EXPORT READINESS CHECKLIST
Complete Pre-Export Assessment for EU Market Entry
Exporter Name: _____________________________________________
Product / Sector: _____________________________________________
Target EU Market: _____________________________________________
Assessment Date: _____________________________________________
Assessed by: _____________________________________________
This checklist assesses an Indian exporter's readiness to export to the EU market across nine dimensions: registrations and compliance, product compliance, documentation, quality and standards, trade finance, logistics, commercial readiness, regulatory intelligence, and team capability. Complete all sections before approaching EU buyers or trade facilitators.
SECTION A — REGISTRATIONS AND LEGAL STANDING
SECTION B — PRODUCT COMPLIANCE AND CERTIFICATION
Complete this section for each product intended for EU export.
SECTION C — DOCUMENTATION CAPABILITY
SECTION D — QUALITY AND STANDARDS
SECTION E — TRADE FINANCE AND PAYMENT READINESS
SECTION F — LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN
SECTION G — COMMERCIAL READINESS
SECTION H — REGULATORY INTELLIGENCE
SECTION I — TEAM AND CAPABILITY
READINESS ASSESSMENT SUMMARY
OVERALL READINESS VERDICT:
[ ] Ready to approach EU buyers — all critical sections complete.
[ ] Conditionally ready — approach buyers subject to completing actions in Sections: _____________
[ ] Not yet ready — complete the following priority actions before approaching EU buyers: _____________
Assessed by: _____________________________________________
Date: _____________________________________________
Doc 74 — Indian Exporter Export Readiness Checklist — Neutral Template
| Item | Done | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IEC (Importer Exporter Code) obtained from DGFT — current and active. | [ ] | |
| GST registration (GSTIN) current — correct HSN code filed for export products. | [ ] | |
| Letter of Undertaking (LUT) filed on GSTN portal for current financial year — enabling zero-rated export without IGST payment. | [ ] | |
| AD Code registered at the port(s) of export — mandatory for Shipping Bill filing and FIRC issuance. | [ ] | |
| RCMC (Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate) obtained from the relevant Export Promotion Council (EEPC, APEDA, PHARMEXCIL, MPEDA, etc.). | [ ] | |
| Company registered and in good legal standing — no pending insolvency, tax demand, or customs penalty. | [ ] | |
| MSME registration (Udyam) obtained where applicable — unlocks priority sector credit and government scheme eligibility. | [ ] | |
| Bank account with Authorised Dealer (AD) bank established — required for receipt of export proceeds and FEMA compliance. | [ ] | |
| DSC (Digital Signature Certificate) for ICEGATE and DGFT portal access. | [ ] | |
| IEC linked to ICEGATE for Shipping Bill filing. | [ ] |
| Item | Done | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| HS code (8-digit EU CN code) confirmed on EU TARIC — correct MFN duty rate and applicable measures verified. | [ ] | |
| GSP / REX: Product verified as eligible for EU GSP preference. REX registration obtained from DGFT. | [ ] | |
| Product satisfies applicable Rules of Origin for GSP (or India-EU FTA once in force) — origin analysis documented. | [ ] | |
| CE marking: Confirmed whether product requires CE marking under any EU harmonisation Directive. If yes, CE marking obtained. | [ ] | |
| EU food safety (FSSAI / MRL): For food products — MRL compliance verified. Pre-shipment test reports from NABL/ISO 17025 accredited laboratory obtained. | [ ] | |
| Phytosanitary certificate: For plant products — Plant Quarantine Station registration completed. PQIMS application process understood. | [ ] | |
| REACH compliance: For chemicals and articles — SVHC check completed. REACH compliance declaration prepared. | [ ] | |
| RoHS compliance: For electrical/electronic equipment — RoHS declaration prepared. | [ ] | |
| GPSR: For consumer goods — EU Responsible Person appointed (from August 2024). | [ ] | |
| Organic certification: For organic products — EU-recognised Indian certification body engaged. | [ ] | |
| GI certification: For GI-protected products — GI certificate from relevant body (Tea Board, Spices Board, GI Registry) obtained. | [ ] | |
| CITES permit: For wildlife and controlled species — export permit obtained if applicable. | [ ] | |
| SCOMET: Confirmed that product is not on SCOMET control list (or SCOMET licence obtained if controlled). | [ ] | |
