Is it a must to register your firm as an export firm in india if you sell/export handicraft items online only?

Question

Is it a must to register your firm as an export firm in india if you sell/export handicraft items online only?

Answer 1

Yes, you have to. If yours is a Firm and do Export on Commercial basis, then you have to procure " Import &  Export Code Number " from the Authorities. This is Mandatory, irrespective of whether you Export on line or any other mode.

Further you need to mention this number in all Export documents. This helps you to get any duty draw back facility, offered by the Government. And you are eligible to Import the required raw materials and other inputs, without paying any Import duty to certain amount as prescribed.

Please contact your nearest Chamber of Commerce and The  Handicrafts Export Promotion Council, for know more details and other benefits you get. Use yahoo search to know their address and web page.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Further to mr. Manjunath's answer; to get an IE (Import Export) code, you have to get a letter from your bankers that you hold this account and submit the same to the reserve bank to apply for the IE code. In a matter days you will get the same. After this only you may go for the rest of the procedure with DGFT (Director General of Foreign Trade)