In the world of export-import, each shipment counts. And you cannot afford to make any “uninformed investment”. So, if you have any doubt or a question, ask us. Our team of experts at The Dollar Business Intelligence Unit will be happy to answer your queries. Your question(s), if approved, will also be published on www.thedollarbusiness.com, and/or in forthcoming issue of
The Dollar Business

We have been into trading of construction materials since 1962. We now want to export ceramic tiles, sanitary products, paints and hardware to African countries. How can we contact potential buyers and agents in Africa? (Ali Asger, Founder, M. J. Exports, [email protected], +91-9167964XXX)

Dear Ali: We are happy to hear of your decision to head into the world of foreign trade. First of all, you need to obtain an Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) from the DGFT. An IEC is a 10-digit number allotted to a person that is mandatory for undertaking any export/import activities. Application for obtaining IEC can be filed online on the DGFT website. The manual mode of applications for fresh IEC issuance or IEC modification has ceased to exist since April 1, 2016. DGFT now only accepts online applications for IEC issuance or modification and requires only three documents: (i) PAN; (ii) Cancelled cheque bearing entity’s pre-printed name or Bank Certificate; and (iii) Digital Photograph (3X3 cm). All you need to ensure is that details filled in the application should match with details in the uploaded documents. Having said that, an online application for IEC however, can only be made using Digital Signature Certificate (DSC; Class II type). You can type the following URL in your browser – www.thedollarbusiness.com/memberships and subscribe to TDB Grow Programme that gives you a Dedicated Account Manager who ensures that your applications for both Digital Certificates and Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) is hassle-free.
When it comes to identifying potential buyers in these countries, you can approach your concerned export promotion council – Chemical and Allied Export Promotion Council of India (CAPEXIL) – for assistance or directly reach out to potential buyers by posting your product information on https://in.thedollarbusiness.com/marketplace. From discovering the best markets to source from or supply to, to overcoming statutory and procedural challenges with respect to exports-imports documentation, to identifying the right logistics partners, The Dollar Business International Marketplace understands all your requirements and accordingly connects you with the right market and partners so that you can make a fortune out of foreign trade. In case you have further queries, do write back to us.

Response by: Steven Philip Warner, President (VMPL) & Editor-in-Chief, The Dollar Business

Our company is into manufacturing of printed labels (self-adhesive), both in sheet and roll forms. We are also producing pizza boxes consisting of 3 ply (food grade). Can you kindly let us know the export potential of the aforesaid products? And also which countries make for a lucrative market? (Sunit Jain, CEO, PD Fluted Cartons, Hyderabad, Telangana, [email protected], +91-9246540XXX)

Dear Sunit: We assume you are interested in exporting self-adhesive labels falling under HS Code: 48114100 and pizza boxes made out of paper board or corrugated card board falling under HS Code: 48191010. While the top five export markets for India for the product falling under HS Code: 48114100 are South Africa, UAE, Kenya, Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh, and in that order (interestingly however, just the top three markets – South Africa, UAE and Kenya – accounted for close to 75% of India’s exports of the said category in CY2015), Ghana, UAE, Nepal, USA and Kenya are the top five markets for India for the product falling under HS Code: 48191010. Further, while India’s exports of the product falling under HS Code: 48114100 registered a 6.83% y-o-y decline in CY2015, exports of products falling under HS Code: 48191010 witnessed a 13.28% y-o-y jump in CY2015.

More of such pure, researched data is available to members of The Dollar Business Grow Programme. (You can read more on TDB Membership Programme on https://in.thedollarbusiness.com/memberships). Besides detailed product/product group reports, TDB Grow Programme members get access to unique advanced intelligence features like Heat Map, Opportunity Index, Competition Index, Pricing Index, Export Incentive Calculations, estimated freight rates, trade fairs related to your product/product group, World Consumption Pattern, SWOT Analysis, names of recommended ports, etc. – all such compilation of researched facts that make for a tailor-made solution for an inspired and determined entrepreneur like you. In case our assumptions about intended export products isn’t exact, please write to us. The Dollar Business Intelligence Unit would like to hear from you.

Response by: Manish K. Pandey, Editor, The Dollar Business

We are a manufacturer of chlorhexidine base and have been catering to the domestic market so far. We now want to export the product. How do I set up an export business and find overseas buyers for my product? (Maulik, Managing Director, Moradiya Chemicals, [email protected], +91-9727176XXX)

Dear Maulik: First of all, you need to obtain an Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) from the DGFT. An IEC is a 10-digit number allotted to a person that is mandatory for undertaking any export/import activities. DGFT only accepts online applications for IEC issuance or modification and requires only three documents: (i) PAN; (ii) Cancelled cheque bearing entity’s pre-printed name or Bank Certificate; and (iii) Digital Photograph (3X3 cm). All you need to ensure is that details filled in the application should match with details in the uploaded documents. Having said that, an online application for IEC however, can only be made using Digital Signature Certificate (DSC; Class II type). You can type the following URL in your browser – www.thedollarbusiness.com/memberships and subscribe to The Dollar Business Grow Programme that gives you a Dedicated Account Manager who ensures that your applications for both Digital Certificates and Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) is hassle-free.
When it comes to identifying potential buyers in these countries, you can approach your concerned export promotion council – Chemical and Allied Export Promotion Council of India (CAPEXIL) – for assistance or directly reach out to potential buyers by posting your product information on https://in.thedollarbusiness.com/marketplace. Since you desire to venture into the world of foreign trade, we would also suggest you to take TDB Export Potential Test to evaluate how ready you are to take the plunge into a world of business that’s wide and exciting!

Response by: Indranil Das Executive Editor, The Dollar Business

I want to start my export business. I have no idea about exports. How do I start? (Anik Singh, Proprietor, JMS Sales Corporation, [email protected], +91-9860777XXX)

Dear Anik: You will have to start by obtaining an Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) from the DGFT. You can obtain by filing an online application on the DGFT website or subscribe to TDB Grow Programme (www.thedollarbusiness.com/grow) that can assist you in maximising opportunities in exports of the product of your choice. It wouldn’t be more correct to say that the Grow Programme is tailor-made for you and your business. From applying for your Importer-Exporter Code (IEC), Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) and assisting you with advanced, actionable, and useful analytics derived from impeccable and priceless research on exports of the product of your choice from The Dollar Business Intelligence Unit, a dedicated team at The Dollar Business will do the hard work for you.

Response by: Dr. A. K. Sengupta, Chief Consulting Editor, The Dollar Business