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Export in itself is a vast concept, and an exporter requires a lot of preparations before starting an export business. To start an export business, the following steps may be followed:1) Establishing an OrganisationTo start the export business, first, a Sole Proprietary concern/ Partnership firm/Company has to be set up as per procedure with an attractive name and logo.2) Opening a Bank AccountA current account with a bank authorized to deal in Foreign Exchange should be opened.3) Obtaining Permanent Account Number (PAN)Every exporter and importer must obtain a PAN from the Income Tax Department. (To apply PAN Card Click here)4) Obtaining the Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) NumberAs per the Foreign Trade Policy, it is mandatory to get IEC for export/import from India. Para 2.05 of the FTP, 2015-20 lays down the procedure to be followed for obtaining an IEC, which is PAN based.An application for IEC is filed online at www.dgft.gov.in as per ANF 2A, online payment of application fee of Rs. 500/- through net Banking or credit/debit card is made along with requisite documents as mentioned in the application form. (For more information Click here)5) Registration cum membership certificate (RCMC)For availing authorization to import/ export or any other benefit or concession under FTP 2015-20, as also to avail the services/ guidance, exporters are required to obtain RCMC granted by the concerned Export Promotion Councils/ FIEO/Commodity Boards/ Authorities.6) Selection of productAll items are freely exportable except few items appearing in prohibited/ restricted list.After studying the trends of export of different products from India proper selection of the product(s) to be exported may be made.7) Range of MarketsAn overseas market should be selected after research covering market size, competition, quality requirements, payment terms, etc. Exporters can also evaluate the markets based on the export benefits available for a few countries under the FTP. Export promotion agencies, Indian Missions abroad, colleagues, friends, and relatives might be helpful in gathering information.8) Finding BuyersParticipation in trade fairs, buyer-seller meets, exhibitions, B2B portals, web browsing are a useful tool to find buyers. EPC’s, Indian Missions abroad, overseas chambers of commerce can also be helpful. Creating multilingual Website with product catalog, price, payment terms, and other related information would also help.9) SamplingProviding customized samples as per the demands of Foreign buyers help in getting export orders. As per FTP 2015-2020, exports of bonafide trade and technical examples of freely exportable items shall be allowed without any limit.10) Pricing/CostingProduct pricing is crucial in getting buyers’ attention and promoting sales in view of international competition. The price should be worked out taking into consideration all expenses from sampling to realization of export proceeds on the basis of terms of sale i.e. Free on Board (FOB), Cost, Insurance & Freight (CIF), Cost & Freight(C&F), etc. The goal of establishing export costing should be to sell maximum quantity at a competitive price with a maximum profit margin. Preparing an export costing sheet for every export product is advisable.11) Negotiation with BuyersAfter determining the buyer’s interest in the product, future prospects and continuity in business, demand for giving reasonable allowance/discount in price may be considered.12) Covering Risks through ECGCInternational trade involves payment risks due to buyer/ Country insolvency. These risks can be covered by an appropriate Policy from Export Credit Guarantee Corporation Ltd (ECGC). Where the buyer is placing an order without making advance payment or opening letter of Credit, it is advisable to procure credit limit on the foreign buyer from ECGC to protect against the risk of non-payment. (To know more about ECGC Click here)Processing an Export Orderi. Confirmation of orderOn receiving an export order, it should be examined scrutinized of items, specification, payment conditions, packaging, delivery schedule, etc. and then the order shoullawconfirmed. Accordingly, the exporter may enter into a formal contract with the overseas buyer.ii. Procurement of GoodsAfter confirmation of the export order, immediate steps may be taken for procurement/manufacture of the goods meant for export. It should be remembered that the order has been obtained with much efforts and competition, so the procurement should also be strict as per buyer’s requirement.iii. Quality ControlIn today’s competitive era, it is essential to be strict quality conscious about the export goods. Some products like food and agriculture, fishery, certain chemicals, etc. are subject to compulsory pre-shipment inspection. Foreign buyers may also lay down their standards/specifications and insist upon inspection by their private nominated agencies. Maintaining high quality is necessary to sustain in export business.iv. FinanceExporters are eligible to obtain pre-shipment and post-shipment funding from Commercial Banks at concessional interest rates to complete the export transaction. Packing Credit advance in the pre-shipment stage is granted to new exporters against lodgment of L/C or confirmed