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 are a manufacturer of thermocouple sheets and are currently selling it in the domestic market. We now plan to start manufacturing plastic food containers and plastic granules through recycling process. We would like to export these products to Gulf countries and have already applied for an IEC. Are there any restrictions on import of these products in gulf countries? Please guide. (Karthik Puli, General Manager, Vinayaka Polymers, [email protected], +91- 8885187XXX)

Dear Karthik: We assume you are interested in exporting plastic granules falling under HS Code 39011090 and plastics food containers falling under HS Code 39241090 to UAE, India’s biggest trade partner in the Gulf region. Both products have good prospects in UAE – while India’s exports under HS Code: 39241090 to UAE in CY2015 were to the tune of $8.07 million (up from $4.04 million in CY2014), India exported products worth $2.24 million under HS Code: 39011090 to UAE in CY2015. There is no restriction on import of these products in UAE. However, please ensure your export consignments meet the quality standards set by authorities in UAE. In case our assumption about the intended import product and country isn’t exact, please write to us. The Dollar Business Intelligence Unit would like to hear from you.

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

We would like to export HPL Exterior Cladding, which we manufacture in our factory in India, to Middle East and other surrounding regions. Please let us know more about the scope of exporting this product. (Sneha, Export Coordinator, Samrat Plywood Limited, [email protected], +91- 9501021XXX)

Dear Sneha: We assume you want to export HPL Exterior Cladding falling under HS Code: 48239019. While India’s biggest export destination for products falling under the said HS Code is Singapore, the country has also been significantly supplying to UAE and Saudi Arabia in the Middle East and the exports have been only rising to these countries over the last few years. In case you want a detailed report on the potential of your product across a particular geography or market, you can type the following URL in your browser: https://in.thedollarbusiness.com/programmes and subscribe to one of the several programmes that The Dollar Business offers. Under these membership programmes, The Dollar Business will not only analyse the export-import potential of the product of your choice but will also provide you with tools that will ensure your EXIM business operates more efficiently.

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

I have applied for an Importer Exporter Code (IEC) on DGFT website. However, I am still confused when it comes to providing proof of address. Actually, I don’t have an electricity bill or sale deed on my name. These documents have my father’s name on them. So, I decided to furnish rent agreement as address proof. However, I am still confused if I furnish rent /lease agreement as proof of address, do I have to submit a copy of owner’s electricity bill as well? Please guide. (Mohammad Junaid, Proprietor, MJS eSTORE, [email protected], +91-9990962XXX)

Dear Junaid: The manual mode of applications for fresh IEC issuance or IEC modification cease 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 & III). You can type the following URL in your browser: https://in.thedollarbusiness.com/programmes and subscribe to one of the several programmes that The Dollar Business platform offers to ensure that getting started with foreign trade is just a glide for you!

Response by: Indranil Das Executive Editor, The Dollar Business

We have recently started human hair export business. How can we find overseas buyers? (Vikraman, Manager, M. K. Enterprises, [email protected], +91- 9940261XXX)

Dear Vikraman: You can approach your concerned association – Indian Hair and Hair Products Manufacturers and Exporters Association of India – for assistance or directly reach out to potential buyers by posting your product information on https://in.thedollarbusiness.com/international-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, 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. A story on Indian human hair industry was featured in The Dollar Business magazine’s October 2014 issue. The feature received an overwhelming feedback from the industry. You can read the story by typing the following URL in your browser https://in.thedollarbusiness.com/magazine/export-temples-of-india/5960 to have a better understanding of the human hair exports business and its potential across overseas markets. In case you have further queries, do write back to us. It’s always great to meet exporters of non-conventional products!

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

We are a manufacturer of cotton bales and are currently selling them in domestic market. We are now planning to export the product. How can we find overseas buyers? We already have an IEC. (Sandeep Kumar Nagula, Director, Thirumala Modern Cotton Ginning Mill, [email protected], +91- 8897421XXX)

Dear Sandeep: You can approach your concerned EPC – Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (Texprocil) – for assistance or directly reach out to potential buyers by posting your product information on https://in.thedollarbusiness.com/international-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, 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, The Dollar Business Intelligence Unit would like to hear from you. Your question means a lot to us.

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