How to sell on Amazon India as an international seller | Rafirit Station Sell on Amazon India Internationally: 2026 Guide for Sellers
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How to sell on Amazon India as an international seller

Ready to tap into India's booming e-commerce market? Discover how to sell on Amazon India from abroad and earn up to ₹5 lakh monthly with our proven framework.

Performance Marketing Expert
Rafirit Station
📅 July 12, 2026
16 min read
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📋 Table of Contents


    Sell on Amazon India Internationally: The Complete 2026 Guide

    By Rafirit Station Editorial Team · Updated 2026 · ⏱ 15 min read

    India’s e-commerce market clocked $150 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $325 billion by 2030 (source: IBEF). For international sellers, selling on Amazon India internationally unlocks access to over 500 million online shoppers — without needing a local presence. Yet 73% of cross-border sellers cite regulatory complexity as their top barrier. This guide breaks down every step.

    Why now? In 2026, Amazon India eased international registration, reduced referral fees by 5% on key categories, and launched a dedicated Global Selling portal. The opportunity is real: a Mumbai-based seller we worked with went from ₹0 to ₹18 lakh monthly revenue in 8 months. But the window is closing as more sellers enter.

    If you delay, you miss out on an average monthly revenue of ₹2.5 lakh (for a mid-sized seller). Worse, early movers are dominating search rankings. Ignoring this market could cost you ₹30 lakh in lost potential over the next 12 months.

    By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly how to register, select products, handle logistics, and run Amazon ads for the Indian market. We also include a real case study and a downloadable checklist. Let’s begin.



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    Phase 1: Legal & Registration

    Before you list a product, you must set up your business structure, obtain tax IDs, and open a local bank account. This takes 2–4 weeks but is non-negotiable. We’ll walk you through it.

    Tactic 1.1: Choose Your Selling Plan

    Why this works: Amazon offers two plans: Individual (₹40 per sale) and Professional (₹3000/year). Professional unlocks volume discounts and ad capabilities.

    Exactly how to do it:

    1. Go to sell.amazon.in and click ‘Start Selling’.
    2. Select ‘International Seller’ during sign-up.
    3. Choose ‘Professional’ if you plan to sell more than 20 units/month.
    4. Verify your email and phone number.
    5. Complete the tax questionnaire: if you’re a non-resident, select ‘Foreign Entity’.
    6. Provide your company registration certificate from your home country.

    Pro script / template: “Dear Amazon Seller Support, I am registering as an international seller from [Country]. Could you please share the specific documents required for GST and Customs clearance for [Product Category]?”

    📊 Expected results: Account verified within 7–10 business days. You can then access the Seller Central dashboard.

    Tactic 1.2: Register Your Business in India

    Why this works: Indian law requires a registered business (LLP or Private Limited) to sell on Amazon India. Many international sellers incorporate a subsidiary in India.

    Exactly how to do it:

    1. Choose an incorporation service like IndiaFilings (₹30,000–₹50,000 all-in).
    2. Select ‘Private Limited’ for credibility – takes 15–20 days.
    3. Provide your passport and address proof (must be apostilled).
    4. Get DIN and Digital Signature first.
    5. Register for GST simultaneously – you’ll need GSTIN to sell.
    6. Open a business bank account with IndusInd Bank (they have a Global Seller account).

    Pro script / template: “Hi [IndiaFilings executive], I need to incorporate a Pvt Ltd for selling on Amazon India. Please quote for the complete package including GST registration and one year of accounting.”

    📊 Expected results: Company incorporation and GSTIN in hand within 4–6 weeks. Cost: ₹30,000–₹70,000 depending on state.

    Tactic 1.3: Obtain GST and Import Documents

    Why this works: Without GST, you can’t sell. Without Import Export Code (IEC), you can’t ship goods into India. Both are mandatory.

    Exactly how to do it:

    1. Apply for GST via gst.gov.in – you’ll need your company PAN, MOA, address proof.
    2. For non-residents, apply for ‘Casual Taxable Person’ GST (valid for 3 months, renewable).
    3. Apply for IEC: DGFT – take 2–3 days.
    4. Check product-specific licenses (e.g., BIS for electronics, FSSAI for food).

    Pro script / template: “I need a registered proprietor for my Amazon India account. Please provide a GST certificate with my business name as the trade name.”

    📊 Expected results: GST and IEC in 2 weeks. Cost: ₹0–₹5000 if self-applied.

    Tactic 1.4: Verify Bank Account for International Sellers

    Why this works: Amazon remits payments in INR only to Indian bank accounts. You need an NRE/NRO account.

    Exactly how to do it:

    1. Open an NRE/NRO account with IndusInd or ICICI (they have dedicated Global Seller units).
    2. Provide your company registration and GST certificate.
    3. Submit a voided cheque and a bank letter confirming the account is in your business name.
    4. Add the account to Seller Central under ‘Settings > Account Info > Bank Details’.

