Export Documents Checklist for Indian Exporters

• Importer Exporter Code (IEC) from the DGFT: needed for every export and import
• AD code registered with customs: links your bank account to your shipments
• GST registration and a Letter of Undertaking (LUT) if you export without paying IGST
• RCMC from your export promotion council, if you want to claim export benefits

• Commercial invoice: the sale, with price, Incoterm and HS codes
• Packing list: what is in each carton or pallet, with weights and sizes
• Shipping bill: the export declaration filed with Indian customs on ICEGATE
• Bill of lading (sea) or air waybill (air): issued by the carrier as receipt and contract
• Insurance certificate, if you sell on CIF or CIP terms

• Certificate of origin, needed to claim lower duty under a trade agreement
• Phytosanitary certificate for plants, grains and agri products
• Fumigation certificate for agri cargo and untreated wooden packaging
• Inspection or quality certificates the buyer asks for
• Product certificates the destination requires, such as SABER for Saudi Arabia

You, the exporter, prepare the invoice and packing list and hold the IEC, AD code and GST registrations. Your freight forwarder and customs broker file the shipping bill, book the carrier and get the bill of lading issued. Certificates of origin come from authorised agencies. PH Logistics India checks the whole set against each other before the cargo moves, because one mismatched weight or HS code is enough to hold a container.