How to Register a Partnership Firm for Import Export Business in India: Step-by-Step Guide (2025)
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- by MI September 16, 2025
Starting an import-export business in India as a partnership firm requires proper registration and compliance with government rules. Registering your partnership firm ensures legal recognition, smooth business operations, and eligibility for export-import licenses like IEC (Importer Exporter Code). This guide provides a step-by-step process to register your partnership firm and start your import-export journey.
Step 1: Choose a Partnership Name
- Select a unique and meaningful name for your partnership firm.
- Ensure it does not violate trademarks or existing business names.
- The name should reflect your business objectives and be professional.
Step 2: Draft a Partnership Deed
- A partnership deed is a legal document outlining the rights, duties, and profit-sharing ratio of partners.
- Key points to include:
- Name and address of partners
- Nature of business (import-export)
- Capital contribution by each partner
- Profit-sharing ratio
- Roles and responsibilities
- Dispute resolution methods
- The partnership deed must be printed on stamp paper as per the state regulations.
Step 3: Register the Partnership Firm
Although partnership registration is optional in India, registering the firm gives legal recognition and makes it easier to open a bank account, get licenses, and sign contracts.
- Visit the official Registrar of Firms website for your state or the local office.
- Submit the partnership deed along with:
- Identity proofs of all partners
- Address proofs of all partners
- Passport-size photographs of partners
- Pay the prescribed registration fee.
- The registrar will verify documents and issue a Certificate of Registration.
Step 4: Apply for PAN and TAN
- Obtain a PAN (Permanent Account Number) for the partnership firm from the Income Tax Department.
- TAN (Tax Deduction Account Number) is required if you plan to deduct tax at source for employees.
Step 5: Open a Current Bank Account
- Open a current account in the partnership firm’s name.
- Required documents:
- Partnership deed
- PAN of the firm
- Proof of business address
- Identity proofs of partners
Step 6: Obtain Import-Export License (IEC)
- IEC (Importer Exporter Code) is mandatory to start any import-export business in India.
- Steps to apply:
- Visit the DGFT portal.
- Apply online by providing:
- PAN of the firm
- Bank account details
- Digital signature of authorized partner
- Receive the IEC via email within 3–7 working days.
Step 7: Register for GST
- GST registration is mandatory if your turnover exceeds the threshold limit.
- GST is also required to claim input tax credit on imports.
Step 8: Other Licenses (Optional)
- Depending on the type of goods you plan to import/export, you may need additional licenses:
- FSSAI license (for food products)
- Drug license (for pharmaceuticals)
- Textile export license (for textiles)
Step 9: Start Your Import-Export Business
- Once registration and licenses are complete, you can:
- Open trade accounts with suppliers or buyers
- Access customs and shipping portals (ICEGATE, DGFT)
- Export or import goods legally
Conclusion
Registering a partnership firm for import-export business in India is a simple but crucial process for legal recognition and smooth operations. By following these steps, you can set up your firm, obtain IEC, and start trading internationally.
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