If you’re serious about learning how to export to India, you’ll need to learn “the specific rules, regulations and laws applicable to the destination in order to work better with your customer who will be importing the goods,” according to a recent blog post on the topic from NEI (News - Alert). NEI is a provider of innovative telecom platform deployment options.

The blogger offers tips on certain considerations for those who are serious, including:

·         Paperwork. Exporting requires dealing with two bureaucracies – the exporting nations and the importing nations, and boy, can India do bureaucracy. Complete and correct paperwork is mandatory. Don’t even think of trying to do without it. NEI also recommends “clear lines of communications with the customer to ensue all import brokerage arrangements are in place” as well. Working with a recommended import broker will pay off in spades.

·         Shipping. “Exporters typically use one of four transportation options when shipping overseas,” NEI says. Ocean freight is the cheapest option, but it can take up to 45 days to arrive. Air freight from origin to destination is a popular method for parcel deliveries to and from India, and you might want to stick with one of the top three – Fed Ex, DHL, or UPS. For larger packages, heavy-weight air freight options are available through freight forwarders, and there are some available to do business in India. However, make sure they can ensure you comply with India’s import requirements.  “Couriers such as FedEx, DHL or UPS cannot do customs clearance on some shipments to India,” the company warns, so be sure you’re clear on terms with your shipper, especially with items weighing more than 32 kgs, valued at over US$1,500 or such items as antibiotics or pro-vitamins .

·         Duties and tariffs. Like death and taxes, these may apply to your product. They change all the time, but a good broker should be able to give you current information.