Granite Export – Documentation Checklist

India is one of the world’s top suppliers of granite, and our stones are in high demand in countries like the USA, UAE, Germany, and China. With states like Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh housing hundreds of granite quarries and processing units, the industry has seen massive growth. But while exporting granite can be a profitable business, it comes with one key requirement — documentation.

Whether you're a seasoned trader or a new granite exporter in Gujarat, understanding and managing export documentation is essential for hassle-free shipments. This blog simplifies the entire checklist so you can focus more on your business and less on paperwork.

Introduction to Granite Export from India

India exported over US$ 1.2 billion worth of granite and other dimensional stones in FY 2022–23, according to the Ministry of Commerce. States like Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu play a major role in this success. From slabs to tiles and monuments, Indian granite is loved for its durability, variety, and finish.

If you're looking to scale your granite business globally, proper export documentation ensures:

• Smooth customs clearance

  
  

• Faster payments

  
  

• Fewer shipment delays

  
  

• Higher buyer confidence

  
  

Overview of Granite Export Procedure in India

The export journey doesn’t start at the port — it begins at your office. Here’s a quick flow:

1. Get your business registered with relevant authorities.

   
   

2. Arrange a buyer and negotiate terms.

   
   

3. Prepare necessary documents.

   
   

4. File shipping bill and submit docs to customs.

   
   

5. Ship the goods.

   
   

6. Submit bank documents and receive payment.

   
   

This flow is applicable to all granite stone manufacturers in India involved in export trade.

Business Registration and Licensing Requirements

Before exporting anything, make sure your business is legally registered. Here’s what you need:

• Import Export Code (IEC) from DGFT: This is mandatory for any export or import business.

  
  

• GST Registration: For tax compliance and invoice generation.

  
  

• Udyam Registration: Optional but useful for MSME schemes.

  
  

If you are a granite exporter in Gujarat, you can easily register on the DGFT and GST portals and also approach local chambers of commerce for help.

Key Mandatory Documents for Granite Export

Let’s now talk about the documents you’ll absolutely need to ship granite outside India:

1. Proforma Invoice & Commercial Invoice

The proforma invoice is sent to the buyer for approval before finalizing the deal. Once the order is confirmed, a commercial invoice is issued.

2. Packing List

This includes details like number of crates, weight per crate, dimensions, and packing material. Granite is usually packed in wooden crates or metal frames.

3. Bill of Lading / Airway Bill

This is the official proof of shipment issued by the shipping or airline company. For sea shipments, a bill of lading is required.

4. Certificate of Origin (COO)

Issued by export promotion councils like CAPEXIL, this document proves the goods originated from India — a requirement for many importing countries.

5. Insurance Certificate

Though not always mandatory, insurance coverage is highly recommended to protect against damage or loss during transit.

Additional Compliance Documents

Depending on your buyer's country and port, you may also need:

• Phytosanitary Certificate: If your granite is packed in wooden crates, this certifies that the wood has been treated to prevent pest transmission.

  
  

• Fumigation Certificate: Another requirement for wood packaging.

  
  

• Quality Certificate: Sometimes the buyer may ask for a third-party inspection to ensure product quality before shipment.

  
  

Many granite stone manufacturers in India use third-party quality check agencies like SGS or Intertek for global compliance.

Customs and Port Clearance Documents

Here are the documents you’ll need to get your shipment cleared from Indian ports:

• Shipping Bill: This is the core document for customs clearance. You can file it online through the ICEGATE portal.

  
  

• ARE-1 / ARE-2: These are forms related to excise clearance for exports (more relevant for excise-registered units).

  
  

• GR Form / SDF Form: Needed for RBI compliance related to foreign exchange and payments.

  
  

• Port Gate Pass & Container Entry Form: Issued after customs clearance to let your goods enter the terminal for loading.

  
  

Banking and Financial Documentation

You’ve shipped the granite, but what about getting paid? Here's the documentation needed for safe and timely payment:

• Letter of Credit (LC) or Advance Payment Agreement with buyer

  
  

• Bank Realisation Certificate (BRC): This is proof that foreign payment has been received. Issued by the bank.

  
  

• Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate (FIRC): Required to validate the money received from overseas.

  
  

Banks in India may also request a shipping advice and a copy of the Bill of Lading to credit the payment against your account.

Registration with Export Promotion Councils

Most granite exporters register with CAPEXIL (Chemical and Allied Export Promotion Council of India). You need to get an RCMC (Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate), which is required for:

• Claiming export incentives like RoDTEP

  
  

• Participating in international trade fairs

  
  

• Getting Certificate of Origin

  
  

This step is highly recommended for any granite exporter in Gujarat or anywhere else in India trying to expand their export network.

Country-Specific Export Requirements

Different countries have different rules. Some examples:

• European Union (EU) may require CE Certification and specific dimension checks.

  
  

• USA demands fumigation certificates for wooden packaging.

  
  

• Middle East countries may have strict quality standards and inspection needs before dispatch.

  
  

Speak to your buyer and understand their country’s import rules before finalizing your export plan.

Digital Documentation and E-Filing Platforms

Thanks to digitization, most processes are now online:

• DGFT Portal – For IEC, EPCG, and export obligation updates.

  
  

• ICEGATE – For customs documentation and shipping bill filing.

  
  

• E-Sanchit – For uploading supporting documents digitally for customs.

  
  

This helps granite exporters cut down paperwork and delays — a major benefit for granite stone manufacturers in India working in bulk.

Mistakes to Avoid in Granite Export Documentation

Here are some common pitfalls that can cost you time and money:

• Mismatch in quantity or description between invoice and packing list

  
  

• Missing consignee details in shipping bill

  
  

• Using incorrect HS codes (for granite, it’s usually 6802.23 or 6802.93)

  
  

• Failing to get insurance or certificate of origin in time

  
  

Avoid these errors by using a proper documentation checklist or working with an experienced Customs House Agent (CHA).

Pro Tips for Smooth Granite Export from Experts

• Always double-check buyer specifications – size, thickness, polish, crate type

  
  

• Create a master export checklist and tick off every step

  
  

• Use freight forwarders who specialize in stone shipments

  
  

• Build strong ties with port officials and shipping lines for smoother clearances

  
  

• Stay updated with changes in EXIM policies and foreign trade guidelines

  
  
  
  

Final Thoughts

Exporting granite can be a high-margin business if done right. And while the product quality is key, documentation is the backbone of the entire operation.

Whether you are a small granite exporter in Gujarat or one of the leading granite stone manufacturers in India, keeping your paperwork in order ensures faster payments, fewer penalties, and smoother shipping experiences.

Remember — the more organized your documents, the more professional you appear to international buyers. And in export trade, trust is everything.