| Anti-dumping: Confirmed no EU ADD applies to the product from India on the applicable CN code. | [ ] | |
| CBAM: For steel, aluminium, cement, fertilisers — confirmed CBAM applicability and embedded emissions data collection initiated. | [ ] |
| Item | Done | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial invoice template prepared — all required fields included, EU buyer details verified. | [ ] | |
| Packing list template prepared — weight, dimensions, marks, container/seal fields included. | [ ] | |
| Shipping Bill filing capability — CHA appointed or in-house ICEGATE access established. | [ ] | |
| Certificate of Origin capability — issuing body identified (Chamber, EIC, FIEO, or REX self-certification). | [ ] | |
| REX Statement of Origin: Prescribed text included on invoice template. | [ ] | |
| Phytosanitary / health certificate process understood — timeline built into shipment schedule. | [ ] | |
| Test reports / CoA capability: Accredited laboratory engaged; turnaround time factored into pre-shipment schedule. | [ ] | |
| TRACES NT pre-notification capability: Understood and EU buyer briefed on their filing obligation. | [ ] | |
| VGM declaration: Process for weighing and filing VGM before vessel cut-off understood. | [ ] | |
| LC document preparation capability: Team trained on LC discrepancy prevention (Doc 41 reviewed). | [ ] | |
| Document archiving: 5-year retention policy for all export documents established. | [ ] |
| Item | Done | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ISO 9001:2015 certification obtained or planned — required by most EU industrial buyers. | [ ] | |
| Quality management system (QMS) implemented — process controls, inspection records, non-conformity management. | [ ] | |
| Pre-shipment inspection capability: Relationship with accredited inspection agency (SGS, Bureau Veritas, Intertek, or equivalent) established. | [ ] | |
| Product specification document (technical data sheet) prepared in English — ready to share with EU buyers. | [ ] | |
| Sample production capability: Can produce samples on 2–4 week lead time for buyer qualification. | [ ] | |
| IATF 16949 (automotive): If supplying to automotive sector — IATF 16949 certification obtained or in progress. | [ ] | |
| WHO-GMP (pharmaceuticals): If supplying pharma — WHO-GMP certificate current and facility on Eudra GMDP database. | [ ] | |
| HACCP (food processing): If exporting food products — HACCP system implemented and certified. | [ ] | |
| Ethical sourcing: No use of forced, child, or trafficked labour. Supplier code of conduct in place. | [ ] | |
| Environmental management: ISO 14001 certification (increasingly required by EU ESG-focused buyers). | [ ] |
| Item | Done | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-shipment finance: Packing credit or PCFC facility established with AD bank. | [ ] | |
| LC capability: Team understands how to review and comply with LC terms. LC review checklist (Doc 40, 41) understood. | [ ] | |
| ECGC: Standard Policy or Small Exporter Policy obtained — enables offering open account credit terms to EU buyers. | [ ] | |
| Invoice discounting: Relationship with invoice discounting NBFC or bank facility established — for post-shipment working capital. | [ ] | |
| Payment terms policy: Defined internal policy on acceptable payment terms (open account, LC, D/P, D/A) by buyer credit rating. | [ ] | |
| Currency risk management: Hedging policy established for EUR/INR and USD/INR exposure. Forward contracts with AD bank if required. | [ ] | |
| FEMA compliance: Export proceeds realisation procedure understood — 9-month rule, FIRC/eBRC process, AD bank liaison established. | [ ] | |
| Bank charges: EU banking fees (LC confirmation, negotiation, reimbursement) factored into export pricing. | [ ] |
| Item | Done | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Freight forwarder: Experienced India-EU freight forwarder appointed — with EU port agent for destination customs. | [ ] | |
| Incoterms: Preferred Incoterms for EU export determined (FOB, CIF, DAP) and priced into quotations. | [ ] | |
| Packaging: Export packaging meets ISPM-15 (wood packaging), carton compression strength for sea freight, and EU labelling requirements. | [ ] | |
| Port of export: AD Code registered at chosen port. Container availability and booking lead times understood. | [ ] | |
| Container type: FCL vs. LCL vs. reefer requirements confirmed for the product. | [ ] | |
| Transit time: India-EU sea transit time (18–26 days) factored into lead time commitments to EU buyers. | [ ] | |