order for 180 days to meet working capital requirements for purchase of raw material/finished goods, labor expenses, packing, transporting, etc. Usually, Banks give 75% to 90% advances of the value of the order keeping the balance as margin. Banks adjust the packing credit advance from the proceeds of export bills negotiated, purchased or discounted.Post Shipment finance is given to exporters generally up to 90% of the Invoice value for standard transit period and in cases of usance export bills up to notional due date. The maximum period for post-shipment advances is 180 days from the date of shipment. Increases granted by Banks are adjusted by the realization of the sale proceeds of the export bills. In case the export bill becomes overdue Banks will charge commercial lending rate of interest.v. Labeling, Packaging, Packing, and MarkingThe export goods should be labeled, packaged and packed strictly as per the buyer’s specific instructions. Good packaging delivers and presents the products in top condition and in an attractive way. Similarly, good packing helps secure handling, maximum loading, reducing shipping costs and to ensuring safety and standard of the cargo. Marking such as an address, package number, port, and place of destination, weight, handling instructions, etc. provides identification and information of load packed.vi. InsuranceThe marine insurance policy covers risks of loss or damage to the goods during the while the products are in transit. Generally, in CIF contract, the exporters arrange the insurance whereas for C&F and FOB contract the buyers obtain an insurance policy.vii. DeliveryIt is essential to feature of export, and the exporter must adhere to the delivery schedule. Planning should be there to let nothing stand in the way of fast and efficient delivery.viii. Customs ProceduresIt is necessary to obtain PAN based Business Identification Number (BIN) from the Customs before the filing of shipping bill for clearance of export good and open a current account in the designated bank for crediting of any drawback amount, and the same has to be registered on the system.In case of Non-EDI, the shipping bills or bills of export are required to be filled in the format as prescribed in the Shipping Bill and Bill of Export (Form) regulations, 1991. An exporter needs to apply different forms of shipping bill/ bill of export for export of duty-free goods, the export of dutiable goods and export under drawback, etc.Under EDI System, declarations in the prescribed format are to be filed through the Service Centers of Customs. A checklist is generated for verification of data by the exporter/CHA. After verification, the data is submitted to the System by the Service Center operator, and the System makes a Shipping Bill Number, which is endorsed on the printed checklist and returned to the exporter/CHA. In most of the cases, a Shipping Bill is processed by the system based on declarations made by the exporters without any human intervention. Where the Appraiser Dock (export) orders for samples to be drawn and tested, the Customs Officer may proceed to draw two examples from the consignment and enter the particulars thereof along with details of the testing agency in the ICES/E system.Any correction/amendments in the check list generated after the filing of the declaration can be made at the service center if the documents have not yet been submitted in the system and the shipping bill number has not been generated. In situations, where corrections are required to be made after the generation of the shipping bill number or after the goods have been brought into the Export Dock, amendments are carried out in the following manners.1. The products have not yet been allowed "let export" changes may be permitted by the Assistant Commissioner (Exports).2. Where the "Let Export" order has already been given, amendments may be permitted only by the Additional/Joint Commissioner, Custom House, in charge of the export section.In both the cases, after the permission for amendments has been granted, the Assistant Commissioner / Deputy Commissioner (Export) may approve the changes on the system on behalf of the Additional /Joint Commissioner. Where the print out of the Shipping Bill has already been generated, the exporter may first surrender all copies of the shipping bill to the Dock Appraiser for cancellation before the amendment is approved on the system.ix. Customs House AgentsExporters may avail services of Customs House Agents licensed by the Commissioner of Customs. They are professionals and facilitate work connected with the clearance of cargo from Customs.x. DocumentationFTP 2015-2020 describe the following mandatory documents for import and export.· Bill of Lading/ Airway bill· Commercial invoice cum packing list· shipping bill/ bill of export/ bill of entry (for imports)(Other documents like certificate of origin, inspection certificate, etc. may be required as per the case.)xi. Submission of documents to BankAfter shipment, it is obligatory to present the documents to the Bank within 21 days for onward dispatch to the foreign Bank for arranging payment. Papers should be drawn under Collection/Purchase/Negotiation under L/C as the case may be, along with the following documents- Bill of Exchange- Letter of Credit (if the shipment is under L/C)- Invoice- Packing List- Airway Bill/Bill of Lading- Declaration under Foreign Exchange- Certificate of Origin/GSP- Inspection Certificate, wherever necessary- Any other document as required in the L/C or by the buyer or statutorily.xii. Realization of Export ProceedsAs per FTP 2015-2020, all export contracts and invoices shall be denominated either in the freely convertible currency of Indian rupees, but export proceeds should be realized in freely convertible currency except for export to Iran.Export proceeds should be realized in 9 months.

