Export essentials
Posted on Sep 5, 2025
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates, insights, and tips delivered straight to your inbox.
Key Takeaways:
Every exporter needs an Import Export Code (IEC) and correct HS codes, plus adherence to US regulations like FDA, USDA, and FTC to avoid shipment delays or penalties.
India’s strongest export categories to the USA include textiles, pharma, gems, IT hardware/software, packaged foods, and handicrafts.
You can directly reach US customers through platforms like Amazon, Etsy, Walmart, and Shopify. However, you need to focus on branding and compliance.
Exporters should factor in freight, duties, insurance, currency volatility, and incoterms to decide export pricing. Keep a buffer of 2–5% to ensure protection from unexpected costs.
Traditional SWIFT and bank wires are slow and costly. Modern platforms like Infinity help exporters receive USD payments faster, at real-time FX rates, with minimal fees.
Thinking about exporting your products from India to the USA but not sure where to start? The United States is India’s top export destination, with shipments crossing $115 billion in FY 2024–25 and the demand only keeps growing. From textiles and IT services to packaged foods and gems, American buyers are actively sourcing from India.
But you need to consider regulations, tariffs, hidden costs, and payment complexities for export from India to the USA.
In this guide, we’ll help tell you all about compliance and top export categories to costs, tariffs, and payment methods, plus insights from exporters already selling successfully in the US market.
Things to Do Before Starting Exporting to the USA
Here’s a detailed checklist of things you need to manage before shipping exports to USA:
1. Get Import Export Code (IEC) from DGFT
The Import Export Code (IEC) is mandatory for every exporter in India, regardless of business size. Without it, customs authorities will not clear your shipments.
You can apply for it online through the DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) portal. The process is usually quick and it takes a few working days to be completed.
Freelancers and small businesses often hesitate thinking IEC is only for large companies. But even if you’re a single-person startup exporting handmade crafts on Etsy, IEC is mandatory.
2. Identify the correct HS codes for your products
Every product that you export worldwide is classified under an HS (Harmonised System) code. This code determines the applicable duties, USA customs clearance and whether your product requires special permissions.
For example, exporting handmade silver jewelry falls under a different HS code compared to exporting pharma capsules. And hence, the tariffs will vary significantly. Using the wrong code could mean your goods will be stopped or fined at customs.
3. Understand USA import regulations
You also need to know U.S. import regulations for your product so the shipment isn't “detained for inspection.” These include the following:
FDA (Food & Drug Administration): Anything consumable (foods, beverages, cosmetics, medicines).
USDA (US Department of Agriculture): Agricultural produce, organic food, seeds.
FTC (Federal Trade Commission): Labeling rules, “Made in India” marking, packaging claims.
Always consult a compliance expert or to learn about US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) guidelines related to your product.
Here’s what a Reddit user says about tackling USA customs:
Source: Reddit Post
4. Decide your export model
You can sell products to the USA using any of the three business models:
Direct export: Sell directly to a USA buyer or retailer. While this involves higher margins, you’ll have to do more compliance work.
Distributor model: Supply bulk to a USA-based distributor who resells. This gives you a lower margin, but a safer entry route.
eCommerce: Platforms like Amazon, Etsy, and Shopify are the fastest-growing routes in 2025. Many exporters start with eCommerce before expanding into larger B2B contracts.
5. Get your banking and Forex setup right
Many exporters tend to overlook this step, but the way you set up your banking and foreign exchange (FX) accounts can make the difference between protecting your profits and quietly losing them.
To get it right, ensure registration under FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act) compliance. Next, familiarise yourself with LRS (Liberalised Remittance Scheme) rules for international transactions.
You also need to open a business account to receive export payments from the USA. If you are exporting to different countries and want to manage your payments in one place, open a multicurrency bank account. However, if you are just receiving international payments in USD, you can open a virtual account in the USA.
This helps you receive payments faster than international wire transfers.
Top Items to Export from India to USA
Let’s see some of the best export business ideas for the USA market.
Textiles & garments
India’s textile heritage continues to dominate USA imports. Cotton garments, silk fabrics, ethnic wear, and home furnishings are perennial favorites. USA buyers, especially retailers like Target, Walmart, and Amazon sellers, are sourcing more sustainably made fabrics from India as “eco-friendly fashion” is trending.
According to the United Nations COMTRADE database, India exported textile and worn clothing worth $2.90 B (₹256.2 billion approx.) to the USA in 2024.