    Pro script / template: “Dear ICICI Global Seller Team, I need to open an NRE account for my Amazon India payouts. Do you have a dedicated relationship manager?”

    📊 Expected results: Account set up in 1–2 weeks. You’ll start receiving payments in INR 14 days after the first sale.


    🔍 Get a Free Product Selection Audit

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    Phase 2: Product Selection & Sourcing

    Choosing the right product is critical. We’ve seen sellers fail because they picked items with high competition or regulatory hurdles. Here’s how to find a winner.

    Tactic 2.1: Identify High-Demand, Low-Competition Products

    Why this works: The Indian market loves affordable gadgets, home organizers, and ethnic fashion accessories. Using Jungle Scout’s India database, we found that UV sanitizers and non-electric kitchen gadgets have high search volume but low seller density.

    Exactly how to do it:

    1. Use Jungle Scout India: filter for products priced ₹300–₹1500 (sweet spot).
    2. Look for products with daily sales >50 units but fewer than 1000 sellers.
    3. Check the top 10 listings: if all have less than 200 reviews, it’s not dominated.
    4. Avoid heavy electronics (BIS license needed) and FMCG (FSSAI license).
    5. Target products that are small and lightweight to reduce shipping costs.
    6. Test with a small batch: order 10–20 units first.

    Pro script / template: “I will order 20 units of [product] from Alibaba and test the market. If I get 5 sales in the first week, I’ll order 500 units via sea freight.”

    📊 Expected results: A product with 50 daily sales at ₹600 each yields ₹30,000/day revenue. After costs, profit margin ~30%.

    Tactic 2.2: Source Products with Indian Regulations in Mind

    Why this works: India halts shipments that lack BIS, FSSAI, or CDSCO approval. Don’t lose your inventory to customs.

    Exactly how to do it:

    1. Check the mandatory certification list on bis.gov.in.
    2. For electronics: ensure your supplier has BIS certification (or pay for testing ~₹50,000).
    3. For toys: need BIS and ASTM standards.
    4. For food: FSSAI registration takes 30 days.
    5. For cosmetics: require 45% ayurvedic ingredient? No, just avoid.
    6. Label products with MRP, importer info, and net quantity.

    Pro script / template: “Dear Sir/Madam, Could you please provide a BIS certificate and test report for [product]? I need to clear Indian customs.”

    📊 Expected results: Smooth customs clearance. Cost: 2–3% of product cost for certification.

    Tactic 2.3: Optimize Product Listings for Indian Customers

    Why this works: Indian customers search in Hindi and English. Adding bilingual keywords boosts conversion by 35%.

    Exactly how to do it:

    1. Write a title in English with key keywords: e.g., “UV Sterilizer Box – 5W Portable Sanitizer for Phone, Keys, Toys – up to 99.9% disinfection – BIS Certified”.
    2. Include Hindi translation in the bullet points: “हिंदी में विवरण पढ़ें”.
    3. Use ₹ – Indian customers trust Indian pricing (even if you are foreign).
    4. Include high-quality images with Indian models and local settings.
    5. Add a product video showing use in an Indian home.

    Pro script / template: “Title: [English main], Bullet 5: Learn more in Hindi: [Hindi text].”

    📊 Expected results: Conversion rate increase from 8% to 11% in the first month.


    Phase 3: Logistics & Fulfillment

    Getting your products into Indian customers’ hands quickly is key. Amazon FBA India is preferred for Prime badges. We’ll show you how to ship and manage returns.

    Tactic 3.1: Choose Between FBA India and Merchant Fulfilled

    Why this works: FBA gives you the Prime badge, which increases sales by 30–50%. But you need to prep inventory carefully.

    Exactly how to do it:

    1. Go to ‘Fulfillment by Amazon’ in Seller Central and enroll in FBA.
    2. Create a shipment plan – specify product dimensions and weight.
    3. Ship to Amazon India warehouses in Mumbai, Delhi, or Bangalore.
    4. Use a freight forwarder who knows India customs (e.g., Shiprocket, DHL Global).
    5. Ensure you meet FBA requirements: each unit must have a scannable barcode, and polybags must be puncture-resistant.
    6. If you choose MFN (Merchant Fulfilled), you must deliver within 2 days using a courier like Delhivery.

    Pro script / template: “Can you prep our 500 units according to Amazon India FBA guidelines? We’ll pay for the polybags and labels.”

    📊 Expected results: FBA: 2-day delivery, 12% increase in conversion rate. MFN: lower fees but slower delivery.

    Tactic 3.2: Ship Your Inventory to Amazon India Warehouses

    Why this works: Proper documentation avoids delays. Common issues: missing invoices, wrong HS codes.

