What is the format of an export invoice under GST?

An export invoice under GST must include: exporter's GSTIN and address, foreign buyer's name and country, invoice number and date, HSN/SAC codes, description of goods/services, quantity, unit price in foreign currency, exchange rate, INR equivalent value, GST rate (0% if LUT filed, or applicable IGST rate), LUT reference number if applicable, and a mandatory declaration stating whether the supply is with or without payment of IGST. For goods, the shipping bill number must eventually be linked. Missing any of these fields can delay customs clearance or IGST refunds.

What is LUT for export and how do I file it?

LUT stands for Letter of Undertaking under Form GST RFD-11. It allows GST-registered exporters to export goods and services without paying IGST upfront. To file, log in to the GST portal, go to Services > User Services > Furnish Letter of Undertaking (LUT), select the financial year, fill in Form GST RFD-11, and submit using DSC or EVC. A reference number is issued immediately. This LUT is valid for the entire financial year and must be renewed annually. Filing LUT saves working capital that would otherwise be blocked waiting for IGST refunds.

Can I raise an export invoice in US dollars or other foreign currency?

Yes, export invoices can and usually should be raised in the foreign buyer's currency (USD, EUR, GBP, AED, etc.). However, the invoice must also state the INR equivalent using the RBI reference rate on the invoice date. The INR value is used for GST return reporting in GSTR-1. The exchange rate used must be explicitly mentioned on the invoice. After payment is received, your bank will issue a Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate (FIRC) confirming the foreign exchange receipt, which is required for service export refunds and export benefit schemes.

What is the difference between export with payment of tax and export under LUT?

Export with payment of tax means you charge IGST at the applicable rate on your export invoice and then claim a refund through Form GST RFD-01. The refund is linked to the shipping bill data and processed within 60-90 days. Export under LUT means you file Form GST RFD-11 at the start of the year and raise all export invoices at 0% IGST — no upfront payment, no refund needed. LUT is the preferred option for most exporters as it does not lock up working capital. Both options are legally valid zero-rated supplies.

How do I claim IGST refund on exports?

If you exported with payment of IGST (not using LUT), the refund is processed automatically for goods exports when customs data from ICEGATE matches your GSTR-1 export invoice data. File your export invoices in Table 6A of GSTR-1 accurately. Your customs broker files the shipping bill referencing your invoice number and GSTIN. The systems match automatically and the refund is credited to your bank. For service exports, file Form GST RFD-01 manually with the FIRC as supporting document. Refunds are typically processed within 30-60 days for matched goods export invoices.

Do I need to mention HSN code on export invoices?

Yes, HSN codes are mandatory on all export invoices regardless of the exporter's annual turnover. Domestically, HSN code requirement depends on turnover thresholds, but for exports, HSN codes are always required because customs classification depends on the HSN/HS code. The shipping bill also requires the HS code (first 8 digits of HSN), and mismatches between the invoice HSN and the shipping bill HS code can cause customs clearance delays. Use our HSN code finder at mybillplease.com/tools/hsn-code to verify the correct code for your exported goods.

Is supply to an SEZ also treated as an export under GST?

Yes, supply of goods or services to an SEZ (Special Economic Zone) unit or SEZ developer is treated as zero-rated supply under Section 16(1)(b) of the IGST Act — the same status as physical exports. You can supply to SEZ under LUT (0% IGST) or with payment of IGST and claim a refund. The documentation differs: instead of a shipping bill, you need SEZ endorsement on the invoice. SEZ supply is reported in Table 6B of GSTR-1 (separate from goods exports in Table 6A). All other export invoice requirements — HSN codes, declarations, invoice format — apply equally to SEZ supplies.

Invoicing & Formats

Export Invoice Format: GST Rules, Template & Free Download

Exporting goods or services from India? Your invoice must meet specific GST requirements — LUT bond, zero-rated supply declaration, foreign currency rules, and shipping bill linkage. Here is everything you need to know.