Pharmaceuticals & ayurveda products
There is also a consistent growth of Indian generic medicines, APIs (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients), and Ayurveda-inspired supplements in the USA.
Demand for these products in the USA nutraceuticals market has been growing at a CAGR of 5.1%, reflecting the increasing global shift toward natural health and wellness solutions.
Jewelry, gems & precious stones
The USA continues to be India’s largest market for gems and jewelry. From fine diamonds to handcrafted silver pieces, Indian exports enjoy consistently strong demand. At the same time, handmade ethnic jewelry is gaining traction on platforms like Etsy and Shopify, where independent designers and freelancers are successfully scaling direct-to-consumer exports.
IT Hardware & Software Services
The Indian IT landscape now includes hardware and SaaS solutions, making the sector more diverse than ever. The USA alone contributes nearly $80 billion in FY 2024–25.
Products like laptops, tablets, and semiconductors manufactured under the Make in India initiative are steadily gaining traction. Meanwhile, niche SaaS startups are making inroads into the USA small and mid-sized business market, powered by cost-efficient, India-based development hubs.
Spices, packaged foods & organic produce
The appetite for Indian flavors in the USA is stronger than ever, fueled by growing multicultural food choices. In 2024 alone, India exported $1.8 billion worth of spices worldwide, with the US emerging as the top buyer.
There was a 15% increase in demand for ready-to-eat Indian foods, mostly supported by platforms such as Amazon Fresh. Organic exports are also increasing, with turmeric, chia, amla, and herbal teas leading the way (up 19% by 2024).
Handicrafts & furniture
40% of India’s handicraft exports go to the USA, where they are valued for their originality and cultural appeal. From elaborately carved wooden décor to environmentally friendly furniture, craftsmen are increasingly interacting with worldwide clients.
Popular e-Commerce Platforms for Exporting to the USA
eCommerce has become the fastest gateway for Indian exporters to reach the US market. Unlike traditional channels that depend on distributors, online marketplaces allow even small sellers to connect directly with American buyers.
Here’s some of the most popular eCommerce options in 2025:
1. Amazon Global Selling
Amazon remains the go-to platform for Indian exporters aiming at the USA market, offering access to over 300 million customers worldwide.
It is ideally suited for textiles, packaged foods, consumer goods, and lifestyle products. However, sellers face fierce competition and strict category clearance requirements, making differentiation important.
You can manage a local warehouse in the USA for smooth shipments. Here’s what a Reddit user says about using Amazon to export products to USA from India.
Source: Reddit Post
2. Etsy
Etsy is the ideal marketplace for artisans and small businesses who specialise in handmade, vintage, or environmentally friendly products.
Etsy consumers in the United States value authenticity and will often pay a premium for craftsmanship, making it excellent for jewellery, home décor, handicrafts, and art.
Success is primarily dependent on branding, product photography, and storytelling. Sellers who highlight artisan stories or sustainable sourcing frequently have higher engagement and return consumers.
3. eBay
Despite Amazon's dominance, eBay continues to attract millions of US customers, notably for electronics, collectibles, accessories, and reconditioned products. It has lower entry barriers than Amazon, making it an ideal choice for testing products in modest quantities.
However, eBay lacks the brand-building features that sites like Shopify and Etsy provide. Many businesses use it as a stepping stone before moving to larger platforms.
4. Walmart Marketplace
Walmart Marketplace is rapidly growing into the second-largest USA eCommerce platform, supported by Walmart’s massive offline and online customer base.
It’s particularly strong for categories like apparel, home essentials, electronics, and furniture. While the potential is huge, onboarding is tough so sellers need strong compliance records and approvals before listing.
5. Shopify
For sellers who want complete control, Shopify is the best choice. It allows you to build your own branded store, integrate international payments, and sell directly to US customers. This approach is ideal for direct-to-consumer(D2C) and niche products, but it demands marketing and fulfillment commitment.
Combining Shopify with partners such as ShipBob or FedEx Cross-Border can streamline logistics and ensure a flawless delivery from India to USA customers.
6. B2B Platforms
B2B platforms are a better solution for bulk exporting. Alibaba, IndiaMART, and TradeIndia help Indian exporters interact with wholesalers, importers, and retailers in the United States.
These platforms are ideal for textiles, raw materials, and industrial items, as they allow for huge volume orders with fewer transactions. The trade-off is strong pricing competition and few prospects for brand development.
