There is also a gap between the dates of the receipts of the purchase order and the final payment(s). This gap belongs to the time taken for production and shipping.

This method can prove to be more favorable to the buyer, due to the final payment coming after the goods have reached. The exporter can face a huge gap in time while receiving their amount. This is why this method is usually opted for by parties with extremely high trust in each other or if there is a promise of high levels of volume later on.

2. Cash in Advance

Acting as the opposite of an open account, the cash-in-advance payment method allows the goods to be shipped only after the payment (partial or full) has been completed from the buyer’s end. A receipt of payment must be produced for the same. This method of payment is highly favorable to the exporter, but a significant risk for the importer or buyer.

3. Documentary Collection

The third in the terms of payment in export is called a documentary collection. This method involves the involvement of a third party, which is the bank. Both parties involve their own banks. First, the exporter ships their products. Then they submit the shipping documents and collect orders from their own bank. This bank then sends this to the importer’s bank along with instructions.

The bank later passes this information to the importer who pays its own bank. Finally, there is a transfer from bank to bank before the amount is received by the exporter. There are 2 types of Documentary collections which are:

• Cash against documents: This payment term takes place when the importer is compelled to pay their amount “due at sight”. This basically means that the buyer makes their payment before the documents are released by their own bank or the collecting bank.
• Documents against acceptance: For this payment term, there is an arrangement involved. This permits the buyer to make the payment after a specific duration of time. There is a time draft accepted by the exporter which they promise to adhere to. After the acceptance, the documents are released to the buyer by the bank.

4. Letter of Credit

One of the most usual terms of payment in export is the letter of credit. This is due to its reliability and common nature in international trade. In this method, a Letter of Credit is issued by the bank of the buyer and acts as a commitment to the exporter. This letter of credit acts as a pledge regarding the timely completion of the payment to the seller.

Read this blog for a list of 10 documents required for export from India!

5. Consignment

The consignment type of payment applies to the export which involves a third-party distributor. In this, the exporter gives their goods to a foreign distributor who then sells them to the buyer. With the consignment method, the exporter receives the payment only after the goods have been sold to the end customer. It is similar to the open account method of payment.

Like the open account method, it’s advisable to opt for this only if the third-party distributor is reliable and reputable. Also, make sure you have insurance for the same in place.

Read this blog to know about Cargo Insurance- what it is and its types!

Conclusion

These days, the global market requires exporters to offer the best possible offer to their customers with the appropriate prices along with the right payment methods. This is why these terms of payment in export are important knowledge every exporter, and importer, should be accustomed to.

Apart from payment terms, there are many more terms, and import–export knowledge one needs to start their export. Along with learning the right market trends, finding trustworthy buyers, accurate documentation and customs clearance, and practical experience, you can learn and master the right and profitable way to export with the Import Export Federation. Register and start your journey via our online, and offline courses, port visits, and market tours today.

One of the most unaccounted things happening to your cargo is damage due to unprecedented events during transit. This includes damage caused either on the road, sea or in the air. Many times there might be accidents during transits, causing the loss of cargo. If the loss is huge, it can’t be compensated simply through carrier liability. The very concept of cargo insurance deals with these situations and acts as a risk management factor.

Plus, the terms and conditions along with the next steps to take when a problem like this occurs might be difficult to understand. Hence safe cargo insurance in place beforehand is always a better option to take while exporting. But what exactly does it do? What are its other benefits, and the types it comes in? Let’s find out in this blog!

What Exactly is Cargo Insurance?

To put it simply, cargo insurance prevents financial losses caused by damaged or lost cargo. Like any normal health or life insurance, it’s a safety belt and risk management tool that is adapted by exporters before shipping their cargo. There also exists a cargo insurance policy under which incidents such as natural calamities damage, cargo renunciation, accidents of vehicles, acts of war, piracy, etc. come.

Types of Cargo Insurance

Broadly, there are two types of cargo insurance- land and marine cargo insurance.

1. Marine Cargo Insurance

Marine cargo insurance covers events such as bad weather, loading, and unloading, etc. This type of insurance covers the cargo when it is on air and shipping lines.

2. Land Cargo Insurance

Unlike marine cargo insurance, land cargo insurance covers cargo that is transported on road. The vehicles it covers include trucks and other utility vehicles. This covers accidents such as theft, risks in freight shipping, collisions, etc. As it is limited to road transport, it only covers the shipping that takes place on roads.

Apart from these, many policies come under freight insurance. These are:

1. Single Coverage

This type of cargo insurance only covers one single shipment. You get coverage on one shipment. This is immensely useful for people who are just starting or those who have small businesses and don’t send out shipments that often.

