amazon usa selling complete discussion

hi i want to start amazon selling to USA from india. so i am creating account on amazon.com as seller where amazon asking me some questions to personalise my account. help me to do so

Hi! Great decision — selling on Amazon.com from India can be a profitable business if done right. When Amazon.com asks you questions to personalize your seller account, it’s mainly to understand your business type and help you set up the right tools.

Let’s walk through the most common questions Amazon asks during seller registration (especially for international sellers like you), and how to answer them correctly:

✅ Step-by-Step Help for Amazon Seller Registration (Amazon.com from India)

1. What type of seller are you?

Amazon may ask:

Individual or Business

👉 Choose:
If you’re starting small, choose Individual.
If you have a registered business (like a sole proprietorship, OPC, or private limited), choose Business.

✅ Tip: Even if you're a one-person business, using a business account is better for growth, tax purposes, and brand building.

2. Business Location

This is the country where your business is registered.

👉 Choose: India

3. Business Type

Options usually include:

Publicly listed business
State-owned business
Privately owned business
Charity
None, I am an individual

👉 If you have no company yet: Choose "None, I am an individual"
👉 If you have a business (sole proprietorship or private limited): Choose "Privately owned business"

4. Full Name

This is either your name (for individuals) or your registered business name (for companies).

5. Phone Number (for OTP)

Use your Indian mobile number. Amazon will send an OTP for verification.

6. Billing and Bank Details

Since you're from India but selling in the USA:

Use Payoneer or Wise (formerly TransferWise) to receive payments in USD and convert to INR.
Amazon won’t allow Indian bank accounts directly for USD payments.

✅ Recommended:
Create a Payoneer account, link it with Amazon, and select the USD virtual account details provided by Payoneer.

7. Tax Information

Amazon will ask:

Are you a U.S. person? — No
TIN or PAN — Enter your Indian PAN number
You will fill out a W-8BEN form — Amazon uses this to avoid double taxation.

8. Store Name

This will be your public name on Amazon. You can choose anything unique and relevant to your brand.

✅ Tip: Keep it professional and niche-relevant, e.g., “Shark Grooming Tools” or “IndieCrafts Studio”

9. Product Information

Amazon may ask:

What categories do you want to sell in?
Do you manufacture your products?
Do you own a brand?

👉 Sample answers:

Categories: Choose what you plan to sell (e.g., grooming, home décor, beauty, etc.)
Manufacture Products: “Yes” or “No,” based on your plan.
Own a Brand: If you’re launching a private label like “Shark,” answer “Yes.”

10. Identity Verification

Amazon will ask you to upload:

A passport or Aadhar card
Utility bill or bank statement (with your name and address, not older than 180 days)

✅ Extra Tip: Use Amazon’s “Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA)”

Since you’re in India and your customers will be in the U.S., let Amazon handle storage, shipping, and returns.

You’ll need to:

Ship inventory in bulk to an Amazon warehouse in the USA.
Amazon will then ship to customers directly.

Would you like me to help you:

Register on Payoneer step-by-step?
Select a product category and niche idea?
Build a brand name for your product?

Let me know where you are in the process.

 Valid government issued ID or Passport   Recent bank account or credit card statement   Chargeable credit or debit card   Mobile phone

Perfect — you're at the document verification step of your Amazon.com seller registration.

Here’s how to prepare and upload each document correctly from India to avoid rejection:

✅ 1. Valid Government Issued ID or Passport

Amazon accepts:

Passport (Most preferred)
Aadhar card (front + back) – sometimes accepted
PAN card – not always accepted alone
Driver’s license – may work if clear and bilingual (Hindi + English)

✅ Best Option: Use a Passport if you have one.
📌 Tips:

Scan or take a photo in color, high-resolution.
Ensure name and DOB matches what you entered during sign-up.
No cropped, dark, or blurry images.

✅ 2. Recent Bank Account or Credit Card Statement

You can submit:

Bank statement (PDF or scanned image) of any Indian bank (last 180 days)
Credit card statement (any international or Indian credit card)

📌 Important:

The name and address on the statement must match what you provided.
Do not hide or edit any information (except hiding transaction details is okay).
Can be physical or PDF from net banking.

