Import Export Business from India 2026 — Complete Guide for NRIs & Kerala Entrepreneurs

April 24, 2026

Import Export Business from India 2026 — Complete Guide

India's merchandise exports crossed USD 450 billion in FY2024 — and Kerala is a significant contributor through spices, seafood, coir, rubber, and handicrafts. For NRIs with global networks and returning entrepreneurs, starting an import-export business from Kerala is one of the most scalable opportunities available in 2026.

Why Import-Export from Kerala?

Kerala's top exports: Spices, seafood, coir, rubber, cashew, handicrafts, ayurvedic products
Strong NRI network in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UK, USA — built-in buyer relationships
Cochin Port — one of India's top container ports
Calicut, Trivandrum, Cochin international airports — air cargo access
Government incentives: RoDTEP, MEIS, APEDA subsidies, export credit

Step 1: Mandatory Registrations

IEC (Import Export Code) — mandatory for all import/export activity
GST Registration — mandatory
APEDA Registration — for agricultural product exports
Company Registration — Pvt Ltd recommended
MPEDA Registration — for seafood exports
Spices Board Registration — for spice exports

Top Kerala Export Products & Markets

Product	Top Markets	Annual Export Value
Spices (cardamom, pepper)	UAE, USA, EU, Saudi Arabia	₹8,000+ Crores
Seafood (prawns, fish)	USA, EU, Japan, China	₹15,000+ Crores
Coir products	USA, EU, Australia	₹3,000+ Crores
Rubber & rubber products	EU, USA, Southeast Asia	₹5,000+ Crores
Cashew	USA, EU, UAE	₹6,000+ Crores
Handicrafts	USA, EU, UAE	₹1,000+ Crores

Step 2: Export Finance

Pre & Post-Shipment Export Finance
ECGC export credit insurance — protects against buyer default
Letter of Credit (LC) — for new international buyers
Business Loans up to ₹10 Crores

Step 3: Logistics & Documentation

Freight forwarder — for customs clearance and shipping
Key documents: Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, phytosanitary certificate
Incoterms: FOB, CIF, DDP — choose based on buyer agreement
HS Code classification — determines duty rates

Step 4: Market Entry Strategy

UAE/Gulf: Leverage NRI network, attend GULFOOD, GITEX
USA: Amazon, Etsy, direct B2B via trade shows (Fancy Food Show, Natural Products Expo)
EU: Organic certification required for premium positioning
APEDA buyer-seller meets — free government-facilitated matchmaking