2. Contingency Policies

This type of cargo insurance needs additional charges and more time due to its ability to provide legal bodies. These legal bodies are responsible for passing an order so that consumers pay when they are proven responsible.

3. Open Coverage

For those businesses that use air and marine shipping lines more frequently, open coverage is the best option. You can cover multiple shipping in a year over a certain period. You can learn both permanent and renewable coverage under this.

4. All-Risk Coverage Policy

This policy is created to cover external factors that can’t be controlled. But the products it covers are particular and are not vulnerable to leaking, any damage, or spoiling. This policy does not cover force majeure, war damages or losses, damage due to negligence, abandonment of cargo, or rejection by customs.

5. Free from Particular Average

The free from the particular average is made specifically for force majeure which means completely unprecedented events. These include weather conditions, stealing, sinking, etc. Unlike all-risk coverage policies, this policy covers major accidents.

6. General Average

If two or more businesses are sending their cargo on the same ship, his type of policy defines that a business owner must compensate the damages of the products of the other business as well, even though their own are unharmed.

How Exactly Does Cargo Insurance Work?

Majorly, cargo insurance is broadly based on policy clauses that are outlined. The clauses mentioned specify how damage can be caused to these cargos. You first pay the premium up and front, after which a policyholder can then claim for any loss or damage that happens when shipping. After the claim is submitted, the claim adjuster checks it and if the damage is present under one of the clauses, then a settlement is reached.

If you are making a claim, the things you should keep in mind are the description of the items lost or damaged, the inventory number, a description of the damage that has occurred, the age of the item along with the date of purchase or procurement, the location, an accurate of the original cost, and the amount to be claimed, depending on the cost of repair or product if there is a total loss.

Conclusion

Around 700 to 1000 containers are lost or damaged to sea every year on average. Precaution is better than cure! If you are someone who is starting out exporting, or even someone who is experienced, it’s smart to get cargo insurance for your shipment.

For more information on how to start exporting, and to know about detailed import-export processes right from product selection to find the right buyers and complex documentation and customs clearance, check out Federation’s online and offline courses and port visits and tours. Register and start your journey today.

The export process can be long and complicated if you don’t know the correct information. It starts with complex documentation, production, manufacturing, and setting up your business. But at the end of it, one big question still arises- how to get orders for export?

The second half of the process comes after finding buyers including shipping, customs, etc. But to reach that stage, you first need to find and convince importers willing to buy your products at a price that is sustainable and profitable for you. These are the ones who will invest in your hard work.

To put it simply, any export business cannot survive without export orders. This is why every exporter needs a viable strategy that lets them acquire foreign orders. For this, one thing to keep in mind is that your total exporting cost, which includes the production and export costs, must be lesser than the average value in the global market.

Another factor about international trade is that it can be difficult to accommodate the rules of various countries for exporters who are just starting. Thus it is incredibly helpful to learn the entire import-export process properly beforehand, especially if you are a beginner. Check out here how you can do so! Here are a few tips to include in your full-fledged strategy on how to get orders for export from outside India!

How to Get Orders for Export from Outside India? Follow these 6 Tips!

1. How to Get Orders for Export? Market, Product, & Buyer Research

In a business, if you are not well-versed with your product, its target market, and its trends, then your export is a fruitless attempt! To close an advantageous deal, you must be able to answer any question related to your product, it’s pricing, and anything else.

You will also need to conduct proper market research to find out the right target market, countries, and finally buyers from that country. Remember- to convince someone your product is great, you must first believe it yourself!

2. How to Get Orders for Export? Build a Digital Presence

One of the biggest means to connect with International Importers is via an online presence. These days you need an online presence in almost every field, and online marketing techniques have also made it easy for you to reach the people who want your product much easier! With so many means of communication, exchanging information with buyers is an easy task. But what do you need for an export business?

The first and foremost step to take is to set up a professional website. You can list all your products, testimonials, and relevant information in one place and convey your business goals at a single glance. But just a website won’t be enough, you also need SEO activities to rank your website, and other online marketing practices for better reach via platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, etc.

3. How to Get Orders for Export? Visit Trade Fairs, Exhibitions, and Ports

If you don’t put yourself out there, no buyer can find you! Frequently visiting trade fairs and exhibitions related to your products and shipping ports help you get familiar with these ports and also gives you a chance to interact with importers! These places are where buyers are present to get more options to choose from. This is the perfect opportunity for you to pitch your products convincingly and attract foreign buyers.