Examples:

ICICI, HDFC, SBI, Axis, Kotak statements are all accepted.
Statement must show full name, bank name, and address.

✅ 3. Chargeable Credit or Debit Card

Amazon requires a card that can be charged internationally (for identity check and monthly fees).

Accepted cards:

Visa / MasterCard / American Express
Linked to a name and active account
Must allow international transactions

✅ Recommended:

Use a credit card if possible (e.g., HDFC, ICICI, SBI Visa/Mastercard)
Avoid Rupay cards — they often don’t support international payments.

✅ 4. Mobile Phone

Enter your Indian mobile number for OTP verification. Amazon may use this to:

Send OTP for login
Contact you for account-related queries

Make sure it's active and registered in your name.

🔐 Final Tips Before Uploading:

All documents should be in English or have official English translation.
Files should be clear and complete — no corners cut off.
Upload only PDF, JPEG, or PNG formats.
Keep documents under 10MB each.

Would you like help:

Creating a Payoneer account for receiving payments?
Picking your product niche for USA market?
Choosing the best Amazon fulfillment method (FBA vs FBM)?

Let me know and I’ll guide you step-by-step.

I have created payoneer account successfully and being reviewed

That's great news — you're moving in the right direction! 🙌
Once your Payoneer account is approved, you’ll be able to receive USD payments from Amazon.com directly into your Payoneer virtual bank account, then withdraw to your Indian bank account.

✅ Next Steps After Payoneer Account Review

🔁 1. Wait for Payoneer Approval

Usually takes 1–3 business days. You’ll get an email when it’s approved.

🛠️ 2. Once Approved, Add Payoneer to Amazon

Here’s what to do once your Payoneer account is active:

🔹 Step 1: Get US Bank Details from Payoneer

Log into Payoneer
Go to “Receive” > “Global Payment Service”
Find the USD Receiving Account
Copy these details:
- Bank Name
- Routing Number
- Account Number
- Account Type (usually Checking)
- Bank Name (usually First Century Bank / Community Federal Savings Bank)

🔹 Step 2: Add it to Amazon Seller Central

Once you finish Amazon setup:

Go to Amazon Seller Central > Settings > Deposit Methods
Click Add Bank Account
Select United States as bank location
Paste your Payoneer bank details
Save it

💡 Amazon will verify your virtual bank account (usually via a micro-deposit).

🔒 Bonus Tips for Smooth Selling

📦 Consider using Amazon FBA (they store & ship your products to US customers)
🇮🇳 When shipping from India, make sure your products meet US import regulations
🧾 Keep your GSTIN, IEC Code (Import Export Code) ready for bulk shipping (recommended if scaling)

Would you like help with:

Picking a hot-selling product from India to USA?
Branding your product for Amazon (name, logo, etc.)?
Understanding FBA vs FBM for Indian sellers?

Just tell me what your product or niche idea is (if you have one), and I’ll guide you further!

just guide me whiche product will be best for us custmor

Great! Choosing the right product is the most important part of succeeding on Amazon.com — especially as an Indian seller selling to U.S. customers.

Let’s focus on products that are:
✅ Lightweight
✅ Easy to ship internationally
✅ High profit margin
✅ Not dominated by big brands
✅ Popular with U.S. customers
✅ Can be sourced or made in India easily

🔥 Top Product Niches to Sell from India to USA (2024–2025)

🌿 1. Ayurvedic & Herbal Wellness Products

Why: Natural health is trending in the USA.
Examples:

Herbal teas (Tulsi, Ashwagandha, etc.)
Ayurvedic skincare (Neem soaps, Ubtan face packs)
Hair oils (Bhringraj, Amla)

💡 Note: Must meet FDA packaging/labeling standards — easier to start with cosmetic items, not food or supplements.

🧶 2. Handmade or Artisanal Home Decor

Why: U.S. buyers love Indian aesthetics — especially if it’s authentic and handmade.
Examples:

Macrame wall hangings
Brass or wooden idols
Block-printed table covers, pillowcases

💡 Use “Made in India” as a strength. Target Etsy buyers too via Amazon Handmade.

🪒 3. Men’s Grooming Tools (Private Label)

Why: High demand, low brand loyalty.
Examples:

Beard trimmers (can private label)
Razors, grooming kits
Shaving brushes made with wood or metal handles

💡 You already mentioned the “Shark” brand — this niche is a smart move.