Angela, thank you for your question.I understand where you are coming from totally.Agents are compensated for their expertise and time in assisting Sellers and Buyers in real estate transactions. The agent (Buyer) of your home should deserve compensation because he/she (as the Buyer) would still be assisting you with the whole transaction process. Unless you are representing yourself as well as the Agent Buyer with the whole process like; in writing your own contracts, negotiating, processing your own paper works, dealing with inspectors, lenders, escrow companies, termite companies, arranging for repairs, tracking the transaction process to stay on top of things, dealing with City or County inspectors….etc…then perhaps you have a valid reason to not pay. Agents are trained professionals however and it’s worth taking advantage of their skills to help you through your process.It is common for agents to apply their commissions towards either their down payment or closing costs when buying a home. This is not public knowledge, so I don’t expect you to know.There is a belief that agents don’t do enough to justify their commissions and rightly so in my opinion. The reason for that is because agents don’t advertise ALL of the things they do for their clients every time they go out to show homes or take listings. So, I’m here to debunk the belief.Agents are trained professionals just like ANY trained professionals in their respective jobs. Some professionals receive W2 wages while others, like for instances Real Estate Agents, gets paid in commissions. Agents are compensated for their expertise and all that is they do in real estate in assisting clients, in making sure that:Their transaction goes smoothly and completedThat all the right documents are completed, processed, and disseminated properlyThat nothing about the sale of the home comes back to haunt you in the future in the form of lawsuits.Agents work 60 hours weeks and do many duties that the public don’t realize they do because a LOT of what they do is usually done behind the scenes. To put this in perspective, here’s a list. It’s very comprehensive as you can see but I feel it warrants highlighting.Pre-Listing (before taking a listing)Property InformationTitle searchMLS search for COMPS ( similar homes sold)Active listings searchPending listings searchCancelled and Withdrawn listings search - for last 3-6 months (depending on market activities, hyper or slow)Search for withdrawn listings that ended up being rentedSearch for Listings that fell out of escrow and re-listedSearch for Listings that fell out of escrow and withdrawnAverage listing market days searchAverage sold market days searchAverage listing to sold dayssearchAverage listing to pending days searchAverage pending to sold days searchThese are typically things agents do before they even secure a listing, and they may not even get the listing.I like to include in my searches the following:Demographics searchAverage median family income searchMost used mortgage type search for the zip code the home is located inWhy?The demographic search provide information on what the dominant demographic is for that specific zip code. This gives an agent an educated idea as to who would most likely be the ideal buyer for the house.Search for the median family income. This search gives the agent an idea on how much home a Buyer from within the zip code can buy. This information gives the agent a sense of where the listing price of the home needs to be at. I try to keep it in line with the affordability range for the zip code.Search for the “most used mortgage type” . This search allows the agent to foresee as to the type of Buyer/s that would most likely be making offers on the home and what type of loan the offer would most like have.Having insight into these aspects prepares the agent for the types of negotiations he/she might expect to be engaging in.Here are more duties that agents perform as part of their occupation norm.Listing presentation - prepare and gather informationSet listing appointment & presentation with sellerConfirm listing appointment - call or email.Review property tax roll information.Neighborhood Drive - check neighborhood activities and traffic impact"Comparable Market Analysis" (CMA) - prepareObtain copy of subdivision plat/complex lay-out.Property's ownership and deed type - research and verify.Lot size and dimensions - research public recordLegal description - research and verify.Land Use - Deed restrictions- and Codes - researchLand Use and Zoning - researchOwnership Verification - research public property records.Prepare listing presentation packageEvaluate exterior Curb AppealCompile and assemble formal file on property.Confirm current public schools and explain impact of