4. How to Get Orders for Export? Communication is Key!

Every seller has one common attribute- they are excellent at communication! The way you communicate greatly depends on how well you understand what your potential buyer wants along with their pain points. Once you have these down, you will find the best points to hit with. This will also help you negotiate better while drafting a contract.

Make sure you strongly emphasize the unique points of your products and what sets them apart from the rest of their competition in the market. An open and flowing conversation helps as well. For example, if your buyer asks you to send over some samples, don’t refuse. This can help in building a long-term seller-buyer relationship.

5. How to Get Orders for Export? Take Help from Government Embassies

Import Export is significantly promoted by the government of India. For the same, many government schemes and policies exist that can help you find the right buyer. If you are an export beginner, you can still try to convince the embassies with clear explanations about your business and products.

6. How to Get Orders for Export? Look for an Agent

It’s never wrong to ask for help, especially when starting off. In this case, foreign agents can truly help you find the right international buyers for your products. With challenges such as complex custom rules, differing import regulations based on different countries, and a language barrier, an agent can help you get international export orders!

Conclusion

We hope these tips helped you answer the question of “how to get orders for export” to a certain extent. The best means to find the right buyers is to go to where they are and pitch your products to them. Dubai is a massive ground where you can find countless Importers from over 190 countries in one place from multiple industries!

With the Federation’s Dubai Business Tour, you get an opportunity to visit these markets and ports and a chance to talk to these importers as well! Register and start your Import Export Journey today!

Check out this blog for the 12 Best Import Export Business Ideas!

Being in a strategic location, our nation is surrounded by oceans and seas on 3 sides out of 4 along with a coastline of more than 7000 km. To our east, we have the Bay of Bengal, we have the Arabian Sea to the west and the Indian Ocean to our south. Due to this, we have some of the best and largest ports in India! These include both major and intermediate ports, out of which the former is under the government and the latter under state jurisdiction.

This makes India an opportune hub for global trade! These ports are incredibly useful to Indian importers and exporters, as well as support the Indian economy. Here are some of the largest ports in India!

Top 10 Largest Ports in India!

1. Largest Ports in India: JNPT Port- Mumbai

Located in Navi Mumbai, the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust is by far the largest container port in India. It’s also known as Nhava Sheva and plays an extremely important role on our western coast. It also ranks as the 28th biggest port worldwide. Inside this port are 50 ICDs (Inland Container Depots), 30 CFS (Container Freight Stations), and a Customs House. Today, almost 55% of total container cargo is shipped via this port.

Since the start, it has crossed Twenty-foot equivalent units every year as well. You will commonly see exports of machinery, textiles, chemicals, pharma products, and meat through this port. Import products include machinery, oils, and plastics among a few.

You can get a chance to pitch your product directly in this port with the Federation’s JNPT tour! Get the live experience of customs clearance and export at one of the largest ports in India!

2. Largest Port in India: Port of Mundra

Operational since 2001, the Port of Mundra is India’s largest private port and majorly works in bulk cargo and containers. It is also at a strategic location, thus being well connected to other hub spots of India with railway and highway routes. In this port exists MPCT (Mundra Port Coal Terminal), which is the biggest coal-importing terminal in the world. Every year, around 40 million tons of coal are imported through here.

Most of the major export this port sees is export of agriculture products, crude oil, edible oil, coal, liquid bulk, fertilizers, chemical, minerals, project cargo, and automobiles. This port is also home to 3 pipelines, and storage facilities for coal, machinery, and agricultural products. Other facilities include coal processing stations, wheat bagging units, steel handling yards, and storage tanks for liquid cargo.

3. Largest Ports in India: Port of Chennai

A fun fact about this port, this is the 3rd oldest port in India! Acting as the biggest port on the east coast of the Bay of Bengal, the Port of Chennai is often referred to as the Gateway of South India due to its massive impact on commerce and global trade in the southern region. It is segregated into 3 zones- North, South, and Central with numerous berths distributed among these. In terms of connectivity, this port has a direct association with more than 50 ports and also ranks in the top 100 of worldwide TEU handling.

You will see the export of vehicles including automobiles and motorcycles, cotton, textiles, leather, iron ore, granite, industrial freight, coal, petroleum products, fertilizers, and agricultural products. Some major imports include raw cotton, wheat, iron, steel, and machinery. The port of Chennai is also on its way to increasing its total capacity to 140 million tons.

4. Largest Ports in India: Port of Kolkata (KoPT)

This is the first port on this list that is not a seaport. Acting as one of the largest river ports in India, the Kolkata port is a homogeneous freshwater port and is a part of the river Hooghly. Some major export commodities of this port are jute, textiles, copper, iron ore, and chemicals.

