Complete Export Guide
Exporting from India — explained step by step
Whether this is your first shipment or your hundredth, here is exactly what happens — from the first call to the money in your account.
You share shipment details
A 10-minute call or WhatsApp is all it takes
You do
Tell us: product name and type, approximate weight/volume, destination country, required timeline.
Ambeza does
Review cargo type, check if the product has export restrictions (DGFT list), check if it is a Dangerous Good (DG), and prepare a quote.
No forms to fill at this stage — just talk to us
We tell you upfront if there are any restrictions or special requirements
We identify if your product needs any RCMC, product certification, or pre-shipment inspection
You receive a fixed quote
No hidden charges — ever
You do
Review the quote. Ask questions. Confirm if you are happy.
Ambeza does
Send you an itemised cost breakdown covering: freight + CHA fee + documentation + inland pickup + any special handling.
What you see is what you pay — no surprise charges at the port
Quote includes all CHA fees, documentation, and Shipping Bill filing
We tell you clearly: what we include and what you need to pay separately (e.g. cargo insurance)
Cargo pickup
Our truck comes to you
You do
Have your goods packed and ready. We guide you on packaging if needed.
Ambeza does
Our driver arrives at your premises, checks quantity against packing list, and issues a Lorry Receipt (LR). Cargo moves to the CFS (Container Freight Station) or ICD.
Lorry Receipt is your proof of handover — keep it safe
We advise on packing requirements: sea-worthy, fumigation, DG packaging, etc.
For DG cargo, we ensure compliant packaging before pickup
Export documents prepared
We handle all the paperwork
You do
Sign the Commercial Invoice (you set the declared value) and Packing List.
Ambeza does
Prepare Shipping Bill draft on ICEGATE, Certificate of Origin, any product-specific certificates (Phytosanitary, FSSAI, Spices Board, etc.).
Shipping Bill is the master export document — filed by our CHA on ICEGATE
Certificate of Origin proves the goods were made in India (required by buyers and for duty benefits)
We check your HSN code and flag any additional documents your specific product needs
Indian customs clearance
This is where most exporters get anxious. It should not be.
You do
Nothing. Our CHA handles this entirely.
Ambeza does
File the Shipping Bill on ICEGATE. The system's risk engine assigns a channel.
Auto-cleared. No physical examination. Most shipments fall here.
Documents checked by customs officer. No physical examination of goods.
Physical examination. Ambeza CHA officer is present throughout. Usually same day.
LEO (Let Export Order) is issued after clearance — this is the official permission to export
Our CHA is present for any examination — you don't need to be there
AD Code (bank code) must be registered at your port before the first shipment — we help you do this
Cargo departs India
Your goods are on their way
You do
Nothing. We send you the tracking details.
Ambeza does
Load the container onto the vessel or cargo onto the aircraft. File EGM (Export General Manifest) — this is the final customs document that records actual loading.
Bill of Lading (BL) for sea / Airway Bill (AWB) for air — you receive these as shipping proof
EGM filing triggers your eligibility for RoDTEP and Duty Drawback refunds
Live tracking link shared so you can see where your cargo is at any time
Delivered to buyer
The finish line
You do
Confirm delivery with your buyer. Receive payment per your terms.
Ambeza does
Coordinate with destination agents for last-mile delivery. After payment: FIRC (Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate) issued by your bank confirms foreign payment received.
FIRC is your proof of export earnings — mandatory for RoDTEP and bank records
RoDTEP credit appears in your ICEGATE account as a transferable scrip
Duty Drawback is credited directly to your bank account
We track and follow up on all your refunds — you don't need to chase ICEGATE
Mode Selection
Air or Sea — which is right for you?
The choice affects cost, time, and documentation. Here is a clear comparison.
Choose Air if...
- Shipment is urgent (needed in 3–7 days)
- Weight is under 500 kg
- High-value goods (pharma, gems, electronics)
- Perishable cargo
Choose Sea if...
- Cargo is heavy or bulky
- Not time-sensitive (15–40 days is fine)
- Large volume (20ft or 40ft container)
- Maximise cost savings per kg
| Factor | Air Freight | Sea Freight |
|---|---|---|
| Transit time | 3–7 days | 15–40 days |
| Cost per kg | ₹150–₹400 | ₹5–₹50 |
| Weight range | Best under 500 kg | Best above 500 kg |
| Cargo value | High value (pharma, gems, electronics) | Any — especially bulk |
| Packaging | Standard | Sea-worthy / fumigated |
| Documentation | Airway Bill (AWB) | Bill of Lading (BL) |
Documentation
Documents — what you need, what we prepare
YOU PROVIDE
- IEC Code
Importer Exporter Code — mandatory. One-time registration.
- GST Certificate
Your GST registration document.
- AD Code
Bank code registered at port — one-time per port.
- Commercial Invoice
You set the declared value of goods.
- Packing List
Details of packages, quantities, weights.
AMBEZA PREPARES
- Shipping Bill
Filed on ICEGATE — the master export declaration.
- Certificate of Origin
Proves goods are manufactured in India.
- Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
Your contract with the carrier.
- Let Export Order (LEO)
Customs permission to ship.
- Product certificates
Phytosanitary, FSSAI, CoA — as applicable.
Ready to start your first export?
We handle every step. You just need your product and a buyer.