| Cold chain: If applicable — pre-cooling, reefer booking, data logger, and temperature documentation processes established. | [ ] | |
| Insurance: Cargo insurance policy established with reputable insurer — ICC(A) cover for EU shipments. | [ ] | |
| Last-mile delivery (EU): EU customs agent / importer's logistics provider identified and briefed on documentation requirements. | [ ] | |
| AEO certification: Indian AEO T1/T2 application initiated (if high-volume, repeat exporter) — for customs facilitation benefits. | [ ] |
| Item | Done | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Export pricing: CIF or DAP landed cost calculation prepared — including production cost, freight, insurance, EU duty, and target margin. | [ ] | |
| EU MFN duty: Confirmed duty rate factored into pricing. GSP/FTA preferential rate calculated. | [ ] | |
| Competitor analysis: Competing origin countries' duty rates and landed costs understood for the target EU market. | [ ] | |
| Minimum order quantities: MOQ established and communicated — aligned with EU buyer requirements. | [ ] | |
| Lead time: Realistic production and shipping lead time communicated to EU buyers. | [ ] | |
| Product catalogue and price list: Professional English-language product catalogue and price list prepared. | [ ] | |
| Company profile: English-language company profile prepared covering: establishment date, certifications, production capacity, quality systems, key clients. | [ ] | |
| Website: English-language website operational — product specifications, certifications, and contact details clearly accessible. | [ ] | |
| EU trade fair participation: Plan for participation in relevant EU trade fairs (Anuga, Automechanika, MEDICA, etc.) to meet buyers directly. | [ ] | |
| LinkedIn presence: Company LinkedIn page active — regular posts on product updates, certifications, and trade news. | [ ] |
| Item | Done | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| EU market access requirements researched for specific product and HS code on EU Access2Markets. | [ ] | |
| RASFF history checked for product and supplier — no active enhanced border check regime affecting this product. | [ ] | |
| Anti-dumping duty status confirmed on EU TARIC — no ADD applicable to this product from India. | [ ] | |
| EU regulatory calendar monitored — upcoming Directives and Regulations that will affect the product in the next 12–24 months identified. | [ ] | |
| India FTA pipeline understood — current status of India-EU FTA negotiations tracked. | [ ] | |
| RoDTEP rate for product HSN code confirmed and factored into export economics. | [ ] | |
| DGFT Export Policy for product confirmed — no export restriction, cap, or license requirement applies. | [ ] | |
| SCOMET check completed — product confirmed as free from SCOMET control. | [ ] | |
| FSSAI export certificate required: Confirmed whether destination country requires FSSAI export certificate for the product. | [ ] |
| Item | Done | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Export manager: Dedicated export manager appointed with knowledge of EU trade requirements. | [ ] | |
| CHA (Customs House Agent): Experienced CHA engaged for Shipping Bill filing. | [ ] | |
| Legal adviser: Trade law firm or customs consultant identified for regulatory queries. | [ ] | |
| Banking: Relationship manager at AD bank familiar with trade finance products (LC, PCFC, invoice discounting). | [ ] | |
| Language: English communication capability — all buyer correspondence and documentation in clear, professional English. | [ ] | |
| EU buyer communication protocol: Standard response time commitment (e.g. within 24 hours for EU buyer enquiries — time zone management established). | [ ] | |
| Compliance training: Export team trained on FEMA, SCOMET, RoDTEP, and EU compliance requirements. | [ ] | |
| Document management: Central document management system for export files — accessible to all relevant team members. | [ ] |
| Section | Status | Priority Actions |
|---|---|---|
| A — Registrations | Ready / Partial / Not Ready | |
| B — Product Compliance | Ready / Partial / Not Ready | |
| C — Documentation | Ready / Partial / Not Ready | |
| D — Quality / Standards | Ready / Partial / Not Ready | |
| E — Trade Finance | Ready / Partial / Not Ready | |
| F — Logistics | Ready / Partial / Not Ready | |
| G — Commercial | Ready / Partial / Not Ready | |
| H — Regulatory Intelligence | Ready / Partial / Not Ready | |
| I — Team / Capability | Ready / Partial / Not Ready |