Northeast India along with neighbouring countries such as Bhutan and Nepal have been using this port since the early 16th century. The port of Kolkata is also famous for its dry docks being the largest in India!]

5. Largest Ports in India: V.O. Chidambaranar Port

The next on the list of largest ports in India is VOCP. Also called Tuticorin Port, this port is a major hub in the southern region of our country. In India, it is the 4th largest port and spans across 8 square km. You can find containers from China, Sri Lanka, the USA, the Mediterranean, and Europe here.

The import products include cement, phosphate, coal, petroleum, fertilizers, and edible oils. Raw ore & minerals, sugar, granite, building materials, general cargo, and limonite are some of the export products.

6. Largest Ports in India: Port of Kandla

Enclosed by a natural harbor, the Port of Kandla is located on the Gulf of Kutch and is a huge seaport of India. It is famous for the import of petroleum and refined products. In fact, over 50% of the traffic in Kandla is via these products. Chemicals, steel, iron, machinery, and petroleum are the import products of this port. The major products exported from this port are textiles, grain, oil, and salt.

7. Largest Ports in India: Port of Mumbai

Launched by the British during the 17th century, the Mumbai Port, also known as Bombay Port Trust is a huge part of India that spans over 400 square km. Its nature is that of a natural deep-water seaport and its location is on the Arabian sea.

Its operation falls under the MBPT and unlike its next-door counterpart Nhava Sheva, the port of Mumbai handles general cargo and bulk. This port is built to accept crude and petroleum vessels from Iran, the Middle East, and other nations.

8. Largest Ports in India: Port of Visakhapatnam

Serving as the largest port in Andhra Pradesh, the Port of Visakhapatnam ranks 3rd largest in cargo volume and is at a close distance from both Chennai and Kolkata ports. Most export products on this port come from Central and South India.

The major export products include manganese nodules, steel products, coal, crude oil, general cargo, iron ore, and petroleum derivatives.

9. Largest Ports in India: Port of Cochin

Situated on the Arabian coast, the Kochi port usually sees traffic from the route of the Indian Ocean. This port is operational under the CoPT (Cochin port trust) and was launched in 1928. It is in close vicinity of facilities in Kochi such as the shipyards, refineries, and the Kochi Marina as well. Further, it is linked to the southern region of India via railways, airways, and highways.

10. Largest Ports in India: Port of Hazira

Last but not least on our list is the Adani Hazira Port, also known as the Surat Port. This is a crucial port for Petroleum and LNG and falls under AHPPL (Adani Hazira Port Private Limited). The commodities it handles include breakbulk, bulk liquids, petroleum, containers, edible oils, chemicals, crude oil, and automobiles. This hub majorly takes care of cargo from Africa, the Middle East, America, and Europe.

Conclusion

A few of the other ports that missed the list but are significantly some of the largest ports in India are Mormugao Port (Goa), Ennore Port (Chennai), New Mangalore Port (Karnataka), Paradip Port (Odisha), Panambur Port (Mangalore). For exporters, producers, and manufacturers who don’t live around coastal areas or any major seaports, there are also countless dry ports through which the goods are transported to seaports.

For more in-depth knowledge to practically learn how to export your products from India, check out Online and offline courses from the Federation! And if you wish to actually visit the JNPT Port or take a trip and interact with buyers from Dubai, you can check out our JNPT Visit and Dubai Business Tour! Register and Start your journey today!

Have you heard of the term CHA in shipping or CHA in export? Are you wondering who these are exactly, and what role they carry out? Read on to find out!

One of the trickiest parts of carrying out an export is clearing through the customs procedure. Due to the shipping rules varying from country to country, sending your export shipment through customs can be a tedious process and can get highly complicated. The hardest part is to fill out all the relevant paperwork, which contains loads of new information not everyone is familiar with. You need an extremely strong knowledge of the customs regulations from other countries to smoothly work through this challenge.

This is where a CHA or Customs House Agent comes in. The role of a CHA is to aid exporters to be updated and accurate with their documents, and ensure a smooth customs clearance process. Another name for a CHA is also Customs Broker. You need to be holding the relevant license registered by the government to practice. Let’s try to figure out what exactly a CHA in shipping does, and how it is different from a freight forwarder agent.

Job Role of CHA in Shipping

Broadly, the main job of a CHA is to make documentation easier for traders at customs. They are the linking point between the customs officers and their trader clients, and aid to complete the documentation for the same and ensure no setbacks. They are also responsible for the timely delivery of the shipments. Under them comes the processing of carriages or vessels, and the clearance of transports for both outward and inward movement of different types of carriers including trains, ships, and airplanes.

