Have you ever wondered how your local Kerala business could compete on the world stage? You’re not the only one asking. The Kerala exports increased more than 20 percent in 2024 and thus most of the local entrepreneurs are getting acquainted that going global is not a dream but is achievable with the right plan at hand.
Kerala has been the international trade since ancient times when the spices used to pass through the region to the modern technology items. However, being a global player requires more than a good product. This blog will describe the essential steps that have been followed by the successful businesses in Kerala to reach out to markets across the world.
You have to acquire the appropriate legal documents to make a first order abroad. Among them the most significant is an Import Export Code (IEC) of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). This is a 10-digit code that serves as a passport to conduct business in any part of the world, without it you will not pass through the custom or make payments abroad.
Getting the IEC is simple. Visit the DGFT site, submit your business registration, address evidence, and bank certificate, pay it and the code is received in a couple of days. It should be noted that the IEC should be renewed on an annual basis between April and June.
It is also important to enroll with export promotion councils. And say, as an example, that you are going to export Kerala spices, you have to register with the Spices Board. The exporters of the seafood are to be registered with APEDA, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority.
An Ayurvedic products company based in Kochi which is a success stated that initially they ventured to sell everywhere yet their efforts failed rather than in Europe and North America. Individuals in those areas were seeking true Ayurvedic products due to an increased wellness trend.
First consider the best location of your product. Spices, seafood, coir, Ayurvedic medicine, and IT are some of the well known products of Kerala. The state is also shifting to value added products, sustainable products and tech services.
Visit trade databases, visit international trade fairs, and negotiate with Indian embassies in target countries. This will assist you in knowing about demand, competition and rules.
Individual countries have had their own regulations and quality standards with regards to imports. Your goods should not break the following rules to save on the expensive cost of rejection at customs. The other certifications that are required are ISO, food HACCP, or organic and they may depend on your industry.
Milma is a Kerala based dairy cooperative that recently began exporting to the Gulf nations. They export foodstuffs like Paneer Butter Masala and instant mixes and they ensure that the foodstuffs comply with the international food safety regulations.
Kerala’s government has been investing heavily in export infrastructure, with the Cochin Port expansion and improved logistics networks. Take advantage of these developments by:
Consider partnering with established distributors in your target markets rather than going alone. The Lulu Group’s partnership with Milma demonstrates how local distributors can provide instant access to established retail networks.
You might also explore joint ventures or licensing agreements, especially for technology-based services where Kerala has strong capabilities.
Kerala’s new Export Promotion Policy 2025 aims to increase the state’s export value to $20 billion by 2027-28. The policy offers various incentives, infrastructure support, and capacity-building programs for exporters.
Connect with Kerala’s Department of Industries and Commerce, which provides export promotion services, market intelligence, and participation in international trade fairs.
Global expansion is not about paperwork and logistics but about relationship building on different continents and time zones. Begin with one or two markets, gain the essential learning at the early stages and then decide to expand internationally.
Kerala boasts of long trading history, good infrastructure and government support thus it is a great place to do business that intends to venture globally. A well-planned Kerala business would be able to join the ranks of exporters that have been increasing in number to enable the state achieve its export objectives.
Are you willing to venture in foreign markets? Kerala is waiting to see what the world has to offer.
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