How do I sell my products abroad from India?

Prepare before you sell

1. 1Pick target countries where your product has demand and you can deliver at a competitive landed cost.
2. 2Check product rules in those countries: labelling, safety standards, restricted materials and any certifications required.
3. 3Register for an Importer Exporter Code (IEC) with DGFT if your business needs one, and check current DGFT requirements and any export schemes for your product.
4. 4Speak to a chartered accountant about GST on exports and the paperwork for export without payment of tax where applicable.
5. 5Find the correct HS code for each product, as it decides duties and documentation.

Choose your sales channel

• Global marketplaces such as Amazon, Etsy or eBay bring overseas buyers quickly, but have their own fees, rules and competition.
• Your own international store lets you build a brand, show prices in local currency and keep customer relationships.
• B2B selling to wholesalers or retailers abroad needs a professional website, catalogue and fast replies to enquiries.
• Many exporters start on a marketplace to test demand and add their own store once they know what sells.

Shipping, duties, currency and payments

• Compare courier and export shipping services that handle customs documents, and decide who pays duties: you (delivered duty paid) or the buyer.
• Show duties clearly at checkout or in policies so customers are not surprised on delivery.
• Use payment gateways that accept international cards and settle in INR with the right export documentation.
• Set a realistic international return policy, since returning goods to India can cost more than the item.

Where technology helps

An international store can show prices in each buyer's currency, calculate shipping and duties at checkout, and translate content where needed. Platforms like Shopify support multiple markets from one store. For B2B exporters, a website with a searchable catalogue and an enquiry form that captures country, quantity and product helps you respond to serious buyers quickly.