Exports under GST
Quick Reference for Your Business

Documents Required • Timelines • Penalties – everything you need to know about exports under GST.

01
The Two Export Routes
📌

Exports are zero-rated (Section 16, IGST Act) — 0% GST, but you can still claim Input Tax Credit.

🟢
Route 1 — Under LUT (recommended)

Export without paying IGST, then claim refund of accumulated ITC (Form RFD-01)

🔵
Route 2 — With IGST

Pay IGST on export, then claim automatic IGST refund through the shipping bill

02
Documents Required
🪪
IEC (Import Export Code)

Mandatory before your first export

📋
LUT in Form GST RFD-11

Filed on the portal (EVC/DSC), with two independent witnesses

📄
Export Invoice

Carrying the LUT ARN and the line "Supply meant for export under LUT without payment of IGST"

🚢
Shipping Bill

For goods via ICEGATE

💱
FIRC / BRC / e-FIRA

Proof of foreign-exchange realisation (for services)

📊
Returns & Statements

GSTR-1 (Table 6A) and GSTR-3B for the period; bank statements and contracts

03
Timelines
Action When
File LUT (Form RFD-11) Before first export; renew before 31 March each FY
Export of goods after invoice Within 3 months of invoice date
Realise foreign exchange (services) Within 1 year of invoice date
Claim refund (Section 54) Within 2 years from the relevant date
Report export sales GSTR-1 Table 6A ("without payment of tax")
Note: LUT is valid for one financial year only (1 April — 31 March). File it in the first week of April so no export goes out without cover. Refunds are processed only if GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B are filed.
04
Penalties / Consequences
No valid LUT at the time of export
You must pay IGST plus 18% interest on that supply
Goods not exported within 3 months
LUT is withdrawn — pay IGST + 18% interest within 15 days of the deadline
Export proceeds not realised in 1 year (services)
Pay IGST + 18% interest within 15 days after the one-year period
Missing the zero-rated declaration on the invoice
Puts the export in a compliance grey zone and can delay or block the refund
Prosecuted for tax evasion of ₹2.5 crore or more
Not eligible for LUT — must furnish a bond with bank guarantee
05
Why Business Owners Trust M/s Durganjali & Associates
A real, qualified Chartered Accountant

Not an agent — a CA you can trust in front of any tax officer.

5 years of practice

Across companies, firms, individuals and trusts — Tax, GST and compliance.

You never miss a date

We track every deadline — no fines, no interest, no surprises.

Clear updates in your language

Simple updates in Telugu and English — you always know where things stand.

Honest, practical advice

Straight answers you can act on — no jargon, no overselling.

Talk to a Chartered Accountant

Have questions about taxation, audit, or compliance? Fill out the form below and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.

Chat with us on WhatsApp