Ex Works
Buyer arranges almost everything from the seller premises.
TRADE GUIDE
Import & Export Made Simple
A plain-language guide to documents, terms, payments and shipping, with a clear view of how we support you.
0Export steps
0Import steps
0Key documents
0Incoterms explained
THE BASICS
How International Trade Works
Whether you are exporting from India or importing into your country, the journey follows a similar path: agree terms, prepare goods, move cargo, clear customs and settle payment.
1
Register your business
Obtain an Import Export Code (IEC) from DGFT, GST registration and a bank AD code linked to your customs port. These are the basic identities for exporting from India.
2
Identify product and HS code
Classify your product under the correct HS code. It decides duty, licensing, and documentation.
3
Check export eligibility
Confirm whether the product is free, restricted or prohibited for export, and whether any registration (for example APEDA for rice) is needed.
4
Find buyer and agree terms
Agree on price, quantity, Incoterm, payment term and timeline. Record them in a proforma invoice or contract.
5
Production, packing and inspection
Prepare goods as per specification, pack and mark them, and arrange third-party inspection or testing where required.
6
Book freight
Choose air or sea, book space with a freight forwarder or shipping line and plan the transit to the port.
7
Customs clearance
File the shipping bill through a Customs House Agent (CHA) and complete the export clearance.
8
Documents and payment
Send the document set to the buyer or bank and receive payment as per the agreed term. Claim any applicable export incentives.
1
Check import policy
Confirm that the product can be imported to your country and whether any licence, BIS or food-safety approval is needed.
2
Register as importer
Obtain the importer code or registration required by your customs authority.
3
Agree supplier terms
Finalise specification, price, Incoterm, payment term and delivery schedule with the supplier.
4
Arrange payment
Open a letter of credit or arrange advance or other payment as agreed.
5
Track shipment
Receive the bill of lading or airway bill and monitor the cargo until arrival.
6
Customs clearance
File the bill of entry, pay duties and taxes, and clear the goods through a licensed customs broker.
7
Receive and inspect
Take delivery, inspect quantity and quality, and report any claims within the agreed period.
DOCUMENTS
Documents You Will Commonly Need
Requirements vary by product and country. This checklist covers the usual set.
| Document | Purpose | Issued by |
|---|---|---|
| Proforma invoice | Price offer and terms before the order | Seller |
| Commercial invoice | Actual sale value used by customs and banks | Seller |
| Packing list | Details of packages, weight and marks | Seller |
| Bill of lading / Airway bill | Transport contract and proof of shipment | Carrier / forwarder |
| Certificate of origin | Shows country where goods were produced | Chamber / authority |
| Quality / analysis certificate | Confirms product specification | Producer / laboratory |
| Inspection certificate | Independent pre-shipment check | Inspection agency |
| Phytosanitary certificate | Plant-product health, for rice and sago | Plant quarantine authority |
| Fumigation certificate | Pest treatment for certain cargo | Treatment agency |
| Insurance certificate | Cover for goods in transit | Insurer |
DELIVERY TERMS
Incoterms in Simple Words
Incoterms decide who pays for freight, insurance and duties and where risk passes from seller to buyer.
Free On Board
Seller delivers goods on board the ship; buyer pays main freight.
Cost and Freight
Seller pays freight to the destination port; buyer bears risk after loading.
Cost, Insurance and Freight
Like CFR, with seller also arranging minimum insurance.
Delivered at Place
Seller delivers to a named place; import clearance is with the buyer.
Delivered Duty Paid
Seller delivers cleared goods, paying import duties and taxes.
PAYMENT TERMS
Common Ways to Get Paid
₹Advance paymentBuyer pays before shipment. Lowest risk for the seller.
₹Letter of Credit (L/C)Bank guarantees payment against compliant documents. Common for large orders.
₹Documents against Payment (D/P)Bank releases documents when the buyer pays.
₹Open accountBuyer pays after receiving goods. Usually for established relationships.
AIR VS SEA
Choosing the Right Mode
| ✈ Air | 🚢 Sea | |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Days | Weeks |
| Cost per kg | Higher | Lower |
| Best for | Urgent, light, high-value cargo | Heavy, bulk and large volumes |
| Capacity | Limited by aircraft space | Containers of 20 ft and 40 ft, bulk |
| Handling | Lower risk of delay | Port schedules and congestion matter |
HOW WE SUPPORT YOU
Where SEBIMA EXIM Fits In
We guide and coordinate each stage so that you always know what is happening and what comes next.
Enquiry
You share the product, quantity, destination and timeline.
Specification
We clarify grade, quality, packing and sampling needs.
Quotation
Pricing, terms and expected timelines are discussed.
Order confirmation
Details are written down and agreed by both sides.
Production & inspection
Goods are prepared, packed and inspected as agreed.
Shipping
Freight, schedules and cargo details are coordinated.
Documents
Shipping and compliance documents are checked and shared.
Follow-up
We stay in touch until the shipment is received.
FAQ
Trade Questions Answered
Do I need an IEC to export from India?
Yes. An Import Export Code is generally required for exporting goods. Check current DGFT rules for exceptions.
What is an HS code and why does it matter?
It is a standard code used worldwide to classify goods. It decides duty rates, licensing and statistics.
Which Incoterm is best?
It depends on who should manage freight and risk. FOB and CIF are common for sea shipments.
How long does an export shipment take?
Production, inspection, booking and clearance vary by product. Transit is days by air and weeks by sea.
Can SEBIMA EXIM handle customs clearance?
We coordinate with licensed customs house agents and forwarders. Their services are quoted and confirmed per shipment.
Is this guide legal advice?
No. Rules change frequently. We confirm the current requirements for each product and destination before proceeding.
Important. This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules, duties and policies change often. We confirm the current requirements for each product and destination before proceeding.
LET'S START A CONVERSATION
Not Sure Where to Start?
Tell us your product and destination and we will explain the next steps.