A CHA also takes care of audits of the import and export of goods at the customs station. Often, a CHA in export is confused or mistaken as a freight forwarder. The main responsibilities of a freight forwarding agent include handling logistics and transportation of export. They also take care of the entire process regarding the export route and method of transportation.

Here is a breakdown of the various job tasks a CHA in shipping undertakes:

1. Help set up various entry and shipping bills.
2. Clearance of any vessels and entry arrival.
3. Rates of duty and classification of tariff.
4. Value for assessment.
5. Currency conversion.
6. Identify the descriptions and nature of several documents.
7. Assessment procedures and the duty of payment.
8. Aid in merchandise check at the customs station.
9. Understanding and following the governing provisions and allied acts.
10. Taking care of the bonding process and ensuring clearance from the bond.
11. Re-importation process and well-versed with re-entry circumstances.
12. Knowledge of drawbacks.
13. Knowing all the offenses under Acts.
14. The procedures for refund, any appeals procedures, and revision petitions.

Why Do You Need a CHA in Shipping?

When you sign an international deal, an expert CHA in shipping can assist you in the complicated procedures well in time for the export. Being equipped with the right knowledge, they will be clear on the terms and conditions. It is also advised for importers to keep a broker in the loop of their trading process. Even if a single document is missing, or a technicality has not been met, your export can be at risk of running into a hindrance at customs.

Advantages of Having a CHA in Shipping

1. Better Trade Decisions

With a CHA in shipping, you get technical know-how of the documentation process and necessary technicalities. This ensures full security while the actual shipment takes place. You can focus better on your business and make better and more informed decisions!

2. More Opportunities in the Global Markets

Often with changing times, trends, and economies, many nations change their policies or get into agreements with other nations regarding trading. It’s the role of a CHA in export to be updated on these fronts and make timely information about any huge opportunities for your product.

3. Better Network

Through their intensive study and experience, you can leverage the benefits of the resources and tools a CHA has acquired throughout their years. They might have a better network, which might be advantageous to your export journey.

4. Seamless Compliances Process

A lot of time and effort goes into understanding the regulatory compliances and rules of multiple countries. A CHA is already well-versed in the same, thus saving your individual time and effort! They will guide you step-by-step through the important paperwork which is required for customs.

Conclusion

While looking for a CHA in shipping, make sure you look out for a few things. This includes domain expertise and relevant experience in the. You can also learn customs clearance procedures with the Federation. We understand how confusing the technicalities and documents must be for traders, especially those who are trying out export for the first time.

With our online and offline courses, you can learn the best methods to fill in these steps from the experts themselves! Register and start your Import Export Journey today!

What are some of the most profitable Import Export Business Ideas for Indians? The world is no longer as big as it once was. With the ever-growing markets, you can now buy a product from one end of the world from India! While sitting in India, you can now buy a product made in the USA, the UK, UAE, or any other country, either online or even offline! Similarly, as our world gets more and more interconnected, the opportunities to export from India keep growing steadfast.

This is why with the right products and right practices, absolutely anyone can start a fairly profitable export business from our nation. There are also no limits to this! With practically no experience, less budget, and even no capital, you can reach various countries. All you need to do is study the right trends, analyze the market of your product, and follow all the logistics, documentation, and customs processes.

All of this is available in our 100-day-Action-Plan which allows you to successfully export your products to global markets! But what industries and what types of products have the most scope for Indian sellers? Listed below are some of the top import and export business ideas for Indian sellers!

Top 12 Import Export Business Ideas for Indian Sellers:

Export Business Ideas:

1. Import Export Business Ideas: Textile

One of the biggest export markets in India is the textile market. Being famous for our traditional prints and designs, the textiles and garments in India are much sought after worldwide. Some top exporting countries are UAE, USA, UK, Japan, European Union, etc. The government also has several schemes in place to further propel the export of Indian textiles.

2. Import Export Business Ideas: Footwear

Indian footwear is well-loved worldwide. Some popular types of footwear include casual, sportswear, formal, and many more. The top exporting countries include UAE, Netherlands, China, and Brazil. In the year of 2019, the Indian footwear market amounted to $9.70 billion. This is a great field to enter the import export market with!

3. Import Export Business Ideas: Mineral Fuels

Mineral fuel export is a good opportunity for Indian exporters. Being rich in minerals, India is home to coal, mica, manganese ore, limestone, and iron ore. One advantage of mineral fuel export is that the demand for it will never go down!

