How to check if Indian Company is a genuine Exporter

Verifying genuine suppliers from India is the biggest problem for the international buyers. In this blog we will help you to get started.

There are several methods to verify whether the exporter is genuine or not.

The first thing you can verify is through the different government agencies and institutions by checking their registration details and authenticity.

1. Basic Details: PAN, IEC, GST, FSSAI

   1. Online PAN verification: PAN is the permanent account number issued by the income tax department of India as an identity for making financial transactions and paying taxes. https://www.incometaxindia.gov.in/Pages/tax-services/online-pan-verification.aspx

   2. IEC (Import Export Code) An Importer -Exporter Code (IEC) is a key business identification number that is mandatory for export from India or Import to India. No export or import shall be made by any person without obtaining an IEC unless specifically exempted. It is issued by DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade): https://www.icegate.gov.in/EnqMod/

   3. GST: Goods and Services Tax is an indirect tax used in India on the supply of goods and services. Click the following link to check GST registration of the firm: https://services.gst.gov.in/services/searchtp

   4. FSSAI : Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is a statutory body established under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. The FSSAI has been established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which is a consolidating statute related to food safety and regulation in India. https://foscos.fssai.gov.in/

2. Intermediate Search:

   1. Check on the MCA website for Company and LLP registration. https://www.mca.gov.in/mcafoportal/showCheckCompanyName.do

   2. Check Spice Board Certificate: The Spices Board is the Indian government regulatory and export promotion agency for Indian spices headed by a Chairman, rank equivalent to Joint Secretary to the Government of India. The board is headquartered in Kochi. Click the following link to check the registration. https://www.indianspices.org.in/CRES_new/e-r-o/exporters-registration/form/Registration.php

   3. Country-Specific Documents: BRC, USFDA, COC

      1. BRC: Banks provide Bank Realisation Certificates (BRCs) when an Exporter receives payment against an export. Any company seeking benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy is required to submit a valid BRC as proof of payment for shipments made.

      2. USFDA: The United States Food and Drug Administration is a federal agency of the Department of Health and Human Services.

      3. COC: A Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is a document issued to exporters and importers that certifies that the products transported fulfill the appropriate requirements. In most cases, this document is required for customs clearance of your products. This is the passport of your shipped items in layman's terms.
         

3. Advanced Methods:

   1. Previous Records: As a buyer, you can ask them to show their previous order’s BL copies. A bill of lading (BL or BoL) is a legal document issued by a carrier to a shipper that details the type, quantity, and destination of the goods being carried. A bill of lading also serves as a shipment receipt when the carrier delivers the goods at a predetermined destination.

   2. Ask Spices Board: Email to spice board of India to know about the exporter at ssss@fddd.com

4. Miscellaneous Methods:

   1. You can get references and do background verification through the peer network of exporters in that same country and state.

   2. You can check them on Social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram Pages.

   3. You can check their business on google my business, google store, google maps, and search them on the internet for their online presence.

   4. You can check their website and mainly their domain name age, thus you can verify how old their website is.

   5. Always Check with their provided registered business names. Because sometimes a fraud may use the identical names as a well-known brand by manipulating words and letters.

   6. Go for DNB verification.

   7. And Finally, the best way to find out is an in-person visit to the supplier's location is the best way to check them.