Import Export Company – Setup, Registration & Compliance

What is an Import Export Company?

An Import Export Company is a business entity that engages in international trade — importing goods into India and exporting products or services to other countries. To operate legally, every import export company in India must obtain the Import Export Code (IEC) from the DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) along with necessary licenses and compliances.

Whether you are a startup entrepreneur, MSME, or established manufacturer, setting up an import export company opens doors to global markets and new opportunities.

Why Start an Import Export Company in India?

India is one of the fastest-growing trade economies with strong international demand for:

• Textiles & garments

• IT services & software exports

• Spices, food products & agricultural commodities

• Engineering goods, electronics & machinery

• Pharmaceuticals, ayurvedic & healthcare products

Starting an Import Export Company helps you:

•  Expand into global markets
•  Earn foreign currency
•  Avail government export incentives (MEIS, RoDTEP, etc.)
•  Build international brand reputation
•  Scale your business faster

Steps to Start an Import Export Company in India

• Choose Business Structure

  • Proprietorship

  • Partnership / LLP

  • Private Limited Company

  • Public Limited Company

• Register Your Business

  • Apply for PAN & TAN

  • Get business incorporation certificate (for LLP/Company)

• Apply for Import Export Code (IEC)

  • Mandatory 10-digit registration from DGFT

  • Lifetime validity (with annual confirmation)

• Open Current Bank Account

  • For handling foreign currency transactions

• Register AD Code with Customs

  • To enable customs clearance at the port of export/import

• GST Registration

  • Required for tax compliance and LUT (Letter of Undertaking) for exports without IGST

• Additional Registrations

  • FSSAI License (for food exports)

  • APEDA Registration (for agricultural/processed food products)

  • EPC Membership (Export Promotion Council)

  • BIS Certification (for regulated goods)

Documents Required to Start an Import Export Company

• PAN of applicant/entity

• Aadhaar/Passport of proprietor/partners/directors

• Business incorporation documents (Partnership deed, COI, MOA & AOA)

• Address proof of business premises

• Cancelled cheque / Bank details

• Passport-size photograph (for individual applicants)

Compliance for Import Export Companies

Running an import export business requires ongoing compliance, such as:

• DGFT annual IEC update

• GST return filing & refund claims

• Customs documentation & shipping bills

• Export documentation – Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading

• Certificates (COO, Health Certificate, Phytosanitary Certificate, as required)

We provide end-to-end compliance support to keep your import export company legally sound and globally competitive.

Why Choose Us to Setup Your Import Export Company?

• One-stop service – From business registration to IEC, AD code, and customs guidance

• Global trade expertise – 40+ years in international business consulting

• Faster turnaround – IEC approval within 1–3 working days

• Tailored solutions – Customized compliance packages for your industry

• End-to-end support – IEC, AD Code, ICEGATE, FSSAI, AEO, APEDA & more

FAQs – Import Export Company

1. Do I need IEC for both import and export?
Yes, a single IEC issued by DGFT covers both import and export activities.

2. Can an individual start an import export company?
Yes, individuals can start with a proprietorship and obtain an IEC.

3. What is the cost of starting an import export company?
Costs vary depending on the business structure and compliance requirements (IEC, GST, licenses).

4. Is GST mandatory for export companies?
Yes, exporters usually need GST registration to claim export incentives and LUT benefits.

5. How long does it take to register an import export company?
With our support, you can be ready in 5–10 working days (including business registration, IEC, and bank account setup).

Call to Action

Looking to start your own Import Export Company in India? 
We’ll handle everything — registration, IEC, AD code, GST, compliance, and beyond.

📧 Email: Rishi@ykgglobal.com
🌐 Website: www.ykgglobal.com
📱 Call/WhatsApp: +91 76782 77665
📍 Offices: Delhi | Mumbai | Dubai | Singapore