schools on market value.Review listing appointment checklist to ensure all steps and actions have been completed.Present Listing Presentation to SellerGive seller an overview of current market conditions and projections.Present CMA Results To Seller, including Comparables, Solds, Current Listings and Expireds.Offer pricing strategy based on professional judgment and interpretation of current market conditions.Discuss goals with seller to market effectively.Explain benefits of Multiple Listing Service.Explain the work the brokerage and agent do behind the scenes and agent's availability on weekends.Explain importance of agent taking and screening calls to protect seller privacy.Present and discuss marketing plan.Explain agency relationships.Explain the Listing ContractSecure seller's signature.Assess property condition - does it have deferred, if so whats the planProperty Under Listing Agreement - perform full Agent inspection and verification of informationsReview current title profile.Measure interior room sizes.Confirm lot size via owner's copy of certified survey, if available.Note any and all unrecorded property lines, agreements, easements.Obtain house plans, if applicable and available.Review house plans and make copy.Order plat map for record keepingDiscuss and Prepare showing instructions .Obtain current mortgage loan(s) information: companies and loan account numbers.Verify current loan information with lender(s).Discuss all financing options.47. Review current appraisal report if any.48. Gather Home Owner Association information.49. Verify Home Owner Association Fees with manager - mandatory or optional and current annual fee.50. Order copy of Homeowner Association bylaws51. Request and and retain copies of all utility bills with supplier's names and contact information.52. Calculate average utility usage from last 12 months of bills.53. Research and verify city sewer/septic tank system.54. Water Bill - Calculate average water usage and fees or rates from last 12 months of bills.55. Well water - Confirm well status, depth and output from Well Report.56. Natural gas -: Research/verify availability and supplier's name and contact57. Verify security system, current term of service and whether owned or leased.58. Solar panels - Verify if owned or leased59. Lead based paint - Ascertain need for disclosure.60. Prepare detailed list of property amenities and assess market impact.61. Prepare detailed list of property's "Inclusions & Conveyances with Sale."62. Compile list of completed repairs and maintenance items.63. Send "Vacancy Checklist" to seller if property is vacant.64. Explain benefits of Home Owner Warranty to seller.65. Assist sellers with completion and submission of Home Owner Warranty Application.66. Have extra key made for lock box.Does property have rental units - If so:Make copies of all leases for retention in listing file.Verify all rents and deposits.Inform tenants of listing and discuss how showings will be handled.Arrange for installation of yard sign(s).73. Assist seller with completion of Seller's Disclosure form.74. Complete "New Listing Checklist."75. Discuss Curb Appeal and provide suggestions for improvements76. Discuss needed work if any and benefits to the sale77. Prepare MLS Profile Sheet79. Input listing data into MLS80. Proof and verify all information is accurate81. Pitch listing to in house agents and add to company's Active Listings list.82. Provide seller within 48 hours signed copies of Listing Agreement and MLS Profile Sheet information83. Take photos for MLS and use in flyers.84. Discuss virtual tour photography as optionMarketingCreate blue print for marketing plan - discuss with Sellers - request their inputCoordinate and communicate showings with owners, tenants, and Realtors.Lock Box - Install if authorized by Seller.Prepare mailing and contact list..Generate mail-merge letters to contact list.Order "Just Listed" labels and reports.Prepare flyersRegularly review MLS market activities - make recommendations to change things if needed.Brochures - invite sellers to review.Print and distribute brochures or flyers.Upload listing to company and agent Internet site, if applicable.Mail Out “Just Listed” notice to all neighborhood residents.Advise Network Referral Program of listing.Provide marketing data to buyers coming through international relocation networks.Provide marketing data to buyers coming from referral network.Provide “Special Feature” cards for marketing, if applicable.Submit ads to company’s participating Internet real estate sites.Immediate communication of price or any changes to the listingReprint/supply brochures promptly as needed.Review loan informationReceive Feedback e-mails/faxes from agents after showings.Review weekly Market activities.Review lockbox reports to study home showing traffic.Discuss lockbox showing reports and feedback from showing agents with seller to determine if changes will accelerate the sale.Place regular weekly update calls to seller to discuss marketing and pricing.Promptly enter price changes in MLS listing database.The Offer And ContractReceive, review and communicate to Seller all Offers to submitted by buyers or buyers’ agents.Evaluate offer(s)Draft a “net sheet”Counsel seller on offers. Explain merits and weakness of each component of each offer.Contact