Himanshu25 March 2026 · 7 min read · updated 6 September 2026

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Key takeaways

Exports are zero-rated under Section 16 of the IGST Act: charge 0% with an LUT, or pay IGST and claim a refund.
File Form GST RFD-11 (LUT) on the GST portal before each financial year; the reference number goes on every export invoice.
Invoice in foreign currency but state the RBI reference rate and INR equivalent; proceeds must be realised within 9 months.
For goods, the GSTR-1 Table 6A invoice must match the shipping bill exactly, or the automatic IGST refund stalls.

What Makes an Export Invoice Different from a Regular GST Invoice?

An export invoice under GST is fundamentally different from a domestic GST invoice. When you export goods or services, the supply is treated as a zero-rated supply under Section 16 of the IGST Act. This means GST is either charged at 0% (if you have a Letter of Undertaking) or charged at 0.1% IGST and then refunded.

The export invoice must carry specific declarations, reference the shipping bill or bill of export, and comply with both GST rules and the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). A domestic GST invoice with 'Export' written on it does not satisfy these requirements — the format, fields, and declarations are distinct.

This guide covers the complete export invoice format for goods and services, the LUT bond process, zero-rated supply rules, foreign currency invoicing, and how to link your invoice to the shipping bill for IGST refund. If you are exporting regularly, use our free invoice generator which supports export invoice format with all mandatory fields built in.

Mandatory Fields on an Export Invoice Under GST

All 16 fields are required. Missing even one can delay your IGST refund or customs clearance.

Invoice number and date — unique sequential numbering per financial year
Exporter's name, address, and GSTIN
Billing address of the foreign buyer (name, address, country)
Shipping address if different from billing address
HSN code for goods (mandatory for all export invoices regardless of turnover)
SAC code for services exports
Description of goods or services being exported
Quantity and unit of measurement
Unit price and total value in foreign currency
Exchange rate as on invoice date (reference: RBI reference rate or authorized dealer rate)
Invoice value in Indian Rupees (for GST purposes)
GST rate and amount — either IGST at applicable rate OR 0% if LUT filed
LUT/Bond reference number and date (if exporting without payment of tax)
Shipping bill number and date OR bill of export number (for goods)
Port of loading and port of destination
Declaration: 'Supply meant for export on payment of IGST' OR 'Supply meant for export under LUT without payment of IGST'

LUT Bond (Form GST RFD-11): What It Is and How to File

A Letter of Undertaking (LUT) under Form GST RFD-11 allows registered exporters to export goods and services without paying IGST upfront. Instead of charging IGST and then claiming a refund, you charge 0% GST on the export invoice — saving working capital that would otherwise be locked up in refund claims.

Who can file LUT? Any GST-registered exporter can file LUT unless they have been prosecuted for tax evasion of more than Rs 2.5 crore under the CGST Act or IGST Act. Practically, this means almost all exporters qualify.

How to file LUT on the GST portal

Log in to the GST portal (gst.gov.in).
Navigate to Services > User Services > Furnish Letter of Undertaking (LUT).
Select the financial year; LUT must be filed for each financial year separately.
Fill in Form GST RFD-11: declare that you are an exporter, provide bank details and accept the undertaking.
Submit with DSC or EVC.
Note the reference number generated immediately and use it on all export invoices for that financial year.

LUT validity: One financial year. For FY 2026-27, file a fresh LUT before April 1, 2026. You can file the new year's LUT from the GST portal starting March 1 of the current year.

If you export without LUT: You must charge IGST at the applicable rate on the export invoice. You then file Form GST RFD-01 to claim a refund of the IGST paid. The refund process takes 60-90 days typically and requires shipping bill data to match your GST return data.

We recommend all regular exporters file LUT at the start of every financial year. It is a one-time online process and saves significant working capital by eliminating the need to pay IGST upfront and wait for refunds. In myBillPlease, you can store your LUT reference number and it auto-populates on every export invoice you create.

