Step-by-Step Guide to Export Footwear from India

India's high-quality leather shoes to synthetic shoes are liked by everyone. Countries like Europe, The USA, Africa, the Middle East, and Australia are all the importers of footwear from Indian exporters. India has emerged as one of the fastest-expanding exporters in the international footwear market. Indian producers are selling to the leading fashion houses, retail chains, and online brands in various countries .

Due to increasing demand in the global market, government incentives, export promotion, and GST refunds, the footwear export business in India is a lucrative venture for both the manufacturing firms, wholesaling firms, and new entrepreneurs.

Footwear Export Trends from India

As the Council for Leather Exports (CLE) says, the footwear that India exports is valued in billions every year, and the figures keep increasing. Indian footwear is on the rise owing to:

• Skilled craftsmanship
• Competitive pricing
• Availability of quality leather.
• Modern manufacturing technology.

The increase in this demand is towards ethical and environmentally friendly shoes, vegan leather, and sustainable shoes, which provide new opportunities to exporters.

Why Export Footwear from India?

Indian producers of footwear get several advantages which makes India the second-largest footwear producer in the world, hence a competitive sourcing hub. India is the best destination to be an exporter because of:

• India’s skilled labour and decades of craftsmanship.
• It's easy to get raw material in India, like leather, supplied by such hubs as Kanpur, Agra, and Chennai.
• Several Incentives by the government, such as RoDTEP, Duty Drawback, EPCG, and GST Refunds.
• Good logistics network to deliver internationally.

Example: One of the manufacturers based in Agra sold handmade leather shoes in the UAE through e-commerce. In one year, the exports increased by 170%, as the repeat orders of the online customers were high.

Types of Footwear Exported from India

Depending on the production capacity and the demand in the market, exporters have a great variety of products to offer:

• Leather shoes
• Footwear fashion for men and women.
• Safety and industrial footwear
• Sports shoes & sneakers
• Sandals, chappals, and slippers.
• PU, EVA, and PVC light footwear.
• Kids footwear
• Eco-shoes and vegan leather.

Providing different varieties of Footwear enables exporters to meet the high and unique demand of customers around the world.

Top Countries to Export Footwear From India

Some major markets for Footwear Exported from India are:

Knowing buyer preferences before exporting will facilitate better positioning of products.

Required Documents for Footwear Exports

Exportation of the footwear needs compliance and documentation, including:

• Import Export Code (IEC)
• GST Registration
• Registration with the Council of Leather Exports (CLE).
• RCMC (Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate)
• Commercial Invoice and Packing List.
• AD Code Registration
• Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
• FSSAI certification, where necessary.
• Phytosanitary certificate (natural leather) or material certificate (natural leather).
• Certificate of Origin
• Insurance documents

Countries, too, need product testing and labelling compliance with material and safety standards.

How to Export Footwear from India - Step by Step

Step 1: Register as an Exporter

Get IEC, GST, and CLE memberships.

Step 2: Identify Your Market

Demand in the research, competition charges, certification, and expectations by the buyer.

Step 3: Development and Quality Testing of the product.

Take advantage of export-grading materials and adhere to international standards of sizing, weight, and packaging.

Step 4: Packaging and labelling.

Be sure to state on your package:

• Material type (Leather, PU, EVA)
• Size chart
• Country of origin
• Care instructions

In the EU and the USA, recycled and friendly packaging is being greatly appreciated.

Step 5: List on B2B and Global Marketplaces.

Some of these trendy sites are:

• Alibaba
• Amazon Global Selling
• IndiaMART International
• TradeIndia
• Made-In-India Portal

Step 6: Shipping and Logistics

Collaborate with a freight forwarder on:

• HS Code for footwear (6403, 6404, 6402, etc.)
• Transport mode (Air or Sea)
• Customs compliance

Step 7: Claim Export Benefits

Exporters can apply for:

• RoDTEP benefits
• Duty Drawback
• EPCG scheme

Grow Your Working Capital using Export GST Refund.

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Conclusion

Footwear exportation in India has massive potential, supported by the growing demand in the world market, mastery of the art, and government subsidies. Exporters can grow fast and create a lucrative footwear business with the appropriate documentation, compliance, and refund management.

Start your shoes exportation journey now - and enter into one of the most rapidly expanding businesses in the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I export shoes from India?
Yes. Any person who has an IEC, GST registration, and compliance documents can be able to export footwear to any other part of the world.

2. What are the countries that import Indian footwear?
The key markets are the USA, UAE, UK, Europe, Australia, and Africa.

4. Is there a requirement for leather shoe export certifications?
Yes, depending on the destination. Such certifications as CLE approval, labelling compliance, and occasionally a testing report are needed.