Back to Resources

Trade foundation

Export / Import Process

End-to-end view of how goods, documents, customs records, banking references, and closure systems connect.

Last updated 15 June 2026Reviewed by Saurabh Sharma, Munish Kumar
What it means

A practical view of Export / Import Process

Import-export work is not a single filing. A transaction moves through commercial agreement, document preparation, logistics, customs, banking, and compliance closure. This resource explains the full operating chain so teams can see where each record fits.

How the flow works

  1. 01Business readiness and IEC setup
  2. 02Buyer / seller order confirmation
  3. 03Invoice, packing, and shipment documents
  4. 04Customs filing and cargo movement
  5. 05Bank payment reporting and closure
workflow

Agencies involved across the transaction

A trade file moves between business teams, government systems, logistics partners, customs, and banks.

  1. 1
    Business readiness
  2. 2
    DGFT / IEC
  3. 3
    Customs / ICEGATE
  4. 4
    Logistics partner
  5. 5
    AD Bank
  6. 6
    RBI monitoring

Reviewed context

Grounded by trade, banking, and documentation experience.

Managing Director

Saurabh Sharma

Experienced former banker with 15+ years in trade finance.

Trade finance, AD Bank workflows, export realization, and closure-sensitive banking follow-up.Former bankerView profile
Logistics Partner

Munish Kumar

Logistics professional with more than 35 years of experience.

Shipment documentation, logistics records, transport references, and practical document movement.Logistics professionalView profile

Documents involved

  • IEC
  • Purchase Order
  • Commercial Invoice
  • Packing List
  • Shipping Bill / BOE
  • Bank realization records

Common mismatch points

  • Order, invoice, and shipment values do not align
  • Transport document details differ from customs records
  • Bank references are not mapped to the correct shipment
  • Closure status is tracked separately by different teams

Practical checklist

  • Confirm IEC and AD Bank details before shipment
  • Keep shipment-wise document folders
  • Map each customs record to payment status
  • Review pending closure cases periodically

When to ask for help

  • Your team is unsure where a transaction is stuck
  • Documents, customs records, and bank references are tracked separately
  • Old shipment files need a structured review before follow-up

Next step

Need help mapping the full trade flow?

Share the transaction stage, documents available, and pending issue so the team can suggest the right review path.

Request process guidance

FAQs

Quick answers about Export / Import Process.

What is Export / Import Process?

Import-export work is not a single filing. A transaction moves through commercial agreement, document preparation, logistics, customs, banking, and compliance closure. This resource explains the full operating chain so teams can see where each record fits.

Which documents are involved in Export / Import Process?

IEC, Purchase Order, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Shipping Bill / BOE, Bank realization records

When should a business ask for help with Export / Import Process?

Your team is unsure where a transaction is stuck Documents, customs records, and bank references are tracked separately Old shipment files need a structured review before follow-up

WhatsApp support