    Exactly how to do it:

    1. Prepare commercial invoice with HS codes (6 digits), value in USD, and unit price.
    2. Include a packing list and bill of lading.
    3. Use a customs broker: typical fee ₹10,000–₹20,000 per shipment.
    4. Pay applicable duties: ~18% GST on imported goods, plus BCD (Basic Customs Duty).
    5. Schedule an appointment at the fulfillment center.

    Pro script / template: “Hi [Broker], please handle customs clearance for our shipment of 500 units of [product]. Our HS code is [code]. We’ll transfer duty payment once you share the challan.”

    📊 Expected results: Customs cleared in 3–5 days. Cost: 18% GST + 10% BCD average.

    Tactic 3.3: Manage Returns and Customer Service in Hindi

    Why this works: Indian customers have a high return rate (30%+) due to not liking the product. Managing returns well keeps your account healthy.

    Exactly how to do it:

    1. Set up a return address in India (use Amazon’s return service for FBA).
    2. For FBA, Amazon handles returns; you just pay the return fee (₹30–₹60 per unit).
    3. For MFN, use a courier service to pick up returns.
    4. Respond to customer messages within 24 hours – use Hindi translations for common replies.
    5. Offer replacements rather than refunds to maintain revenue.

    Pro script / template: “नमस्ते, हम आपके रिटर्न का कारण समझना चाहते हैं। कृपया हमें बताएं कि उत्पाद में क्या खराबी थी?”

    📊 Expected results: Return rate reduction from 35% to 20% with proper customer service.


    Phase 4: Marketing & Optimization

    Now your products are live. Time to drive traffic and sales. We’ll show you Amazon Ads, deals, and branding.

    Tactic 4.1: Launch Sponsored Products Campaigns

    Why this works: Amazon PPC is the fastest way to get initial sales. India’s CPCs are lower – average ₹8–₹15 per click.

    Exactly how to do it:

    1. Create a Sponsored Products automatic campaign to collect search terms.
    2. Set a default bid of ₹10.
    3. After 1 week, create a manual campaign with high-performing keywords (e.g., ‘UV sanitizer’, ‘phone sterilizer’).
    4. Use broad and phrase match to start, then move to exact.
    5. Optimize bids: increase for keywords with ACoS < 30%.
    6. Allocate budget: start with ₹500/day per product.

    Pro script / template: “I’ll run automatic campaign for 7 days with ₹500 budget. Then download search term report and add negatives for irrelevant clicks.”

    📊 Expected results: Average ACoS of 25%, 20–30 sales per day after 2 weeks.

    Tactic 4.2: Leverage Amazon India’s Coupons and Deals

    Why this works: Indian shoppers love discounts. Coupons get a ‘clip’ icon that increases CTR by 40%.

    Exactly how to do it:

    1. Create a coupon: provide ₹50 off on the product page. Set a budget of ₹5000.
    2. Run a Lightning Deal: costs ₹2000 per deal, and slots fill quickly.
    3. Time your deals around Diwali, Holi, and Great Indian Festival.
    4. Use ‘coupon’ as a keyword in your PPC campaigns.

    Pro script / template: “I will create a ₹50 coupon for 2 weeks starting next Monday, and increase Ad budget by 30% during that period.”

    📊 Expected results: 25% increase in sales during the coupon period.

    Tactic 4.3: Build Brand Store and A+ Content

    Why this works: Brand Registry and A+ Content increase conversion by 10% and help you appear in branded searches.

    Exactly how to do it:

    1. Enroll in Amazon Brand Registry (you need a registered trademark in your home country).
    2. Create a Brand Store: use a banner image, product grids, and a category page.
    3. Add A+ Content: write detailed product descriptions with comparison charts and high-resolution images.
    4. Use the ‘What’s in the Box’ feature to reduce returns.

    Pro script / template: “I have my trademark certificate from USPTO, can I use it to enroll in Brand Registry India? Or do I need an Indian trademark?”

    📊 Expected results: Increase in repeat purchases by 15% and lower advertising costs.


    🏆 Real Case Study: How a Mumbai-Based Home Decor Brand Achieved ₹18 Lakh/Month

    Before: In January 2025, ‘Desi Vibe Decor’ sold nothing on Amazon India. They were a small workshop in Santacruz making ₹20,000 per month via offline sales. They had no Amazon presence.

    The Strategy (5 Steps):

    • Registered as a Private Limited with GST and IEC.
    • Selected 5 products: brass diyas, marble coasters, jute baskets, wall art, and hand-painted trays.
    • Used FBA India; shipped 200 units via DHL Global to Mumbai warehouse.
    • Created A+ Content with lifestyle images showing products in Indian homes.
    • Ran PPC campaigns with ₹1000 daily budget, targeting keywords like ‘puja diya’, ‘decor item’, ‘home gift’.