buyers’ agents to review buyer’s qualifications and discuss offer.Fax/deliver Seller’s Disclosure to buyer’s agent or buyer upon request and prior to offer if possible.Call Buyers lender to confirm buyer is pre-qualificationRequest and receive Buyer pre-qualification letter lender.Negotiate all offers on seller’s behalf, setting time limit for loan approval and closing date.Prepare and convey any counter offers, acceptance or amendments to buyer’s agent.Fax copies of contract and all addendums to closing attorney or title company.Deliver to Buyers agent accepted offer for Buyer’s signatureIf received deposit money from buyer record in Trust Fund account.Deliver copies of fully signed Offer to Purchase contract to seller.Fax/deliver copies of Offer to Purchase contract to Selling Agent.Fax copies of Offer to Purchase contract to lender.Provide copies of signed Offer to broker file.Discuss action required on offers received after acceptance of anotherChange status in MLS to “Sale Pending.”Update MLS and transaction management program to show “Sale Pending.”Review buyer’s credit report results -- advise seller of worst and best case scenarios.Provide credit report information to seller if property will be seller-financed.Assist buyer with obtaining financing, if applicable and follow-up as necessary.Coordinate with lender on discount points being locked in with dates.Deliver unrecorded property information to buyer.Order septic system inspection, if applicable.Receive and review septic system report and assess any possible impact on sale.Deliver copy of septic system inspection report lender and buyer.Deliver Well Flow Test Report copies to lender and buyer and property listing file.Verify termite inspection ordered.Verify mold inspection ordered, if required.Loan TrackingRequest from lender copy of Buyers loan approval letterDiscuss with Lender Buyers strength in securing the loanFollow loan processing through to the underwriter.Add lender and other vendors to transaction management program so agents, buyer and seller can track progress of sale.Contact lender weekly to ensure processing is on track.Relay final approval of buyer’s loan application to seller.Home InspectionCoordinate buyer’s professional home inspection with seller.Review home inspector’s report.Enter completion into transaction management tracking software program.Explain seller’s responsibilities with respect to loan limits and interpret any clauses in the contract.Ensure seller’s compliance with Home Inspection Clause requirements.Recommend or assist seller with identifying and negotiating with trustworthy contractors to perform any required repairs.Negotiate payment and oversee completion of all required repairs on seller’s behalf, if needed.The AppraisalSchedule appraisal.Provide comparable sales used in market pricing to appraiser.Follow-Up on appraisal.Enter completion into transaction management program.Assist seller in questioning appraisal report, if questions arise.Closing PreparationsEnsure contract is signed by all parties.Coordinate closing process with buyer’s agent and lender.Update closing forms and files.Ensure all parties have all forms and information needed to close the sale.Select location where closing will be held.Confirm closing date and time and notify all parties.Assist in solving any title problems (boundary disputes, easements, etc) or in obtaining Death Certificates.Work with buyer’s agent in scheduling and conducting buyer’s final walk-through prior to closing.Research all tax, Home Owner Association, utility and other applicable prorations.Request final closing figures from closing agent (attorney or title company).Receive and carefully review closing figures to ensure accuracy of preparation.Forward verified closing figures to buyer’s agent.Request copy of closing documents from closing agent.Confirm buyer and buyer’s agent have received title insurance commitment.Provide Home Owners Warranty for availability at closing.Review all closing documents carefully for errors.Forward closing documents to absentee seller as requested.Review documents with closing agent (attorney).Provide earnest money deposit check from escrow account to closing agent.Coordinate this closing with seller’s next purchase and resolve any timing problems.Have a “no surprises” closing so that seller receives a net proceeds check at closing.Refer sellers to a Realtor at their destination, if applicable.Change MLS status to Sold. Enter sale date, price, selling broker and agent’s ID numbers, etc.Close out listing in transaction management program.After Closing Follow UpAnswer questions about filing claims with Home Owner Warranty company, if requested.Attempt to clarify and resolve any conflicts about repairs if buyer is not satisfied.Respond to any follow-on calls and provide any additional information required from office files.As you can see, this is a very comprehensive list and I may have overlooked other items but I hope this helps with your question…Cheers

