The Only Guide You'll Need on How to Sell Globally from India

To sell globally from India, you need to choose an in-demand product, pick an online platform like Etsy or Amazon Global, get your essential paperwork like the Import Export Code (IEC), find a reliable shipping partner, and set up a way to receive international payments like PayPal or Payoneer. This guide breaks down every single step.

Let me guess. You've built something special—a product you're proud of, with a loyal local following. But there’s a little voice in your head that keeps whispering, "What if my market wasn't just my city, but the entire world?"

It's not a daydream. I've seen it happen time and again: a small workshop in Jaipur selling handcrafted bags in London, a family business in Kerala shipping organic spices to New York. The old idea that only massive corporations can 'go global' is officially dead.

This is your playbook. Forget the confusing jargon and endless Google searches. Here’s a straight-talking guide to get you from local seller to global brand, right from your home in India.

Before you do anything else, you need to be sure someone overseas actually wants your product. Don't just guess. Do a little homework.

• Play Detective on Google Trends: This is your secret weapon. Go to Google Trends and compare search terms. Don't search "handicrafts"; search "boho wall decor" or "minimalist leather tote" and filter the results for the USA or UK. The insights are pure gold.

• Spy on the Big Marketplaces: Spend an afternoon on Amazon.com (use a US pin code like 10001) and Etsy. What are other Indian sellers succeeding with? What are the reviews saying? This is free market research!

• Focus on Your "Sweet Spot": The products that do best internationally usually are: • Light & Tough: Shipping is your biggest variable cost. Heavy or fragile items are a headache for beginners. • Unmistakably Indian: Your competitive edge is authenticity. Textiles, unique craftsmanship, and artisanal goods are what people are looking for. • Low-Hassle: Avoid things with tons of import restrictions (like certain foods or cosmetics) to start.

Step 2: Choose Your Digital Storefront

This is where your customers will find you. You don't need to build a fancy website right away. Leverage platforms that already have millions of buyers.

My advice? For those with standardized products, our Amazon Global management services can help you navigate the complexity.

Step 3: The "Scary" Paperwork (It's Not That Bad, I Promise)

Deep breaths. This is the part that scares everyone off, but it's really just a simple checklist.

• 1. Get Your IEC (Import Export Code): This is a 10-digit number from the DGFT. It is non-negotiable. You cannot export commercially without it. You can apply for it online, and it’s a one-time thing.
• 2. Get a GSTIN: While exports are technically "zero-rated," you'll need a GSTIN to file the necessary paperwork (a Letter of Undertaking or LUT) that lets you export without paying GST upfront. It also allows you to claim back the GST you paid on your materials.
• 3. Get an AD Code: This is an Authorized Dealer code you get from the bank where you have a current account. You need to register it at the port to clear your shipments. It’s a simple form your bank will give you.

Step 4: Shipping Without Losing Your Shirt

This is your physical link to your customer. It needs to be reliable and affordable.

• • For Small/Light Packages (<2kg): This is a 10-digit number from the DGFT. It is non-negotiable. You cannot export commercially without it. You can apply for it online, and it’s a one-time thing.
• • For Larger/Faster Shipments: Use a shipping aggregator like Shiprocket X or Ecom-express. They plug into all the major couriers (DHL, FedEx, Aramex) and let you compare the best price for every single shipment in real-time. It’s a game-changer.
• • The Customs Duty Talk: : Be brutally honest with your customer. State clearly in your shop policies that the buyer is responsible for any customs duties or import taxes in their country. A surprise customs bill is the fastest way to get a bad review.

You could add a phrase like "Our logistics solutions can help...

Step 5: Getting Paid (The Fun Part!)

You need a simple, secure way to accept foreign currency.

• • PayPal: Everyone knows it, everyone trusts it. It’s the easiest way to start accepting international payments immediately.
• • Payoneer: My personal favorite for when you scale. They give you virtual bank accounts in the US, UK, and EU, so you can receive money like a local and avoid terrible exchange rates when you convert it back to rupees.

You could add a phrase like "Our logistics solutions can help...

Your Global Journey Starts Now

Go get it.
Your Questions Answered: The Stuff Everyone Asks

Q1: Do I really need to build a website to sell internationally?

A: Absolutely not. In fact, I'd recommend you don't start with your own website. Jump onto a marketplace like Etsy or Amazon Global first. They handle all the complicated tech and payment stuff for you, and—most importantly—they already have millions of customers looking for products. Think of it as setting up a stall in a famous, busy market instead of building your own shop from scratch.

Q2: What's the secret to cheap international shipping from India?

A:This one's a two-part answer, and it can save you a ton of money.

• 1. For anything small and light (under 2 kg), don't overlook India Post. Their International Speed Post service is a hidden gem and almost always your cheapest bet. It's surprisingly reliable for getting started.
• 2. For anything bigger or urgent, your best friend is a shipping aggregator like Shiprocket X. They instantly compare rates from all the big guys (DHL, FedEx, etc.) so you can pick the cheapest one for that specific order without doing all the work yourself.

Q3: The GST thing is confusing. Do I actually need it to export?

A: Okay, the dreaded GST question. The short answer: yes, you should absolutely get a GSTIN. is

Here's why, in plain English: While you don't have to pay GST on exports, having a GSTIN lets you file a simple document called a Letter of Undertaking (LUT). This LUT is your golden ticket—it allows you to export without having to pay any tax upfront.

Without it, you’d have to pay the tax first and then go through the headache of claiming it back as a refund. Trust me, just get the GSTIN. It makes life infinitely easier.