How to Price Export Items for the USA?
All Underlying Costs
Your ex-factory price is only the beginning. To get the real cost, you also need to factor in production expenses (materials, labor, overheads), logistics like freight, packaging, and warehousing, plus customs duties, port charges, insurance (around 0.5% of product value), and compliance fees for certifications such as FDA or USDA.
Who pays what?
Misunderstandings around incoterms can eat into margins. With FOB, you deliver to the port and the buyer handles the rest.
Under CIF, you cover shipping and insurance to the US port. DDP means you take care of everything to the buyer’s doorstep offering transparency but shifting all risk onto you.
Many US buyers prefer DDP because it shows full landed cost upfront, but it requires careful pricing to protect your profit.
Benchmark against USA retail prices
Always compare your pricing to what USA consumers already pay. Tools like Amazon Seller Central, Etsy insights, and Jungle Scout provide realistic ranges. A safe rule: your export price plus charges should not exceed 50% of the USA retail value.
For instance, if cotton bedsheets retail at $40, your landed export price should be around $15–$18 to allow room for retailer margins.
Currency volatility
The USD-INR has averaged ₹84.5 per USD in August 2025 (RBI), but fluctuations of 2–3% per month are common. A small dip can wipe out lakhs in profit if you quote in USD but settle in INR.
Many larger exporters hedge through forward contracts, while smaller players often absorb the hit. One small exporter even reported losing ₹3 lakhs on a single order due to a $1.5 shift in the exchange rate.
Add a profit buffer
Never price at the bare minimum cost. A 2-5% margin buffer protects you from unanticipated increases in freight expenses, unexpected customs duties, and currency fluctuations.
How Much Does Exporting to the USA Cost?
Key components:
Documentation: $200–$1000 (FDA, BIS, Export forms).
Shipping: Sea freight ($90 per cubic meter) vs. Air freight ($4–$8/kg).
Customs duties & port charges: 5–25% depending on HS code.
Insurance: ~0.5% of invoice value.
Warehouse storage: $1–$2 per sq. ft/month in the USA.
Marketplace fees: Amazon charges 8–15% + shipping.
How to Receive Payments from USA Buyers?
For years, most professionals relied on SWIFT transfers, bank wires, or PayPal. While these channels are widely recognised, they come with serious downsides including high conversion fees with a 2–4% markup on foreign exchange rates, eating into your hard-earned income.
Additionally, international wires can take anywhere between 3 to 7 business days to reflect in your account with compliance checks, intermediary banks, or unclear paperwork can often stall or hold back transfers. This means you spend more time worrying about your money than focusing on your clients.
The good news? Today, new-age cross-border payment platforms like Infinity make international payment faster, more transparent, and often significantly cheaper than traditional banking routes.
With Infinity:
Get paid like a local with USD, GBP, EUR, AUD, and 160+ supported currencies.
Get your funds credited in your account within 1 business day.
Get instant INR settlements. Transfer your international earnings to your Indian bank account quickly and securely, avoiding long SWIFT delays.
You are charged a 0.5% fee, 0% FX markup, and no hidden charges.
You are automatically provided with every withdrawal for compliance and tax purposes.
All transfers move through RBI-authorised AD-1 banks with industry-grade encryption.
Track invoices, monitor real-time FX rates, and manage all your payments from one intuitive dashboard.
Conclusion
Exporting to the USA in 2025 is a huge opportunity for Indian businesses. Demand is strong across multiple categories, and eCommerce is making it easier than ever for new exporters to enter the market. Indian exporters may scale quicker while maintaining revenues by taking the proper approach and partnering with reliable logistics and payment providers. Furthermore, tools like Infinity's cross-border payment solutions make it simple to receive USD payments, convert at real-time rates, and avoid hidden fees.
Don’t let margins slip, export smarter with Infinity!
FAQs
What documents are required to export from India to the USA?
IEC, commercial invoices, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, FDA or USDA certifications (where applicable).
Which Indian products are in high demand in the USA?
Textiles, gems, pharma, IT services, organic foods, and handicrafts.
How much does it cost to export to the USA from India?
On average, 20–25% of invoice value is spent on logistics, duties, and compliance.
How can Indian exporters receive payments from the USA?
Via bank transfers, SWIFT, PayPal, or cross-border platforms like Infinity.
What are the current tariffs on Indian exports to the USA?
Most goods face 0–5% tariffs, but pharma averages 4.2% and some processed foods up to 10%.
