What is an Export Bill:

Export trade has emerged as one of the most rewarding businesses in the new millennium. With the advancement of technology, the entire process of conducting operations under an export business has become immensely streamlined, especially in regards to documentation.

Export trade requires businesses to prepare and present an extensive list of documents, and one such document is an export bill. Businesses must submit this document to acquire clearance for export from customs. On account of failure to furnish this document, an exporter cannot load goods for shipping abroad.

Content And Format Of An Export Bill:

An export bill comprises several colour-coded forms depending on the export type. The table below summarises these - 

Colour	Form Name
Yellow	Dutiable goods
White	Duty-free goods
Pink	Goods exported as duty-free ex-bond
Green	Goods with drawback claims
Blue	Export goods under DEPB scheme

Prior to 2019, businesses filed export bills in a particular format as prescribed in the Shipping Bill and Bill of Export (Form) Regulations, 1991. However, the government introduced a revision in the previous format with its Shipping Bill and Bill of Export (Forms) Amendment Regulations, 2019.

While filing an export bill in this revised format, exporters must put forth the following information - 

• Information on transportation, port, and carrier.
• The cargo’s itemised information.
• Details of exporter, buyer, and customs broker.
• Invoice and Indent/Purchase order.
• GST-related and export duty information.
• Export scheme and re-export details.

Types Of Export Bills:

Export bills can be categorised into several types depending on the type of goods a business deals in - 

• Duty-Free Export Bill - This bill is used for goods that do not attract any duty payment. These goods are also not entitled to duty drawback.

• Dutiable Export Bill - Dutiable export bill is generated for goods that attract export duty that may or may not be entitled to duty drawback.

• Export Bill For Export Of Good Under Duty Entitlement Passbook Scheme (DEPB) - This bill is generated while exporting goods under the government’s DEPB export incentive scheme.

• Drawback Export Bill - It is generated for those exported goods that are allowed a refund of duties.

Filing An Export Bill:

Indian Customs Electronic Gateway (ICEGATE) offers e-filing services for export bills. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs regulates this platform. To escalate custom clearance, ICEGATE functions alongside multiple organisations like government ministries, government partner agencies, Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). 

The process to file an export bill is as follows -

• Customs EDI Registration -

Before filing an export bill, exporters or Customs House Agents (CHA) must register with the Customs EDI system. A business uses its AD code, IEC code, and/or its CHA license number. 

• Submission Of Declaration

The exporter presents a declaration alongside copies of the invoice and packing list at the Customs service centres. The bill is to be submitted in the prescribed format.

• Checklist Verification

The completion of data entry at the service centre generates a checklist. It is handed over to the exporter, who then proceeds to verify the correctness of data and report any discrepancy if the need be.

• Generation Of Export Bill

An export bill is then processed based on the declaration made by the exporter. After a “Let Export” order is passed by the appraiser, the system generates an export bill.

Irrespective of the means of transportation – road, air, or sea, an exporter cannot load goods for export without filing an export bill. These regulations strengthen the performance and prospects of India’s export sector. Businesses involved in international trade can leverage the growth of this sector by optimising their operations and augmenting finances. A sound export finance solution further accelerates the growth of a business by covering its cash-flow gap. 

Regardless, an export business’ cash flow gap can also be bridged by opting for export bill discounting services. KredX is a leading provider of integrated cash flow solutions in India. We have helped enterprises across the business ecosystem to expand and grow. Our invoice discounting service is a zero-liability solution so that businesses can get easy access to quick funds. 

Export Bill Discounting:

Businesses in export require continuous investments in various segments to gain a strong foothold in the global market. Export bill discounting is a funding service extended by financial institutions in order to expedite multiple operational costs of a business. 

Exporters and buyers agree to export contracts, and their respective financial intermediaries manage the payments. The financial intermediary issues early payment to the exporter then collects the payment from the buyer’s bank at a later date as per the agreed payment terms.

Business-owners, through export bill discounting, can make investments in key markets. In the long run, this investment expands the overall scope of an exporting enterprise. 

Features Of Export Bill Discounting:

• Working Capital Management

Exporters can avail cash advances on the raised but yet-to-be-paid bills through export bill discounting. It acts as a letter of credit, and the financier provides an economic guarantee to exporters. 

• Enhanced Negotiability

An importer and exporter must agree on the export bill discounting prior to availing this facility. A financier issues payment only after the export contract has been agreed upon. As such, the exporter is at a better position to negotiate with the buyer.

• Collateral Free Working Capital

Availing an export bill discount does not require businesses to pledge any asset as collateral. A company’s assets, thus, remain secure. 

These features establish export bill discounting as an effective source of funding. However, detailed documentation and formalities increase its processing time, which renders it unsuited for quick cash requirements.

KredX offers funds within 24-72 hours* through a simple and safe online process. Our invoice discounting service enables easy and hassle-free access to funds. We extend collateral-free, zero-liability solutions so that businesses in India can expand their operations, domestically, or internationally.