Shipping from India: Guide to Documents & Restrictions
Ports & Routes
Planning international shipping from India? This guide explains document requirements, and common restrictions for different shipment types, product categories for the exports from India.
The rules that matter, mapped to your product and shipment type, ensuring faster Indian customs clearance.
Product Categories
- General: Clothing, books, non-restricted electronics, etc.
- Medicinal: Medicines, medical supplies, healthcare products.
- Food: Packaged foods and edibles.
- Chemicals: Industrial/lab chemicals (including non-DG).
Requirements & Restrictions by Scenario
C2C — Consumer to Consumer
| Product | Requirements | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| General | - Invoice - Packing List if multiple shipments - KYC (Aadhar + PAN) | — |
| Medicinal | - Original doctor’s prescription (< 3 months old) - Original purchase bill | Not allowed into European countries. |
| Food | - Only branded, FSSAI-approved with purchase bill; max 20 kg. | Not allowed into Germany. |
| Chemicals | - Not allowed. | — |
B2B — Business to Business (incl. Business Samples)
| Product | Requirements | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| General | - Invoice - Packing List if multiple - KYC (GST, IEC, PAN) - AD Code - LUT - Last shipping bill | — |
| Medicinal | - Original doctor’s prescription (< 3 months old) - Original purchase bill | Not allowed into European countries. |
| Food | - Only branded, FSSAI-approved with purchase bill; max 20 kg. | Not allowed into Germany. |
| Chemicals | - Invoice - Packing List if multiple - KYC (GST, IEC, PAN) - MSDS (Non-DG 66 Edition) | — |
Exporter / Commercial Shipments
| Product | Requirements | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| General | - Invoice - Packing List - AD Code Letter - LUT - KYC (GST, IEC, PAN) - Purchase bill (if applicable) - Additional approvals may be required for jewellery, wooden items, brass items & paintings | — |
| Medicinal | - Invoice - Packing List - AD Code Letter - LUT - KYC (GST, IEC, PAN) - MSDS - Purchase Bill - Non-DG - Phyto Certificate - COA - FSSAI Certificate with product list, Manufacturing Licence - SHEFIXIL | — |
| Food | - Invoice - Packing List - AD Code Letter - LUT - KYC (GST, IEC, PAN) - FSSAI Certificate | — |
| Chemicals | - Invoice - Packing List - KYC (GST, IEC, PAN) - MSDS (Non-DG 66 Edition) - Manufacturing License | — |
C2B — Consumer to Business
| Product | Requirements | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| General | - Invoice - Packing List if multiple shipments - KYC (Aadhar + PAN) | — |
| Medicinal | - Original doctor’s prescription (< 3 months old) - Original purchase bill | Not allowed into European countries. |
| Food | - Allowed max 20 kg. | Not allowed into Germany. |
B2C — Business to Consumer
| Product | Requirements | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| General | - Invoice - Packing List if multiple shipments - KYC (GST, IEC, PAN) | — |
| Medicinal | - Original doctor’s prescription (< 3 months old) - Original purchase bill | — |
| Food | - Allowed max 20 kg. | Not allowed into Germany. |
Document Descriptions
Invoice: Commercial or proforma invoice stating item, quantity, and value.
Packing List: Contents, weight, and dimensions of each package.
KYC: Aadhar (individual ID), PAN (tax ID), plus GST and IEC for businesses.
AD Code Letter: Authorized Dealer Code from a bank enabling customs to link your shipments to a valid export account.
LUT: Letter of Undertaking for exports without IGST payment.
MSDS (Non‑DG 66 Edition): Material Safety Data Sheet confirming hazard classification and handling for non-dangerous goods.
Phyto Certificate: Phytosanitary certificate for plant/biological items as required.
COA: Certificate of Analysis describing composition and quality details.
FSSAI Certificate: Registration/license for food products from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.
Manufacturing License: Proof the exporter is licensed to manufacture the goods (where applicable).
SHEFIXIL: Special export/health compliance as required by product type (if applicable).
Key Tips for Shippers
- Confirm destination‑country restrictions before booking (EU medicine limits; Germany food limits).
- Keep soft copies of all documents (invoice, packing list, KYC) ready for customs queries.
- Label packages clearly and use sturdy, tamper‑evident packaging.
- For chemicals, attach the correct MSDS and ensure classification is Non‑DG if applicable.
- Ensure AD Code and LUT are valid and linked to the correct port or customs location.
Related Articles