Export in itself is a very wide concept and lot of preparations is required by an exporter before starting an export business. To start export business, the following steps may be followed:1) Establishing an OrganisationTo start the export business, first a sole Proprietary concern/ Partnership firm/Company has to be set up as per procedure with an attractive name and logo.2) Opening a Bank AccountA current account with a Bank authorized to deal in Foreign Exchange should be opened.3) Obtaining Permanent Account Number (PAN)It is necessary for every exporter and importer to obtain a PAN from the Income Tax Department. (To apply PAN Card Click Here)4) Obtaining Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) NumberAn IEC is a 10 digit number which is mandatory for undertaking export/ import. Application for obtaining IEC Number can be submitted to Regional authority of DGFT in form ANF 2A along with the documents listed therein.Applicants can also apply for e-IEC on the DGFT website (http://dgft.gov.in/). Only one IEC can be obtained against a single PAN.5) Registration cum membership certificate (RCMC)For availing authorization to import/ export or any other benefit or concession under FTP 2015-20, as also to avail the services/ guidance, exporters are required to obtain RCMC granted by the concerned Export Promotion Councils/ FIEO/Commodity Boards/ Authorities.6) Selection of productAll items are freely exportable except few items appearing in prohibited/ restricted list.After studying the trends of export of different products from India proper selection of the product(s) to be exported may be made.7) Selection of MarketsAn overseas market should be selected after research covering market size, competition, quality requirements, payment terms etc. Exporters can also evaluate the markets based on the export benefits available for few countries under the FTP. Export promotion agencies, Indian Missions abroad, colleagues, friends, and relatives might be helpful in gathering information.8) Finding BuyersParticipation in trade fairs, buyer seller meets, exhibitions, B2B portals, web browsing are an effective tool to find buyers. EPC’s, Indian Missions abroad, overseas chambers of commerce can also be helpful. Creating multilingual Website with product catalogue, price, payment terms and other related information would also help.9) SamplingProviding customized samples as per the demands of Foreign buyers help in getting export orders. As per FTP 2015-2020, exports of bonafide trade and technical samples of freely exportable items shall be allowed without any limit.10) Pricing/CostingProduct pricing is crucial in getting buyers’ attention and promoting sales in view of international competition. The price should be worked out taking into consideration all expenses from sampling to realization of export proceeds on the basis of terms of sale i.e. Free on Board (FOB), Cost, Insurance & Freight (CIF), Cost & Freight(C&F), etc. Goal of establishing export costing should be to sell maximum quantity at competitive price with maximum profit margin. Preparing an export costing sheet for every export product is advisable.11) Negotiation with BuyersAfter determining the buyer’s interest in the product, future prospects and continuity in business, demand for giving reasonable allowance/discount in price may be considered.12) Covering Risks through ECGCInternational trade involves payment risks due to buyer/ Country insolvency. These risks can be covered by an appropriate Policy from Export Credit Guarantee Corporation Ltd (ECGC). Where the buyer is placing order without making advance payment or opening letter of Credit, it is advisable to procure credit limit on the foreign buyer from ECGC to protect against risk of non-payment.(To know more about ECGC Click Here)Processing an Export Orderi. Confirmation of orderOn receiving an export order, it should be examined carefully in respect of items, specification, payment conditions, packaging, delivery schedule, etc. and then the order should be confirmed. Accordingly, the exporter may enter into a formal contract with the overseas buyer.ii. Procurement of GoodsAfter confirmation of the export order, immediate steps may be taken for procurement/manufacture of the goods meant for export. It should be remembered that the order has been obtained with much efforts and competition so the procurement should also be strictly as per buyer’s requirement.iii. Quality ControlIn today’s competitive era, it is important to be strict quality conscious about the export goods. Some products like food and agriculture, fishery, certain chemicals, etc. are subject to compulsory pre-shipment inspection. Foreign buyers may also lay down their own standards/specifications and insist upon inspection by their own nominated agencies. Maintaining high quality is necessary to sustain in export business.iv. FinanceExporters are eligible to obtain pre-shipment and post-shipment finance from Commercial Banks at concessional interest rates to complete the export transaction. Packing Credit advance in pre-shipment stage is granted to new exporters against lodgment of L/C or confirmed order for 180 days to meet working capital requirements for purchase of raw material/finished goods, labour expenses, packing, transporting, etc. Normally Banks give 75% to 90% advances of the value of the order keeping the balance as margin. Banks adjust the packing credit advance from the proceeds of export bills negotiated, purchased or discounted.Post Shipment finance is given to exporters normally upto 90% of the Invoice value for normal transit period and in cases of usance