4. Import Export Business Ideas: Spices

Among the most exported products from India, spices rank high above the list! There are 109 varieties of spices listed by the ISO (International Organization for standardization), out of which our nation proudly produces 75! Some of the countries that love our spices worldwide are Canada, the USA, Australia, and UAE. The tricky part about the spice market is that a proper analysis of the market must be carried out before you export.

5. Import Export Business Ideas: Tea

As loved as tea is among Indians, it is also equally loved over the world- and especially Indian tea! Some famously exported Indian tea includes Kangra tea, Darjeeling tea, and Assam tea. 10% of the world’s tea is made in India! The top Indian tea exporting countries are Russia, the USA, the UK, and Iran.

6. Import Export Business Ideas: Raw Ingredients

Another excellent opportunity for export includes raw materials such as rice or sugarcane. India has good climate conditions for these crops, and our agricultural background helps as well! There are also many government schemes hugely promoting Indian agricultural export, making it an easy and profitable business to start out.

7. Import Export Business Ideas: Jewelry

Out of the total exports that go out of India, Jewelry and gems take up a whopping 12% of the pie! If you can select the right products and target the right market, you can earn in dollars and heavy in this industry. Like textiles, traditional Indian jewelry is aesthetic, which makes it popular globally. Some popular products from this industry are Kundan, copper, gold, silver, etc.

8. Import Export Business Ideas: Leather

Leather products have been seeing an upward trend in export from India recently. These include clothing, furniture, and even leather footwear! In India, the states that export these products the most are Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Jammu & Kashmir, and West Bengal among others.

9. Import Export Business Ideas: Handicrafts & Home Decor

The traditional and delicate designs that come from Indian Handicrafts and home decor pieces are extremely loved in global markets. Some of the countries that these have the most demand in are France, USA, UK, UAE, and Canada. Indian products such as pottery, glassware, metalware, and woodware are popular.

Import Business Ideas:

10. Vegetable Oil
11. Medical Supplies
12. Heavy Machinery

Conclusion

As you can see, the ground to start a business in India is huge. In this, there are countless import export business ideas that you can adapt to start your own venture. Before you start, you need the correct guidance and teaching about not just the documentation aspects, but also market trends, negotiation, clearing customs, and much more.

Most importantly, you need to identify genuine buyers with whom you can crack a profitable deal. You can learn how to do all of this with the Federation! Our online and offline courses along with port visits and tours to Dubai markets prepare you fully and allow you to interact with importers as well. Register and start your import export journey today!

Among the many food products that have seen an increase in export during recent years, Indian sugar is one such commodity that has significantly seen a global demand. With several new policies and incentives introduced by the government, there is huge potential to make an extremely profitable sugar export from India.

But there is a procedure to be followed which involves obtaining the right information and taking the right steps to initiate your own sugar export from India.

Firstly, let’s try to understand the scope.

Scope of Sugar Export from India

Based on volume, sugar export from India is huge. The domestic sugar market of our nation is the largest producer in the world and acts as a constant growth booster for sugar around the world. Sugar is also a cash crop, or a profit crop, which makes it a well-demanded commodity for import and export. Right from sugarcane to end-result sugar, the Indian sugar economy is regulated and subjected to government overseeing.

The domestic industry is also the second largest industry, coming in right after the cotton textile one. Around 7 percent of our rural population are sugarcane farming families, and many more are employed through secondary activities as well.

Sugar Export from India: Types of Sugar

Here are a few types of sugar that can be exported from India:

1. White Crystal Sugar
2. Brown Sugar
3. Organic Sugar
4. Round Jaggery
5. Jaggery Powder
6. White Powder Sugar
7. Sucrose AR & LR
8. Pharmaceutical Sugar
9. Sugar Cubes
10. Icing/ Fondant Sugar

Sugar Export from India: the Main Producing States

Here are the major 9 states that produce the most sugar in India. Around 12 percent of the rural population in these states are directly or indirectly employed through the sugar industry.

• Punjab
• Uttar Pradesh
• Maharashtra
• Andhra Pradesh
• Bihar
• Gujarat
• Haryana
• Karnataka
• Tamil Nadu

The top countries that Import sugar from India are China, Russia, UAE, USA, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia.

