Export Documents

This is the complete checklist of documents a typical courier-mode export from India needs, pulling together everything covered in more detail elsewhere in this hub.

Registration documents (one-time, not per shipment)

• IEC (Import Export Code) from DGFT — mandatory for any commercial export. See IEC Code.
• GST registration — required for commercial exporters; most export under a Letter of Undertaking (LUT) to ship without paying IGST upfront.
• Category-specific registration where relevant — for example, GJEPC/RCMC for jewellery exporters, see Jewellery Export Documentation.

Per-shipment documents

• Commercial invoice — the core document customs uses for valuation and classification. See Commercial Invoice.
• Packing list — itemised contents, especially for multi-item shipments.
• Shipping bill — CSB-IV (non-commercial, under ₹25,000) or CSB-V (commercial), filed electronically for courier-mode exports. See CSB-IV vs CSB-V.
• KYC documents — your courier partner will require identity and business verification before booking a commercial export account. See KYC Requirements.

Category-specific documents (when applicable)

• Kimberley Process Certificate — for shipments containing rough diamonds
• Phytosanitary certificate — for plant/agricultural products
• Product-specific compliance documentation — for regulated categories like cosmetics or food, depending on the destination country's requirements

A complete pre-shipment checklist

• [ ] Valid IEC on file
• [ ] GST registration and LUT (for commercial exporters)
• [ ] Commercial invoice, value matched to shipping bill
• [ ] Packing list
• [ ] Correct shipping bill type selected (CSB-IV or CSB-V)
• [ ] KYC completed with your courier partner
• [ ] Any category-specific certificate obtained (Kimberley Process, phytosanitary, etc.)
• [ ] Confirmed the goods aren't prohibited or unaddressed-restricted for the destination country

Keep your documentation on file

Retain copies of every shipment's commercial invoice, shipping bill, and any category-specific certificates — both for your own compliance records and because customs authorities can request historical documentation during audits or in the event of a dispute over a specific shipment.