Everything you need to know about export and import documentation in India — from basic shipping documents to complex customs compliance requirements.
Proper documentation is the backbone of hassle-free international trade. Missing or incorrect documents can lead to cargo holds, customs penalties, and shipment delays. AN Global's expert team prepares and reviews all documentation to ensure zero-error compliance.
The commercial invoice is the primary document for export customs clearance. It must include:
Detailed list of all packages in the shipment. Must include:
Filed electronically on ICEGATE for Indian customs clearance. Types include:
AN Global prepares and files all shipping bill types. An LEO (Let Export Order) is issued by customs post examination, authorizing the goods to be exported.
Certifies the country of manufacture of the goods. Required for:
COO is issued by Export Inspection Council (EIC), Export Promotion Councils, or FIEO. AN Global coordinates COO issuance from the appropriate body.
Transport contract and title document for ocean freight (BL) or air freight (AWB):
Provided by the foreign supplier. Indian customs uses these to assess correct duty. Key requirements:
Filed by AN Global's CHA team on ICEGATE for import customs assessment. Types:
AN Global handles all BOE types, duty calculations, IGST payments, and Out-of-Charge (OOC) coordination.
Certain product categories require additional clearances before customs release:
Quick-reference checklists to ensure you have all documents ready before your shipment moves.
A bank guarantee ensuring the exporter gets paid upon presenting compliant documents. AN Global advises on LC terms, discrepancy avoidance, and document preparation for LC presentations to ensure timely payment.
Required for wooden packing materials (ISPM-15 compliance) for exports to USA, EU, Australia, and most countries. We coordinate NPPO-approved fumigation and issue IPPC-marked certificates.
Third-party quality/quantity inspection report required by certain buyers and destination countries. We coordinate PSI by SGS, Bureau Veritas, OMIC, or buyer-appointed agencies at origin.
Required for export of agricultural products, seeds, plants, and organic matter. Issued by Plant Quarantine authority (NPPO India). We coordinate inspections and certificate issuance.
Required for export of dual-use goods, defense items, chemicals, and controlled technologies. Must be obtained from the end-user and certified by their government authority.
Required for food products, dairy, meat, seafood, and organic products. Issued by Food Safety authorities (FSSAI in India). We coordinate EIC/FSSAI inspections and certificate processing.
The Harmonized System (HS) Code is an internationally standardized 8-digit classification number for traded goods. Getting it right is critical — wrong HS codes lead to incorrect duty assessment, customs examination, and potential penalties. AN Global's customs team classifies all goods correctly using India's ITC-HS schedule and advises on the most favorable classification within legal boundaries.
LCL shipments require the same core documents as FCL (commercial invoice, packing list, shipping bill, COO if needed). Additionally, the House Bill of Lading (HBL) issued by AN Global as the NVOCC is the key transport document for LCL cargo. The MAWB/MBL is issued by the ocean carrier for the consolidated container.
Under Indian customs law, exporters and importers must retain all trade documents for at least 5 years from the date of the export/import. This includes commercial invoices, shipping bills, bills of lading, and all customs-related documents. For Advance Authorization and EPCG licenses, documents must be kept until EODC is filed and closed by DGFT.
Let AN Global's documentation team handle all paperwork — we guarantee 100% compliance and zero errors.