Zero-Rated Supply: Export vs SEZ Supply

Zero-rated supply has two categories under GST — both allow you to export without effective GST burden

Aspect	Export of Goods/Services	Supply to SEZ Unit/Developer
Definition	Supply to a place outside India	Supply to a Special Economic Zone unit within India
IGST treatment	0% with LUT or IGST paid and refunded	0% with LUT or IGST paid and refunded
Document required	Shipping bill / Bill of export (goods), FIRC/BRC (services)	SEZ endorsement on invoice, bill of supply or tax invoice
Refund mechanism	IGST refund via GST portal linked to shipping bill	ITC refund or upfront 0% supply via LUT
Invoice type	Tax invoice with zero-rated declaration	Tax invoice with SEZ supply declaration
GSTR-1 reporting	Table 6A — Export invoices	Table 6B — Supply to SEZ with/without payment

Foreign Currency Invoicing: Rules and FIRC

Export invoices are typically raised in foreign currency — USD, EUR, GBP, AED, or whichever currency the buyer pays in. GST law permits this but requires the invoice to also show the equivalent INR value for GST computation purposes.

Exchange rate to use: The RBI reference rate on the date of invoice. If RBI does not publish a rate for the specific currency pair, the authorized dealer (your bank) rate applies. The exchange rate must be stated on the invoice.

Example: Invoice raised for USD 10,000 on March 20, 2026. RBI reference rate on that date: 1 USD = Rs 84.50. Invoice INR value: Rs 8,45,000. This INR value is used for GST return purposes.

FIRC (Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate): After the buyer pays, your bank issues a FIRC (for wire transfers) or BRC (Bank Realization Certificate for older transactions). This is the primary proof of export realization and is required for:

IGST refund claims for service exports
RBI compliance under FEMA (foreign exchange must be realized within 9 months)
Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) benefits like SEIS/Remission of Duties

For goods exports: The primary proof of export is the shipping bill, not the FIRC. However, FIRC/BRC is still required for export benefits and for closing the export obligation if you have an advance license or EPCG scheme.

Time limit for realization: Export proceeds must be realized within 9 months from the date of export (extended to 15 months for certain categories). If payment is delayed beyond this period, you must apply to RBI for an extension to avoid FEMA penalties.

Linking Your Export Invoice to the Shipping Bill for IGST Refund

For exporters who pay IGST on exports (not using LUT), the refund is processed automatically once the customs system (ICEGATE) and the GST portal exchange data. Here is how the linkage works:

Step 1: File your export invoice in GSTR-1 under Table 6A. Include: invoice number, date, HSN/SAC code, taxable value, and IGST paid.

Step 2: Your customs broker (CHA) files the shipping bill on ICEGATE. The shipping bill references your GST invoice number and GSTIN.

Step 3: ICEGATE sends the shipping bill data to the GST portal. The system matches the invoice data in your GSTR-1 with the shipping bill. When there is a match, the refund is processed automatically — credited directly to your bank account within 30 days in most cases.

Common mismatch errors that delay refund:

Invoice number format in GSTR-1 does not match shipping bill exactly (including spaces, slashes)
Taxable value differs between invoice and shipping bill by more than Rs 1
GSTIN mismatch or port code error
HSN code not mentioned in invoice

To avoid delays, ensure your export invoice is created with the exact invoice number that your CHA will use on the shipping bill. Keep a copy of both documents together.

Export of Services: Special Rules

Services exported from India are treated as zero-rated supply only if they meet the definition under Section 2(6) of the IGST Act. The conditions are:

1. The supplier is located in India
2. The recipient is located outside India
3. The place of supply is outside India
4. Payment is received in convertible foreign exchange OR in Indian Rupees wherever permitted by RBI
5. The supplier and recipient are not merely different establishments of the same person

FIRC requirement: For service exporters, the FIRC/BRC is the critical document. Since there is no shipping bill for services, the FIRC is the proof that the export took place and that foreign exchange was received.

If you are an IT company, consultant, designer, or any service provider invoicing foreign clients, file LUT at the start of each financial year and raise invoices with 0% IGST. When payment comes in, your bank will issue an FIRC — retain this for at least 7 years for GST audit purposes.

