IEC to First EU Shipment: The Complete 12-Step Checklist

If you are starting your India-EU export journey, the number of registrations, documents, and compliance requirements can feel overwhelming. These 12 steps, in the correct order, will take you from zero to first EU shipment.

Step 1 — IEC Application (Week 1-2): Apply online at DGFT portal. Required: PAN, Aadhaar, bank details, business registration. Issued within 2-3 working days. Cost: INR 500.

Step 2 — GST Registration and LUT (Week 1-3): Register for GSTIN. File LUT (Letter of Undertaking) on GSTN portal to export without paying IGST. LUT must be in place before first export.

Step 3 — RCMC from relevant EPC (Week 2-4): Register with your sector EPC — PHARMEXCIL (pharma), EEPC (engineering), AEPC (apparel), APEDA (agro-food). RCMC enables COO issuance and FTP scheme access.

Step 4 — Product Compliance Check (Week 2-8): Identify EU regulations for your product. CE marking? REACH? EU food law? This is the most critical step — non-compliant goods are stopped at EU border.

Step 5 — Identify EU Buyer (concurrent): Through trade fairs, B2B platforms, EPC trade missions, or AJG mandate submission.

Step 6 — Agree Commercial Terms (Week 6-10): Incoterm, price, payment term, delivery timeline, quality specifications, labelling requirements.

Step 7 — ECGC Standard Policy (Week 4-8): Apply before first shipment. Get Buyer Exposure Limit for your EU buyer.

Step 8 — Freight Forwarder (Week 8-10): Engage FIATA-registered forwarder with India-EU experience.

Step 9 — Prepare Documentation (Week 10-12): Commercial invoice, packing list, B/L, COO, and any product-specific certificates.

Step 10 — File Shipping Bill on ICEGATE (Week 12): CHA files electronically. LEO granted. Goods loaded.

Step 11 — Present Documents for Payment (Week 12-13): For LC: present to nominated bank within 21 days. For D/P: CHA sends to buyer' bank. For open account: send invoice to buyer directly.

Step 12 — Post-Export Claims (Week 13-16): File RoDTEP claim on ICEGATE. File GST refund if applicable. Payment received.