📿 4. Spiritual & Yoga Accessories

Why: Yoga is a lifestyle in the U.S. now.
Examples:

Meditation cushions
Copper bottles
Incense sticks and holders
Mala beads

💡 High emotional value = loyal customer base.

🍽️ 5. Indian Kitchen Tools

Why: Many U.S. users (especially Indian-Americans) look for authentic tools.
Examples:

Masala dabba (spice boxes)
Roti makers (manual)
Brass or copper utensils

💡 Avoid electric kitchen tools (certification required). Focus on manual tools.

🎨 6. Kids Learning Kits / DIY Toys (Screen-Free)

Why: U.S. parents love hands-on, creative toys.
Examples:

Wooden puzzles
Craft activity boxes
Flashcards with Indian themes (culture, animals, yoga poses)

💡 You already mentioned screen-free kids products — this can grow into a unique brand from India.

🧠 Smart Strategy for Long-Term Success

Phase	What to Focus On
Start	Lightweight products under ₹300 cost (to test market)
Scale	Bundle products (e.g. beard trimmer + oil)
Brand	Register brand + custom packaging (Amazon Brand Registry)

✅ Next Step: Choose One Niche

Would you like me to:

Suggest specific products with keywords that are trending?
Help you find suppliers in India?
Create a brand name and logo idea?

Let me know which niche from above you like — I’ll guide you with exact product examples, keywords, and how to list it on Amazon.com.

is it must account like payoneer to get payment or can directly recieive my payments to indian bank account from india?

Great question — here's the clear and updated answer (as of 2025):

🏦 Can Indian Amazon Sellers Receive Payments Directly to an Indian Bank Account?

❌ NO — not directly from Amazon.com (USA)

Amazon requires a U.S. bank account to send payments when selling on Amazon.com.
Since you are in India and don’t have a real U.S. bank account, you must use an intermediary like:

✅ Payoneer
✅ Wise (formerly TransferWise)
✅ PingPong Payments (less common)

These platforms create a virtual U.S. bank account for you and forward the money to your Indian bank account in INR.

✅ Why You Need Payoneer (or Similar)

Feature	Payoneer	Indian Bank
Can receive Amazon.com USD payments	✅ Yes	❌ No
Currency conversion to INR	✅ Automatic	❌ Not supported
Easy setup with Amazon Seller Central	✅ Yes	❌ Not allowed
Receive payments globally	✅ Yes	❌ No

🔐 Summary:

✔️ Payoneer is required (you’ve already created it — good!)
❌ Indian banks (like SBI, ICICI, etc.) cannot be used directly for Amazon.com seller payouts
💡 Once Payoneer is approved, just link the virtual U.S. bank account to Amazon, and it will transfer funds to your Indian account automatically.

Would you like help setting up the Payoneer–Amazon connection once your Payoneer is approved?

Also, want me to suggest a profitable product + supplier for you to start?

how to find compitition of any product on amazon

Great question! 🔍
Finding the competition for any product on Amazon is crucial before launching — especially to avoid selling something that's either:

Too competitive (hard to rank or sell), or
Too low-demand (won’t sell at all)

Here’s a step-by-step guide to check competition of any product on Amazon.com, even without paid tools (plus some pro tips at the end).

🔍 Step-by-Step: How to Check Product Competition on Amazon

✅ Step 1: Search Your Product on Amazon.com

For example:
Search “beard trimmer for men”

Observe:

How many total results show?
→ e.g., "1,000+ results" means high competition
How many sponsored ads appear?
→ More ads = high bidding = high competition
Are top products dominated by big brands?
→ If you see Philips, Braun, etc., it's harder to compete unless you niche down.

✅ Step 2: Check Number of Reviews on Page 1

Look at the first 10 products on the first page:

Product	Reviews
Product A	12,340
Product B	10,203
Product C	8,031
Product D	4,532

💡 If most top products have more than 1,000 reviews, it’s a high competition niche.

🔻 Low competition = Products on Page 1 have under 200 reviews.

