With make merchant you can Learn how to become an exporter, importer, or entrepreneur in India with this easy step-by-step guide. Understand compliance, documentation, real challenges, and how Make Merchant helps simplify trade for every Indian business.

Introduction: From Job Seekers to Job Creators — India’s New Trade Revolution

Every year, millions of talented young Indians finish their studies and start looking for jobs.
But the truth is — India doesn’t lack talent, it lacks enough opportunities.
Our youth are smart, hardworking, and creative — but many are stuck in the traditional cycle of *“study, work, earn, repeat.

What if, instead of looking for jobs, they started “creating jobs”?
What if they became entrepreneurs, exporters, or importers— helping Indian products reach global markets and bringing world-class goods into India?
That’s the spirit of “New India” — a generation that doesn’t wait for opportunities, but creates them.
And the best part? You don’t need to be rich or have global contacts to start.
With the right guidance and knowledge, “Anyone can become an exporter or importer” — and that’s exactly what this guide will show you.

Let’s dive in!

What Does It Mean to Be an Exporter, Importer, or Entrepreneur?

Before you begin, it’s important to understand what these terms really mean — in simple words.

An Exporter is someone who sells Indian goods or services to other countries — like exporting spices to the U.S., textiles to the Middle East, or IT services to Europe.

An Importer brings goods from other countries into India — like importing electronics from China, fashion items from Italy, or machinery from Japan.

An Entrepreneur is a person who builds something of their own — identifying an idea, taking risks, and turning it into a business.

So when you become an exporter or importer, you’re not just doing business — you’re becoming a **creator of jobs**, a **contributor to India’s economy**, and a **representative of Indian quality** across the globe.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Become an Exporter, Importer & Entrepreneur in India

Here’s your roadmap — simple, practical, and designed for anyone who wants to start trading globally.

Step 1: Choose a Unique Name for Your Company

Your business name is your identity in the world of trade. It’s what people will remember when they see your products or invoices.

Choose a name that’s:

• Easy to pronounce
• Reflects your brand or product
• Unique and professional

Step 2: Decide What You Want to Trade

This is the heart of your business — your “product or service”.

Ask yourself:

• What do I have access to that others need?
• What’s trending in global demand?
• Can I produce or source it easily?

Some “popular Indian export products” include:

• Handicrafts, textiles, and garments
• Organic food, spices, and tea
• Leather products, footwear, and jewelry
• Industrial goods and machinery

While **importers** often focus on:

• Electronics and spare parts
• Chemicals and raw materials
• Luxury items and equipment

Step 3: Register Your Business Legally

To trade internationally, your business must be registered in India.

You can choose any of these structures:

• Sole Proprietorship — Best for individuals starting small
• LLP or Partnership Firm — Great for small teams
• Private Limited Company — Suitable for scaling or global operations

(Once you register, open a **current bank account** in your business name — you’ll need it for foreign transactions.)

Step 4: Apply for Your Import Export Code (IEC)

The “Import Export Code (IEC)” is your business passport to global trade.
Issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), it’s mandatory for anyone who imports or exports goods or services.

Documents required:

• PAN Card
• Address proof
• Bank details & cancelled cheque

You can apply online on the DGFT portal and receive your IEC within a few working days.
Without an IEC, you cannot legally trade across borders — so this step is non-negotiable.

Step 5: Understand Trade Compliance (The Heart of Legal Trade)

“Compliance” simply means following all the rules and regulations of trade — both Indian and international.

It ensures your shipments move smoothly without customs issues or penalties.

There are three main types of trade compliance:

• Legal Compliance — DGFT licenses, IEC registration, RBI guidelines, customs laws
• Financial Compliance — GST registration, foreign exchange rules, proper invoicing
• Product & Quality Compliance — FSSAI, BIS, ISO certifications

(Without compliance, even a perfect product can get stuck at customs or rejected by buyers.)

“This is where Make Merchant helps — by managing all your compliance work from start to finish, ensuring everything stays legal and efficient.”

Step 6: Find Your Market and Buyers

Now that you’re ready to trade, it’s time to find the right audience.

For exporters:

• Join online B2B platforms (IndiaMART, Alibaba, TradeIndia)
• Attend global trade fairs and exhibitions
• Connect with export promotion councils
• Use LinkedIn and email marketing to reach international buyers

For importers:

• Find suppliers through verified platforms
• Check company reviews, certificates & product samples

(Start with **small sample shipments** to build trust.)

Step 7: Set Up Logistics and Transportation

Logistics is the lifeline of global trade. It includes packaging, warehousing, freight forwarding, and insurance.

Choose your mode of transport:

• Air Freight — Fast but costly
• Sea Freight — Ideal for bulk shipments

“Make Merchant” connects you with trusted logistics partners — so you can focus on business, not shipping stress.

Step 8: Handle Customs Clearance Smoothly

Every import or export shipment must go through customs.

This includes:

• Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading
• Customs duties and taxes
• Inspection and approval

(Small documentation mistakes can lead to costly delays.)

That’s why **Make Merchant’s customs clearance experts** handle everything for you.

Step 9: Manage International Payments Safely

Common payment methods:

• Advance Payment
• Letter of Credit (LC)
• Documents Against Payment (DP)

(Always use authorized banks and keep records.)

Step 10: Build Your Brand and Go Global

Focus on:

• Create your website
• Use social media
• Maintain product quality
• Collect customer reviews

(Trust is your biggest currency in global trade.)

Common Challenges Exporters and Importers Face in India

Even successful traders face roadblocks:

• Complicated documentation
• Shipping delays
• Customs rejection
• Payment delays
• Lack of proper guidance

(But you don’t have to do it alone.)

How Make Merchant Makes Import and Export Easy

• End-to-End Compliance Management — IEC, DGFT, GST, certifications
• Reliable Logistics Solutions — Safe, timely deliveries
• Expert Customs Clearance — No delays
• Free Business Consultancy — What to sell, where, how
• All-in-One Trade Platform — Compliance, logistics, consultancy

Our goal is simple:
To make every Indian a merchant and every dreamer an entrepreneur.

Conclusion: The World Is Waiting for You

Every successful exporter, importer, or entrepreneur started where you are — with a dream and a decision.

India doesn’t need more job seekers; it needs **job creators**.

With Make Merchant, the process isn’t confusing anymore — it’s **clear, guided, and achievable**.

Start small, stay consistent, and let Make Merchant be your trusted partner.

Visit www.makemerchant.com
Your trusted partner for compliance, logistics, customs clearance & business consultancy.
Because trade shouldn’t be complicated — it should be **your bridge to global success**.