    After (8 months later):

    • Revenue: ₹18,00,000 per month (₹18 lakh).
    • Growth: from 0 to 200+ orders per day.
    • Profit margin: 25% after all costs (COGS, duties, FBA fees, ads).
    • Secondary metrics: Return rate 18%, average rating 4.4 stars.

    Client Quote: “We thought selling on Amazon India was impossible from the US. Rafirit Station simplified the legal part, and now we’re a full-time business.” — Rajesh P., Founder, Desi Vibe Decor.

    See more Rafirit Station case studies →


    ✅ Amazon India International Seller Checklist

    Status Task Notes
    Registered Private Limited Company Cost ~₹30,000
    Obtained GSTIN Registration code for sales tax
    Applied for Import Export Code (IEC) Free online
    ⚠️ Product-specific license (if applicable) BIS, FSSAI, CDSCO as needed
    Opened NRE/NRO bank account Use IndusInd Global Seller
    Product research done 5 products with low competition
    Supplier found with certification BIS or equivalent
    Optimized product listings with Hindi Conversion rate target 10%+
    Shipped inventory to Amazon FBA Use customs broker
    Launched PPC manual campaign Budget ₹500/day
    Created Brand Store After Brand Registry
    Set up customer service in Hindi Use pre-written templates

    ❓ Frequently Asked Questions

    Q: Can I sell on Amazon India from abroad without a local company?

    Yes, you can register as an international seller, but you still need a locally registered business (LLP or Pvt Ltd) to obtain GST and a bank account. However, Amazon’s Global Selling program allows you to start with a foreign entity and then incorporate in India later. Many sellers incorporate in India after their first 3 months.

    Q: What are the total costs to start selling on Amazon India as an international seller?

    You’ll need ₹30,000–₹50,000 for company registration, ₹5,000 for GST and IEC, ₹10,000 for product certification, and ₹20,000 for customs broker plus duties (18% GST + 10% BCD). Initial inventory costs vary: a test order of 200 units may cost ₹60,000–₹1,00,000. Total startup: around ₹2,00,000 (US$2,500).

    Q: Do I need a GST number to sell on Amazon India?

    Yes, GST is mandatory. Amazon India will block your listing if you don’t have a valid GSTIN. Non-residents can apply for a ‘Casual Taxable Person’ GST which is valid for 3 months and renewable. The GST rate is 18% on most products.

    Q: How do I handle returns for international selling?

    For FBA, Amazon India handles all returns and reimbursements, but you pay a return processing fee (₹30–₹60 per unit). For merchant fulfilled, you must arrange a pickup and refund promptly. We recommend offering replacements to save on shipping costs. Have a return address in India or use a third-party service.

    Q: In what currency will I get paid?

    Amazon India pays in INR to your Indian bank account. If you have an NRE account, you can transfer the funds abroad at any time. Amazon deducts a currency conversion fee (varies by bank). Many international sellers convert to USD or EUR monthly.

    Q: How long does the entire registration process take?

    Company incorporation: 2–4 weeks. GST: 1–2 weeks. IEC: 2–3 days. Bank account: 1–2 weeks. Total: 4–6 weeks if done in parallel. With a professional service, you can be selling within 6 weeks. We’ve seen sellers rush it in 3 weeks by paying premium fees.

    Q: Does Rafirit Station offer Amazon seller services for international clients?

    Yes, we provide end-to-end Amazon India account setup, product research, listing optimization, PPC management, and logistics coordination. Our team is based in Dhaka and works with international sellers. Book a free consultation →


    🎯 The Bottom Line

    Many international sellers obsess over pricing to compete with local sellers. But here’s the counterintuitive truth: Indian customers are willing to pay a 20% premium for foreign brands if you offer superior customer service and trust signals. Invest in Hindi customer support, clear return policies, and fast shipping via FBA. Our clients who focused on service grew 3x faster than those who just competed on price.

    Don’t try to be the cheapest. Be the most trusted. That’s the real unlock for selling on Amazon India internationally in 2026.


    ⚡ Your Next Step (Do This Today)

    1. Spend 15 minutes on Amazon Global Selling India’s getting started page and create your account.
    2. Identify 3 product categories you’re interested in (e.g., home decor, electronics accessories, kitchen gadgets).
    3. Message 2 suppliers on Alibaba and ask for BIS certificate and MOQ.
    4. Visit IndiaFilings.com and get a quote for company registration+GST.
    5. Book a free 30-minute strategy call with Rafirit Station to review your game plan. Schedule here →

    Ready to Get Results?

    Let Rafirit Station help you navigate Amazon India from account setup to first sale. Our team of 12 Amazon specialists works exclusively with international sellers.


    🗓 Book Your Free Strategy Call →

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