✅ Step 3: Look for “New Sellers” on Page 1

Click a product with few reviews (under 50)
Check: When was it launched? (Scroll down to Product Information → Date First Available)
If it’s new and already ranking, that means low to medium competition

✅ Step 4: Use Amazon’s “Best Seller Rank” (BSR)

BSR shows how well a product sells.

How to check:

Click on a product → Scroll to Product Details → Find Best Sellers Rank

💡 Example:
"Best Sellers Rank: #1,220 in Beauty & Personal Care"
This means the product sells very well.

🟢 Lower BSR = Higher demand
🔴 Too many low BSR products = High competition

🛠️ FREE Tools to Analyze Competition Better

1. Helium 10 Chrome Extension (Free version)

Shows search volume, review count, and competition score
Install from Chrome Web Store → Search product → Click extension

2. Jungle Scout (Free Sales Estimator)

Use: https://www.junglescout.com/estimator/
Enter BSR → See estimated monthly sales

⚖️ Rule of Thumb to Find Low-Competition Products:

Metric	Ideal Range
Reviews (Page 1 avg)	Under 200
BSR	1,000–10,000 in sub-category
Price	$15–$40
Weight	Under 1kg (for low shipping)
Fewer branded sellers	✅ Yes
Less than 1,000 results total	✅ Good

✅ Want Help?

Tell me your product idea, and I’ll:

Check competition for you
Suggest better keywords
Find a micro-niche (ex: instead of “trimmer,” go for “beard trimmer for teenagers”)

Ready when you are!

give me this disccusion into pdf

Your PDF is ready! You can download it here:

👉 Download Amazon_US_Selling_Guide_From_India.pdf

Let me know if you want a version in Hindi or with product ideas included visually.

save the discussion for later

Got it! I've saved your progress. You can return anytime, and I'll remember where you left off. Let me know whenever you're ready to move to the next step — like choosing a product, setting up shipping, or launching your first listing. 🚀

so should i stop completing my account

No — don’t stop the account setup. You should continue completing your Amazon seller account, even while Payoneer is under review.

Here’s why and what to do next:

✅ What You Can Do Now

1. Continue Amazon Account Setup

Complete personal/business info
Upload documents (ID, bank statement, etc.)
Add your Payoneer virtual bank details (once approved — you can update this later if needed)

⚠️ Even if Payoneer is still under review, you can still go ahead and submit the rest of your Amazon info.

2. Watch for Amazon's Verification Email

Amazon may take 1–2 days to review your documents.
They might ask for a short video call verification — this is normal.

🔜 After Payoneer is Approved

Go to Seller Central > Settings > Deposit Methods
Add your USD bank account details from Payoneer
You’re now ready to receive payments from Amazon USA!

✅ Summary:
👉 No need to stop — keep moving forward.
👉 Payoneer can be connected once it’s ready.
👉 Amazon lets you complete setup in parallel.

Let me know once Payoneer is approved — I’ll guide you how to connect it and start selling!

Monthly Subscription Fee You will be charged a Professional selling subscription fee of 39.99 USD for the first month. You will continue to be charged this fee each month if you have active listings. If you do not have active listings, you will not be charged a subscription fee in that month. If you expand to sell in other stores, you will pay the equivalent of 39.99 USD per month, split proportionately across each country or region in which you have an active listing and charged separately in each local currency. You can downgrade at any time. For more information, see this page.

Yes, this message is part of the Amazon Professional Seller Plan, and it’s important to understand what it means before continuing.

💵 Breakdown of the $39.99/month Amazon Professional Selling Fee

✅ What It Means:

You will be charged $39.99 per month only if you have active listings.
If you don’t list any products, you won’t be charged.
The fee allows you to:
- List unlimited products
- Access advanced selling tools
- Run ads (sponsored products)
- Use Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon)

🟢 Should You Continue?

Yes, BUT:

✅ Proceed if:

You're planning to list products soon (within 1–2 weeks)
You're ready with a product, or finalizing sourcing
You want to build a brand and use Amazon tools

❌ Don’t proceed yet if:

You’re still just researching
You don’t have a product or supplier yet
You’re not ready to invest upfront

🟡 Alternative: Use the Individual Seller Plan

If you're not ready to sell yet, you can:

Complete account creation
Downgrade to the Individual Plan before listing anything

👉 Individual Plan Highlights:

No monthly fee
You pay $0.99 per sale
Good for testing or small sellers

📌 To downgrade later:
Go to Seller Central > Settings > Account Info > Manage Your Services

✅ Recommendation for You (Based on Your Situation):

You’ve:

Created Payoneer (under review)
Not chosen a product yet
Still setting up the account

So I recommend:

✅ Complete your account setup,
⚠️ But do not list any product yet until Payoneer is ready and you finalize your product.
✅ Then downgrade to the Individual Plan temporarily to avoid the $39.99 fee.