Procedure to Follow for Sugar Export from India:

1. HTS Code: Required for export of sugar or sugar confectionery, which comes under processed agricultural products.
2. FSSAI Registration: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is a must for any export of a food product. It provides value to your product by verifying the details such as brand name, commodity name, net quantity, etc.
3. APEDA Registration: All sugar export products must be registered and verified via APEDA in terms of quantity, value, name, etc.
4. DGFT Licence: You can get your IEC through the DGTF. This is an online platform on which you must register the quantity of your product. Over here the GST and Tax aspects are also worked upon and it makes the exporting process much simpler.
5. Export Release Orders: ERO is required by sugar exporters while shipping to other countries for food security.
6. Letter of Credit: As a confirmation by an overseas buyer, you will require a letter of credit containing the acceptance of your products, payment terms, and more.
7. Quality Check from Importing Countries: Many nations have their own standard of quality, hence resulting in a quality check from their end according to their set parameters.

Documents You Need for Sugar Export from India:

• IEC
• Details of your registered firm or brand
• ERO (Export Release Order)
• Export invoice
• Registration from APEDA
• Certificate of Origin
• Letter of Credit
• PAN & GST details of your products
• Custom Clearance Certificate
• Authorization from Importing Country
• Narcotics Certification
• Container Type
• Other details of your company, partners, proprietors, heads, etc.

Conclusion

One of the biggest markets for sugar export from India is Dubai. The market is live and open, and countless Indian sugar brands and products have already made a profitable standing in the same. They have done this by actually going to these markets and bringing their products to the tables of genuine buyers.

You can do the same with the Federation! Having a strong presence in International markets is necessary and you can learn this with Import Export Federation courses and tours. With the help and support of the Federation, you get a chance to pitch your product directly to buyers and close a deal through our Dubai tour and market visit! Register and start your Import Export journey today!

India’s textile industry is known to contribute 15% to India’s total export. In recent years many Indian textiles, garments, and the cloth industry as a whole have seen a steady upward graph in global export. Garment export from India doesn’t just comprise clothes, but also many household and kitchen items, with linen and cotton being the most sought-after cloth materials by international markets. Combining that with beautiful, traditional, and elaborate designs and economical prices, Indian garments have the potential to dominate the textile market.

Being the 6th largest exporter of clothes and textiles in the world, there is promising career growth in this export sector. Your product can also be a successful part of this cycle. Do you want to know how? You can learn end-to-end garment export from India from our exclusive online and offline courses, along with tours and port visits!

To start a promising career in the textile industry, you should first be familiar with the recent trends and status of the total garment export from India. Here are some insights to help you get a better perspective of the textile scenario in our nation:

Everything You Need To Know About Garment Export from India!

1. Garment Export From India: Most Exported Textiles!

Although many types of garments and textiles are exported overall from India, here is a list of the most in-demand ones:

• Traditional and Ethnic Clothes
• Children’s Clothes
• Woolen Clothes
• Cotton and Handwoven Textiles
• Kitchen linen
• Home-use textiles
• Carpets
• Ready-Made Garments

In the Financial Year of 2021-22, the cotton textile category has seen a significant boom with a 54% yearly growth, along with man-made textiles (51% yearly growth), and ready-made garments (30% yearly growth).

Handicrafts follow behind closely with a 22% yearly growth. Some other popular garments that were sought after were Cotton Yarn, Fabs, Made-ups, etc.

2. Garment Export From India: Top Exporting Countries!

The number one country India exports the most garments to is the USA. With over one-fourth of total Indian export, the USA leads the list followed by countries such as the UAE, the UK, Bangladesh, China, Saudi Arabia, and European Union (Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands).

The export production leading states of India are Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Telangana, Gujarat, and Jharkhand. The textile export industry is the second largest, only falling behind agriculture, and employs millions of people.

3. Garment Export From India: Textile Export Councils!

• AEPC (Apparel Export Promotion Council)
• CEPC (Carpet Export Promotion Council)
• ISEPC (Indian Silk Export Promotion Council)

4. Garment Export From India: Government Schemes!

There exist many schemes to aid the textile industry export in India. Due to the textile industry being an important part of the Indian growth cogwheel, the need to push production growth and easy trade along with it are imperative. The ATUFS (Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme) and AA (Advance Authorization) schemes and 2 such bodies that solely focus on the goal of increasing garment production.

A few initiatives that have been put up for the same include:

• PLI (Production Linked Incentive) Scheme
• PM MITRA (PM Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel) Parks
• TCDS (Textile Cluster Development Scheme)
• RoSCTL (Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies) Scheme

5. Garment Export From India: Documents you Need!

There are a few basic documents you need to start exporting garments in India. Those are:

• PAN Card
• Aadhar Card/ Voter ID/ Drivers Licence (Identity Proof)
• Address Proof
• IEC (Import Export Code)
• GST Certificate
• RCMC

For a full checklist of all documents required for export, read this blog!

