An Import & Export Business involves buying products from one country and selling
them in another. It can be started on a small scale and expanded into a large
international trading company.
1. Major Import Business Ideas: Electronics and accessories, Industrial machinery and
equipment, Auto spare parts, Solar equipment, Chemicals and industrial raw materials,
Medical equipment, Furniture and home décor, Textiles and fabrics, Consumer goods,
Specialty food products.
2. Major Export Business Ideas: India has strong export opportunities in:
Rice and other agricultural products, Spices, Fruits and vegetables, Seafood,
Textiles and garments, Handicrafts, Leather products, Pharmaceuticals, Engineering
goods, Auto components, Processed foods, Coir and coconut products.
3. How the Business Works: Supplier → Exporter/Importer → Shipping → Customs → Buyer → Payment.
You can operate as: Merchant exporter — purchase products from Indian manufacturers
and export them. Manufacturer exporter — manufacture your own products and sell
internationally. Importer-distributor — import products and distribute them
domestically. Trading agent/broker — connect buyers and sellers and earn commissions.
4. Basic Requirements in India: Typically, an Indian import/export business needs to consider:
Business entity and PAN, Current bank account, Importer Exporter Code (IEC) from DGFT,
GST registration where applicable, Appropriate product-specific registrations or licenses,
Customs and shipping arrangements, Export documentation, International payment arrangements,
Product quality, labeling and packaging requirements.
5. Documents Commonly Used: Commercial invoice, Packing list, Purchase order/contract,
Bill of lading or airway bill, Shipping bill, Certificate of origin, Insurance documents
where applicable, Product-specific certificates, Customs documentation.
6. How to Find International Buyers: Potential channels include:
B2B marketplaces, International trade fairs, Export promotion councils,
Direct outreach to distributors, International wholesalers, Company websites and SEO.
7. Profit Potential: Profit depends heavily on the product, sourcing cost,
shipping, duties, exchange rates, payment terms and competition.
A simple calculation is: Selling Price − Product Cost − Shipping − Customs/Duties −
Insurance − Marketing − Other Costs = Net Profit.
8. Lower-Capital Approach: Instead of purchasing large inventory, you can start
as a merchant exporter or sourcing agent:
Select one product category. Identify reliable Indian suppliers. Find overseas buyers.
Obtain buyer requirements. Get supplier quotations. Calculate the complete landed/export cost.
Negotiate the order. Arrange production/procurement. Handle documentation and logistics.
9. Important Risks: Buyer default, Supplier quality problems, Currency fluctuations,
Shipping delays, Customs problems, Product regulations, Fraudulent buyers or suppliers,
Damage during transportation, Changing import duties, Working-capital requirements.
Wishing you all the best,
http://www.seeyourneeds.in