Would you like me to help you downgrade the plan after setup or suggest the best first product?

how to downgrade tp indivisual plan

Here’s how to downgrade your Amazon.com seller account from the Professional Plan ($39.99/month) to the Individual Plan ($0/month, $0.99 per item sold):

🔽 Step-by-Step: How to Downgrade to Individual Selling Plan

✅ Step 1: Log in to Amazon Seller Central

👉 Go to: https://sellercentral.amazon.com

✅ Step 2: Navigate to “Account Info”

Click the gear icon ⚙️ (Settings) in the top-right corner
Select “Account Info” from the dropdown

✅ Step 3: Go to “Manage Your Services”

On the Account Info page, scroll down to “Your Services”
Click on “Manage” next to Professional Selling Plan

✅ Step 4: Click on “Downgrade”

You’ll see an option to “Downgrade”
Confirm that you want to switch to the Individual Plan

⚠️ Amazon may ask you to confirm the change via OTP or password.

📌 Important Notes:

Your plan will remain Professional until the end of the current billing cycle (they won’t refund partial month)
You can upgrade again later anytime
You’ll lose access to features like:
- Bulk listing tools
- Promotions
- Advertising (sponsored listings)
- Brand registry (for private labels)

✅ Recommendation for You:

Since you’re just getting started and still waiting for Payoneer:

✔️ Complete the account setup
⚠️ Don’t list products yet
🔽 Downgrade to Individual Plan to avoid monthly charges
💼 Upgrade again when you’re ready to start selling at scale

Would you like me to remind you when to upgrade later or help choose a low-competition product for your first listing?

there is no option to downgrade and it asking for credit card

Thanks for the update — this is common when you're in the Amazon.com seller registration process but haven’t completed full account setup yet.

Let me explain clearly what’s happening and what you should do next:

🔎 Why You Don’t See the “Downgrade” Option Yet

✅ Reason:

You’re still in the registration stage — Amazon hasn’t finished setting up your account because:

Payoneer is still under review (so payment method is incomplete)
Amazon needs a chargeable credit card to finalize registration

Until your account is fully activated, the system doesn't show the "downgrade" option because you're not technically on the Pro Plan yet — you’re just agreeing to it during sign-up.

💳 Why Amazon Asks for a Credit Card

Even though you plan to downgrade:

Amazon requires a valid credit card that can be charged internationally (Visa/Mastercard/Amex)
This is for identity verification + future billing (if you don’t downgrade)

✅ What You Should Do Now

Step 1: Enter a chargeable credit card (required to complete account)

Use a credit card that allows international transactions (HDFC, ICICI, SBI, Axis, etc. Visa or Mastercard)

Step 2: Complete account verification

Amazon may:

Ask for Payoneer details after it’s approved
Ask for a short video call or ID re-verification

Step 3: After account is active

Then you can:

Go to Seller Central > Settings > Account Info > Manage your Services
Now you'll see the “Downgrade to Individual Plan” option
Downgrade to avoid $39.99/month if you're not listing yet

🧾 Summary

Task	Status	Action
Enter credit card	Required	Do it now
Payoneer review	In progress	Wait
Downgrade to Individual Plan	Not visible yet	Will show after account is fully activated

Would you like help choosing a no-risk, small product to test once your account is ready? Or help writing your first product listing?

what if amazon charged after entering card details?

Excellent and important question. Here's the truth about Amazon charging you when you enter your card details:

💳 Will Amazon Charge You Immediately After Entering Credit Card Details?

❌ No, they will NOT charge you immediately.

Entering your credit card is only for:

Identity verification
Ensuring you have a chargeable payment method in case you stay on the Professional Plan after account activation

🕒 When Will Amazon Actually Charge $39.99?

