Air Export Services India

We export garments, pharmaceuticals, auto parts, electronics, and perishables by air from India. Each commodity requires specific handling — pharma needs temperature-controlled 2–8°C storage, textiles need vacuum packing to minimise volume, and auto parts often ship under ATA carnets for trade shows.

What specific requirements apply to each commodity?

Garments and textiles: We pack garments in vacuum-sealed polybags to reduce chargeable weight by 15–20%. Carton weight is kept below 25 kg per piece to meet airline acceptance limits. For FTA claims, we arrange certificates of origin from the Textiles Committee.

Pharmaceuticals and APIs: Temperature-controlled 2–8°C shipments require GDP-compliant handling at origin and destination. We file drug licence copies with the Shipping Bill and coordinate with CDSCO for scheduled drug exports. API exports to regulated markets need DMF and CoA documentation.

Auto parts and engineering goods: Temporary exports for trade shows or warranty replacement use ATA carnets, avoiding duty at both ends. Permanent exports of auto components require specific HS codes under Chapter 87 and 84, with BIS certification if the part is subject to compulsory registration.

Electronics and IT hardware: Lithium battery shipments need IATA Section II or Section IB declarations depending on watt-hour rating. We also handle re-export of BIS-certified goods under bond, ensuring duty is not levied twice.

Perishables: Fresh produce exports require FSSAI export clearance, pre-cooling to 2–4°C, and priority handling agreements with airlines. We book morning departures to minimise tarmac exposure and ensure same-day connections at hub airports.

Exporting by air from India requires eight coordinated steps from IEC registration to AWB issuance. The process takes 2–5 days for first-time exporters and 1–2 days for regular shippers, with customs clearance typically completed in 4–12 hours at major airports.

What happens at each stage of air export?

Step 1 — Get IEC Code: Register at dgft.gov.in. This takes 3–5 business days and is mandatory for all commercial exports. Step 2 — Register AD Code: We link your bank's AD code with customs at the departure airport. This is a one-time setup per airport. Step 3 — Prepare Export Documents: Commercial invoice, packing list, packing declaration, and product-specific certificates. Step 4 — Book Air Freight: We confirm space with IATA carriers and validate cargo dimensions and weight. Step 5 — File Shipping Bill: Filed on ICEGATE before cargo reaches the terminal. Step 6 — Hand Over Cargo: Deliver to the airline cargo terminal 24–36 hours before departure. Step 7 — Get Let Export Order: Customs approves export under RMS; physical exam adds 1–2 days if selected. Step 8 — Receive AWB: The airline issues the Airway Bill and cargo departs. We share the AWB number with your buyer for tracking.

We manage air export departures from six major Indian airports, each serving different commodity specialisations. Bengaluru is our primary base for South India, Mumbai leads in garment and pharma export volumes, and Chennai focuses on auto parts and electronics manufacturing exports.

Air freight transit times from India range from 1–2 days to UAE and Singapore, 2–3 days to the UK and Germany, 3–5 days to the USA, and 4–6 days to Australia. These are gate-to-gate times excluding local customs clearance at the destination airport.

Air exporters from India can claim RoDTEP scrips worth 0.5%–4.3% of FOB value and receive IGST refunds within 7–15 days for exports made under LUT or with IGST payment. Both benefits are processed through ICEGATE and linked to your AD Code.

How does RoDTEP work for air exporters?

RoDTEP refunds embedded taxes that are not otherwise rebated — including Central Excise duty on inputs, GST on fuel, and mandi taxes. Rates are fixed by HS code and published in the RoDTEP Schedule. For garments, the rate is typically 2.5%–3.5% of FOB value; for engineering goods, 1.5%–2.3%; for pharmaceuticals, 0.5%–1.8%. Credits are issued as electronic scrips on ICEGATE, transferable to other exporters or usable for duty payment. We file RoDTEP claims simultaneously with Shipping Bill submission, so there is no separate application delay.

What is the IGST refund timeline for exports?

Exporters operating under LUT (Letter of Undertaking) do not pay IGST at the time of export and therefore do not claim a refund. Exporters who pay IGST upfront receive refunds within 7–15 days of Shipping Bill filing, provided the AD Code is active and foreign exchange realization is confirmed within 9 months. We recommend LUT registration for regular exporters to preserve cash flow, and IGST payment only for occasional exporters or those without LUT eligibility.

Air export costs include freight rate per kg on chargeable weight, fuel surcharge at 15–25% of base rate, terminal handling charges at origin airport, Shipping Bill filing fee, and CHA service charges. Total cost varies by destination, weight, and commodity classification.

What are the main cost components for air export?

Freight rate: Charged per kg on chargeable weight (actual or volumetric, whichever is higher). Rates to Dubai start at ₹85/kg; to USA at ₹220/kg; to UK at ₹195/kg — all subject to volume commitments. Fuel surcharge: Adjusted monthly by carriers, currently 15–25% of base freight. Terminal Handling Charge (THC): Airline ground handling fee at origin, typically ₹12–25/kg depending on airport. Security fee: ₹5–15/kg for X-ray and screening. Shipping Bill filing: ICEGATE filing fee plus our documentation charge. CHA charges: Our service fee for customs coordination, Let Export Order, and AWB verification. For an exact estimate, use our Freight Cost Estimator.