6. Garment Export From India: How to Start It?

One of the biggest misconceptions while starting an export is that you won’t be successful without enough capital, products, and experience. This is false. Even with a minimum budget, fewer products, and zero experience you can gain huge profits, especially in the textile industry. A few stages of garment export include manufacturing, Wholesale, Retail, and Boutique, before actual export.

You will also need to register your firm, if you are not sourcing the products, with the EPC (Export Promotion Council). The tricky part is trying to figure out the market trends of the type and nature of garments, and finding reliable and genuine importers for your products. This is included in our newly revised course syllabus!

Conclusion

It was recently decided that the export target for readymade garments for every textile in the year 2022-23 will be 17.6 Billion USD. The AEPC has taken up this challenge, and it plans to work hard to surpass it. In such a case, the opportunity of starting a profitable garment export from India is right in your hands! The textile market is enormous, especially in Dubai. The UAE has two big trading partners for their textile industry- and one of them is India.

Being an open market, with lesser restrictions, there are many importers and buyers looking actively for Indian garments. Some of the most popular textiles in Dubai are printed plain, cotton, synthetic, and polyester garments. You can watch this youtube video of the Dubai Textile market, with an insightful interview with 2 buyers from the Dubai market for more information on how to sell your garments and textile from India.

Being an open market, there is a huge potential in Dubai. But if you don’t put your products on the tables of these buyers, you can lose this opportunity. With the help and support of the Federation, you can learn the A to Z of export of any garments, and build a profitable business out of it. Our Dubai Tour lets you interact with these buyers and strike a deal with them for your products. Register and start your Import Export Journey today!

Import export business in India is seeing its golden era. With a National Vision of achieving $1 Trillion in exports, young champs, full-time employees, housewives, and many more are entering the industry. To grow in this industry and make a career in it does not mean exporting goods to international markets. You can explore amazing options for a career in import export.

Adding to the glory, let me give you a gist of India’s export success by showing its merchandise export in January 2022- USD 34.06 Billion! A whopping increase of 23.69% over the numbers of 2021. Source.

The growth indicates amazing opportunities for aspirants who are willing to build a career in import export business. Being the founder of the Import Export Federation, I train many aspirants to start their import export businesses. In my journey of more than 20 years, I have noticed that many aspirants have unique and amazing capabilities of acing particular areas in import export. Addressing this, I would like to dedicate this blog to such aspirants.

Top 3 Career in Import Export

1. Sourcing Partner- Career In Import Export Business>

One of the most important phases of export business in India is to source the goods! The percentage of exporters exporting other’s goods is way higher than the percentage of exporters exporting their own produced/manufactured goods.

The usual practice of exporting in India includes exporter sourcing directly from good producers or getting it from Sourcing Partners. The role of a sourcing partner is very crucial as it involves connecting potential exporters with manufacturers or dealers or producers of quality goods.

The role involves understanding the requirements of exporters and matching them with the manufacturers or dealers or producers. It requires strong networking skills, deep knowledge of international trades, and a good study of good production practices.

Being a professional exporter and Founder of the Federation, I suggest acing Sourcing in a particular sector and focusing on that sector can offer various benefits to the exporters and help you become a Subject Matter Expert.

2. Marketing Specialist – Career In Import Export Business>

Have good research skills? Jump in! This career in import export opportunity is for you! To export a particular product, having detailed knowledge and study is vital. Knowing what demand the product has in the international market, what countries have the highest demand for that product, what quality is expected, what are the prices in every country, etc. are the most important parameters to freeze the initial level of export business.

To start the export, having your homework done is important. And this homework can be bought! By marketing specialist, I mean an expert who has caught the right nerve of export. To become a successful Marketing Specialist, having detailed import export knowledge and practical exposure is recommended. Completing import export courses, attending buyer-seller meetings, participating in business tours, etc. are some excellent opportunities you can grab to make a strong career in import export.

3. Relationship Expert – Career In Import Export Business>

This is an amazing opportunity to build a promising career in the import export sector. One of the biggest pain points of exporters is to connect with international buyers! Especially for those who have never been to any international market, have never interacted with foreign buyers, or have no prior knowledge of building international relationships.

Facilitating exporters with great connections and long-term relationships with International Buyers as well as Export Partners is a rare skill having great demand in the Indian market. To build a strong connection with international buyers, a skilled Relationship Expert can help exporters.

Final Words:

At the Import Export Federation (IEF), my aim is to build an institute that will work as a platform that allows aspiring exporters to learn & start a career in import export with complete hand-holding. I believe that every industry has multiple career opportunities and it is important for a federation like IEF to help people explore all the opportunities. Check out the details of our import export training & practical business tours here.