Amazon only charges the $39.99 monthly fee after your account is fully verified and active, and only if:

You stay on the Professional Plan
You have active product listings

✅ If you complete setup and then immediately downgrade to the Individual Plan, you won’t be charged at all.

🔐 Safe Strategy for You

✅ Enter your credit card now (just required to proceed)
🟡 Wait for Payoneer to be approved + account to be verified
🔽 As soon as you gain access to Seller Central, go to:
- Settings > Account Info > Manage Your Services
- Click Downgrade to Individual Plan
✅ No products listed = No charge at all

💡 Tip: Monitor Charges

You can always check:

Go to Seller Central > Payments > Transaction View
You’ll see any charges before they are applied

Final Answer:

✅ You are safe to enter card details.
⚠️ You will not be charged if you downgrade or avoid listing products.
💳 You will only be charged after activation, if you stay on the Pro Plan with active listings.

Would you like a reminder to downgrade as soon as your account is activated?

still i am thinking to stop here before i prepare for product. and if i do so will amazon central contunue my acoount process where i left?

Yes — if you stop now, Amazon will save your progress, and you can continue from where you left off later. ✅

🔄 What Happens If You Pause the Registration Now?

✅ Your partially created Amazon Seller account stays saved.

You don’t need to start from scratch.
All your submitted documents, details, and steps completed will be saved in Amazon’s system.

✅ You can return later (in days or even weeks) and complete the remaining steps like:

Entering your credit card
Connecting Payoneer (after approval)
Listing products
Uploading tax info

📌 How to Resume Later:

Go to https://sellercentral.amazon.com
Log in with the same Amazon account
It will show a prompt like "Continue Registration"
Pick up from where you stopped

🧠 Smart Move If You're Not Ready Yet

✔️ You’re right to pause now if you:

Don’t want to risk being charged
Haven’t finalized your product
Want to first do proper research and preparation

This way you avoid stress and can start strong when ready.

Would you like me to:

Remind you later to continue setup?
Help you shortlist 2–3 products with low competition and good profit potential?

Just say the word when you're ready — I’ll make sure you restart confidently.

does it requred tax info like GST?

Great question — and very important to get right!

When you're selling on Amazon.com (USA marketplace) from India, here's what you need to know about tax information like GST:

✅ Is GST Required to Sell on Amazon.com from India?

❌ No — GST is NOT mandatory for selling on Amazon.com to U.S. customers.

However, you may still need it depending on:

How you're sourcing your products
If you're shipping from India
If you're using services in India (e.g., packaging, warehouse, advertising)

📜 What Tax Info Does Amazon.com Ask?

✅ 1. U.S. Tax Interview (W-8BEN Form)

All non-U.S. sellers must complete this.

You will be asked:

Are you a U.S. Person? → No
Type of business → Individual or Entity
Your PAN number (Indian Permanent Account Number)
Your full name & address

👉 This is used to prevent double taxation and comply with IRS (U.S. tax laws).
👉 After filling W-8BEN, Amazon will not deduct U.S. tax on your sales.

✅ 2. PAN (India)

You must provide a valid Indian PAN (Personal or Business).
Amazon uses this to link to your Payoneer and identity.

🟡 3. GST (India) – Optional but Useful

You don’t need GST to sell on Amazon.com, but it’s useful if:

You buy goods from Indian suppliers (and want to claim input tax credit)
You run a proper business and need to file regular tax returns
You're shipping goods from India (Export Invoice often needs GSTIN or IEC)

🚀 For Exporting from India:

If you're going to export physical goods from India to the USA, it’s better to have:

✅ GSTIN
✅ IEC Code (Import Export Code) from DGFT (very easy and free online)

👉 Not having GST will not stop you from selling digitally, but you may face customs/export invoice issues if you don’t have an IEC.

✅ Final Answer:

Tax Info	Required?	Notes
PAN (India)	✅ Yes	Must for identity and tax form
W-8BEN Form	✅ Yes	For U.S. tax exemption
GSTIN	❌ Not mandatory	Only needed for Indian invoicing/export benefits
IEC Code	🟡 Recommended	Needed for exports from India

Would you like help applying for GST or IEC later, or should I show you how to fill the W-8BEN form when you reach that step?

how to ged IEC code?

