Export Basics: What Cannot Be Exported from India?

Starting an export business is exciting, but you must know the rules. Many people ask: What cannot be exported from India? and Is export buying or selling? Let us clear up these basics.

Is Export Buying or Selling?

Exporting is simply selling goods from your home country (India) to a buyer in another country. Importing is when you buy goods from another country and bring them into India.

What Cannot Be Exported from India?

The Indian government has a "Prohibited Items" list. You cannot export these items under any circumstances to protect national security, wildlife, and the environment. Some examples include:

• Wild animals, their parts, and ivory.
• Sandalwood (in its raw timber form).
• Certain ancient antiques and historical artifacts.
• Specific endangered plants and rare bird species.

Always check the DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) website to ensure your product is freely exportable.

Which Type of Company is Best for Export Business?

If you are wondering how to start a small export business, you do not need a big corporation. The best and easiest company type for a beginner is a Sole Proprietorship or a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP). A Proprietorship is the cheapest and fastest to set up—you just need a GST number and a current bank account to get your Import Export Code (IEC).