What if the client pays in INR? Services are still considered exports if the INR payment is from a rupee account held by the foreign buyer in India (this is permitted by RBI under certain conditions). Confirm with your bank whether the specific INR payment qualifies as foreign exchange realization under FEMA.

We recommend using myBillPlease invoice generator for all export service invoices — it generates the correct format with LUT reference, foreign currency field, and the mandatory zero-rated supply declaration pre-filled.

Frequently asked questions

What is the format of an export invoice under GST?: An export invoice under GST must include: exporter's GSTIN and address, foreign buyer's name and country, invoice number and date, HSN/SAC codes, description of goods/services, quantity, unit price in foreign currency, exchange rate, INR equivalent value, GST rate (0% if LUT filed, or applicable IGST rate), LUT reference number if applicable, and a mandatory declaration stating whether the supply is with or without payment of IGST. For goods, the shipping bill number must eventually be linked. Missing any of these fields can delay customs clearance or IGST refunds.
What is LUT for export and how do I file it?: LUT stands for Letter of Undertaking under Form GST RFD-11. It allows GST-registered exporters to export goods and services without paying IGST upfront. To file, log in to the GST portal, go to Services > User Services > Furnish Letter of Undertaking (LUT), select the financial year, fill in Form GST RFD-11, and submit using DSC or EVC. A reference number is issued immediately. This LUT is valid for the entire financial year and must be renewed annually. Filing LUT saves working capital that would otherwise be blocked waiting for IGST refunds.
Can I raise an export invoice in US dollars or other foreign currency?: Yes, export invoices can and usually should be raised in the foreign buyer's currency (USD, EUR, GBP, AED, etc.). However, the invoice must also state the INR equivalent using the RBI reference rate on the invoice date. The INR value is used for GST return reporting in GSTR-1. The exchange rate used must be explicitly mentioned on the invoice. After payment is received, your bank will issue a Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate (FIRC) confirming the foreign exchange receipt, which is required for service export refunds and export benefit schemes.
What is the difference between export with payment of tax and export under LUT?: Export with payment of tax means you charge IGST at the applicable rate on your export invoice and then claim a refund through Form GST RFD-01. The refund is linked to the shipping bill data and processed within 60-90 days. Export under LUT means you file Form GST RFD-11 at the start of the year and raise all export invoices at 0% IGST — no upfront payment, no refund needed. LUT is the preferred option for most exporters as it does not lock up working capital. Both options are legally valid zero-rated supplies.
How do I claim IGST refund on exports?: If you exported with payment of IGST (not using LUT), the refund is processed automatically for goods exports when customs data from ICEGATE matches your GSTR-1 export invoice data. File your export invoices in Table 6A of GSTR-1 accurately. Your customs broker files the shipping bill referencing your invoice number and GSTIN. The systems match automatically and the refund is credited to your bank. For service exports, file Form GST RFD-01 manually with the FIRC as supporting document. Refunds are typically processed within 30-60 days for matched goods export invoices.
Do I need to mention HSN code on export invoices?: Yes, HSN codes are mandatory on all export invoices regardless of the exporter's annual turnover. Domestically, HSN code requirement depends on turnover thresholds, but for exports, HSN codes are always required because customs classification depends on the HSN/HS code. The shipping bill also requires the HS code (first 8 digits of HSN), and mismatches between the invoice HSN and the shipping bill HS code can cause customs clearance delays. Use our HSN code finder at mybillplease.com/tools/hsn-code to verify the correct code for your exported goods.
Is supply to an SEZ also treated as an export under GST?: Yes, supply of goods or services to an SEZ (Special Economic Zone) unit or SEZ developer is treated as zero-rated supply under Section 16(1)(b) of the IGST Act — the same status as physical exports. You can supply to SEZ under LUT (0% IGST) or with payment of IGST and claim a refund. The documentation differs: instead of a shipping bill, you need SEZ endorsement on the invoice. SEZ supply is reported in Table 6B of GSTR-1 (separate from goods exports in Table 6A). All other export invoice requirements — HSN codes, declarations, invoice format — apply equally to SEZ supplies.