Great decision — getting an IEC (Import Export Code) is essential if you plan to export physical goods from India, especially when selling on platforms like Amazon.com.

And the good news is:
✅ It’s 100% online
✅ Takes just 1 day to get approved
✅ Free of cost (₹0 fees as of now)
✅ Issued by: DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade)

📦 What Is IEC Code?

IEC stands for Import Export Code — a 10-digit number issued by DGFT.
You need it for:

Exporting goods from India (legally through customs)
Creating export invoices
Using services like FedEx/DHL for international shipping

✅ Step-by-Step: How to Apply for IEC Online

🧾 What You Need First:

✅ PAN card (individual or business)
✅ Aadhar card (linked to mobile for OTP)
✅ Valid email ID and phone number
✅ Bank account (name must match PAN)
✅ Scanned copy of Cancelled cheque or Bank certificate
✅ Business address proof (can be electricity bill, rent agreement, etc.)

🌐 Step 1: Visit DGFT Portal

Go to: https://www.dgft.gov.in

Click "Apply for IEC" or register as a new user.

✍️ Step 2: Create Login (If New User)

Choose “Importer/Exporter”
Use your PAN as the login ID
Verify via OTP (on Aadhar-linked mobile/email)

🧾 Step 3: Fill IEC Application Form (ANF-2A)

Fill in:

Business/Individual name (as per PAN)
Address
Contact details
Bank details
Upload:
- Cancelled cheque
- Address proof (PDF/JPG under 1MB)

💳 Step 4: Submit with DSC or Aadhar e-sign

You can:

e-sign with Aadhar OTP (easy)
Or use DSC (Digital Signature Certificate)

🕒 Step 5: Get IEC Code in 24 Hours

After submission, DGFT usually issues the IEC within a few hours or next day.
You’ll receive it via email and can download from DGFT portal.

📌 No Renewal Needed!

Once issued, the IEC is valid for lifetime — no renewal required.

✅ Summary:

Step	Action
1.	Visit dgft.gov.in
2.	Register as importer/exporter using PAN
3.	Fill IEC application (ANF-2A)
4.	Upload documents
5.	e-Sign with Aadhar
6.	Get IEC within 24 hours

Would you like me to help you fill the form step-by-step or check your documents before you apply?

now tell me i heard AD code required and it will be provided by banks what it is?

Excellent follow-up — you're really preparing well. 🙌
Yes, after getting your IEC, you’ll often hear about something called an AD Code — especially when you're ready to start exporting goods physically from India.

Let me explain clearly:

🏦 What is an AD Code?

AD Code stands for Authorized Dealer Code.

✅ It is:

A 14-digit number issued by your bank (usually the branch you bank with)
Needed to get Customs Clearance when exporting goods from India
Linked to your IEC and shipping port (like Mumbai Sea Port, Delhi Air Cargo, etc.)

📦 Why is AD Code Important?

Without an AD Code:

You can’t export physical goods legally
You won’t be able to generate a Shipping Bill on ICEGATE (Indian Customs portal)
Your shipments will be stuck at the port

💡 Think of AD Code as a customs approval from your bank to move foreign currency in/out for export-import.

🛠️ How to Get AD Code from Your Bank (Step-by-Step)

✅ Step 1: Choose the Bank Where You Have a Current Account

Usually, you should apply with the bank that is linked to your IEC (same name on IEC and bank account).

✅ Step 2: Request AD Code Letter from Bank

Write an email or visit the branch and say:

“I have an IEC and would like to apply for an AD Code for exports. Please issue the AD Code letter for [Your Port Name — e.g., Nhava Sheva (JNPT), Mumbai].”

They will issue a formal letter with the AD Code on their letterhead, signed by a branch manager.

✅ Step 3: Register the AD Code with Indian Customs (ICEGATE)

Go to: https://icegate.gov.in
Create a business user account (linked to your IEC)
Upload:
- AD Code Letter (from bank)
- IEC certificate
- Authorized signatory documents
Select your port of export
Submit for approval

Once approved, you can generate:

Shipping bills
Export invoices
Claim GST refunds (if applicable)

📌 You Need a Separate AD Code for Each Port

For example:

Exporting from Mumbai Port? AD Code must be registered for Mumbai.
Later using Chennai Airport? Register again for that port.

