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Import and Export Document Checklist for India
Pick import or export, the transport mode and your product type to get a checklist of the documents, registrations and licences you are likely to need, with a line on why each one matters.
Your checklist: import of general goods by sea
Basic documents
- Bill of Entry (filed by your CHA on ICEGATE)Check the draft checklist against your invoice, packing list and bill of lading before you approve it.
- Bill of ladingIssued by the shipping line. Consignee, packages and weights must match the invoice and packing list.
- Commercial invoiceBasis for the declared value, description and quantity in the Bill of Entry.
- Packing listPackages, net and gross weight, and marks. Must match the invoice and bill of lading.
- IEC (Importer Exporter Code)Needed for every commercial import. Issued by DGFT and linked to your PAN.
- GST registration (GSTIN)Declared on the Bill of Entry so you can claim IGST as input tax credit.
- KYC and authorisation letter for your CHAYour customs broker needs these before filing for you, usually once per broker.
- Purchase order or contractSupports the declared price if customs questions the value.
- Freight and insurance documentsIf FOB, EXW or CFR invoicesActual freight and insurance are added to reach the assessable value (CIF).
- Product catalogue or technical specificationsHelps customs confirm the HS code, especially for machinery, electronics and chemicals.
- Wood packaging: ISPM-15 mark or fumigation certificateIf wooden packagingWooden pallets and crates must be treated, or they face quarantine action.
Specific to general goods
- Legal Metrology declarations on retail packsIf retail packsPre-packed goods for retail sale need importer name, MRP, net quantity and other declarations.
Indicative list. Whether a BIS, WPC or other requirement applies depends on the exact 8-digit HS code and product, and the lists of notified products change often.
Get the exact compliance list for your product
BIS, WPC, FSSAI or EPR depend on the exact HS code. EximSetu's AI report classifies your product from a photo and lists only the approvals that apply, with the duty and FTA benefit.
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Frequently asked questions
▸What documents are needed to import goods into India?
Every import needs a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, IEC and GST registration, and the Bill of Entry filed on ICEGATE. Depending on the product you may also need BIS, WPC, FSSAI, CDSCO, Plant Quarantine or other approvals, and a Certificate of Origin to claim FTA duty.
▸What documents are needed to export from India?
The basics are the commercial invoice, packing list, Shipping Bill, bill of lading or air waybill, IEC, an AD code registered at the port, a matching GST invoice, and an LUT or IGST payment. Product-specific certificates (phytosanitary, health, APEDA, Spices Board and others) depend on what you ship and where.
▸How do I know if my product needs BIS or WPC approval?
BIS applies to products notified under the Compulsory Registration Scheme or a Quality Control Order, and WPC Equipment Type Approval applies to products with radio functions such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. It depends on the exact product and HS code, and the notified lists change often. EximSetu's AI report checks this for your product.
▸What is CAROTAR 2020?
The Customs (Administration of Rules of Origin under Trade Agreements) Rules, 2020. An importer claiming FTA duty must hold enough information to show the goods meet the rules of origin, not just the Certificate of Origin, and share it with customs when asked.
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Free tools give indicative results for planning only, not legal advice. Rates and rules change with Budgets and notifications; confirm for your exact product with your customs broker or the official notification before filing.