export bills upto notional due date. The maximum period for post-shipment advances is 180 days from the date of shipment. Advances granted by Banks are adjusted by realization of the sale proceeds of the export bills. In case export bill becomes overdue Banks will charge commercial lending rate of interest.v. Labeling, Packaging, Packing and MarkingThe export goods should be labeled, packaged and packed strictly as per the buyer’s specific instructions. Good packaging delivers and presents the goods in top condition and in attractive way. Similarly, good packing helps easy handling, maximum loading, reducing shipping costs and to ensuring safety and standard of the cargo. Marking such as address, package number, port and place of destination, weight, handling instructions, etc. provides identification and information of cargo packed.vi. InsuranceMarine insurance policy covers risks of loss or damage to the goods during the while the goods are in transit. Generally in CIF contract the exporters arrange the insurance whereas for C&F and FOB contract the buyers obtain insurance policy.vii. DeliveryIt is important feature of export and the exporter must adhere the delivery schedule. Planning should be there to let nothing stand in the way of fast and efficient delivery.viii. Customs ProceduresIt is necessary to obtain PAN based Business Identification Number (BIN) from the Customs prior to filing of shipping bill for clearance of export good and open a current account in the designated bank for crediting of any drawback amount and the same has to be registered on the system.In case of Non-EDI, the shipping bills or bills of export are required to be filled in the format as prescribed in the Shipping Bill and Bill of Export (Form) regulations, 1991. An exporter need to apply different forms of shipping bill/ bill of export for export of duty free goods, export of dutiable goods and export under drawback etc.Under EDI System, declarations in prescribed format are to be filed through the Service Centers of Customs. A checklist is generated for verification of data by the exporter/CHA. After verification, the data is submitted to the System by the Service Center operator and the System generates a Shipping Bill Number, which is endorsed on the printed checklist and returned to the exporter/CHA. In most of the cases, a Shipping Bill is processed by the system on the basis of declarations made by the exporters without any human intervention. Where the Appraiser Dock (export) orders for samples to be drawn and tested, the Customs Officer may proceed to draw two samples from the consignment and enter the particulars thereof along with details of the testing agency in the ICES/E system.Any correction/amendments in the check list generated after filing of declaration can be made at the service center, if the documents have not yet been submitted in the system and the shipping bill number has not been generated. In situations, where corrections are required to be made after the generation of the shipping bill number or after the goods have been brought into the Export Dock, amendments is carried out in the following manners.1. The goods have not yet been allowed "let export" amendments may be permitted by the Assistant Commissioner (Exports).2. Where the "Let Export" order has already been given, amendments may be permitted only by the Additional/Joint Commissioner, Custom House, in charge of export section.In both the cases, after the permission for amendments has been granted, the Assistant Commissioner / Deputy Commissioner (Export) may approve the amendments on the system on behalf of the Additional /Joint Commissioner. Where the print out of the Shipping Bill has already been generated, the exporter may first surrender all copies of the shipping bill to the Dock Appraiser for cancellation before amendment is approved on the system.ix. Customs House AgentsExporters may avail services of Customs House Agents licensed by the Commissioner of Customs. They are professionals and facilitate work connected with clearance of cargo from Customs.x. DocumentationFTP 2015-2020 describe the following mandatory documents for import and export.· Bill of Lading/ Airway bill· Commercial invoice cum packing list· shipping bill/ bill of export/ bill of entry (for imports)(Other documents like certificate of origin, inspection certificate etc may be required as per the case.)xi. Submission of documents to BankAfter shipment, it is obligatory to present the documents to the Bank within 21 days for onward dispatch to the foreign Bank for arranging payment. Documents should be drawn under Collection/Purchase/Negotiation under L/C as the case may be, along with the following documents- Bill of Exchange- Letter of Credit (if shipment is under L/C)- Invoice- Packing List- Airway Bill/Bill of Lading- Declaration under Foreign Exchange- Certificate of Origin/GSP- Inspection Certificate, wherever necessary- Any other document as required in the L/C or by the buyer or statutorily.xii. Realization of Export ProceedsAs per FTP 2015-2020, all export contracts and invoices shall be denominated either in freely convertible currency of Indian rupees, but export proceeds should be realized in freely convertible currency except for export to Iran.Export proceeds should be realized in 9 months.