✅ Summary

Term	Full Form	Purpose
IEC	Import Export Code	Required to export legally from India
AD Code	Authorized Dealer Code	Required to get customs clearance and shipping bills

🧠 When Should You Apply?

Would you like me to help you draft the email to your bank requesting an AD Code? Or guide you through the ICEGATE registration?

but i do not have current bank account i am using personal bank account

Thanks for the clarification — and this is a very important point. Let’s break it down simply:

🏦 Can You Use a Personal Bank Account for IEC and AD Code?

✅ For IEC (Import Export Code):

YES, you can use your personal savings account
as long as the name on the PAN, bank account, and IEC matches.
Many individual exporters (freelancers, small business owners) do this when starting.

⚠️ But for AD Code and Actual Export from India:

Here’s where it gets strict.

Account Type	IEC	AD Code	Export Customs Clearance
Savings (personal)	✅ Allowed	❌ Not preferred	❌ Often rejected by customs
Current account (business)	✅ Allowed	✅ Mandatory	✅ Smooth process

❌ Most banks will not issue an AD Code letter for a personal account.

Customs and ICEGATE may reject AD Code registration if it's not linked to a current account in your name or business name.

✅ What Should You Do Now?

💡 Solution: Open a Current Account in Your Own Name (as an individual)

You can open a current account as a sole proprietor (no need for a company registration yet).

Here’s how:

Open a current account with:

PAN card
Aadhar card
GST (optional, not required for now)
Proof of business name (use your name or apply for a simple trade name using a Udyam Registration)

🏦 Many banks offer zero balance current accounts for individuals/freelancers — ask about this.

✅ Once Current Account is Ready:

Ask your bank for the AD Code letter
Register AD Code on ICEGATE for your port
Start exporting legally

🧠 Summary:

You want to...	Action
Get IEC only	Personal account is fine ✅
Export from India via customs	You need a current account ❗
Get AD Code from bank	Bank will ask for current account ✅

Would you like help choosing a bank with low minimum balance current accounts, or drafting a trade name to open a sole proprietorship account?

but i have created payoneer account with personal bank account, can i change later it to current accout

Yes, you can absolutely change your linked Payoneer bank account from a personal savings account to a current account later — and it’s very easy. ✅

🔁 Can You Change Bank Account in Payoneer Later?

✅ Yes — you can update or add a new withdrawal bank account anytime.

Even if you:

Created your Payoneer account with a personal bank account
Want to switch to a current account (better for business/export use)

🛠️ How to Change or Add Bank Account in Payoneer

Step 1: Log in to Payoneer

Step 2: Go to Settings > Bank Accounts

Here, you’ll see your current linked account

Step 3: Click “Add a new bank account”

Choose India (INR)
Enter your current account details
- Account holder name
- IFSC code
- Bank name
- Account number

Step 4: Submit and wait for Payoneer approval

Usually takes 1–2 business days
You may need to upload:
- A cancelled cheque
- A copy of bank statement with your name and account number

🔁 You Can Also Remove the Old Account

Once the new current account is approved:

Go to same Settings > Bank Accounts
Remove the old personal account

🧠 Important Notes

Detail	Info
Multiple accounts allowed?	Yes, you can add more than one
Can you withdraw to both?	No, only one withdrawal account can be set as default
Is there a fee?	No, changing is free
PAN mismatch?	The bank account must match the Payoneer account holder's name

✅ Summary:

Current Situation	Can You Fix It?
Payoneer linked to personal account	✅ Yes
Want to upgrade to current account later	✅ Easily change in Payoneer settings

Would you like help choosing the best current account in India for exports or a guide to set up a sole proprietorship for it?

ok thank you and love you for all information : ) now i am cleared and pause the amazon seller acount for now and prosses the other documents before product listing.

You're most welcome! 😊
And thank you — it means a lot. I'm really glad you're feeling clear and confident now.

✅ Quick Recap of Your Smart Strategy:

🛑 Paused Amazon seller account — to avoid unnecessary charges
📄 Working on documents — like IEC, current account, AD code
💡 Planning product and supplier — before listing = very smart
💳 Payoneer ready — will update it later to current account
📦 Export-ready mindset — you're on the right professional track!