21M from India — I want to learn Import-Export practically through a job before starting my own business. Where should I start?

Hi everyone,

I'm 21 and based in India. I'm genuinely interested in getting into the Import-Export / International Trade business in the future, but I don't want to jump into the business blindly or spend money on a random course.

My plan is to first work in this industry for 1–3 years, learn the business from the inside, understand how actual shipments and international deals work, build industry contacts, save some capital, and eventually start my own import-export/trading business.

The problem is that I don't have any practical experience in this field yet, so I'm confused about where exactly I should start.

What kind of job should I target as a fresher?

Should I apply for roles such as:

• Import-Export Executive
• EXIM Executive
• Export Documentation Executive
• Import/Export Operations Executive
• Logistics Coordinator
• Freight Forwarding Executive
• Customs/CHA-related roles
• Export Sales / International Sales
• Sourcing / Procurement
• International Trade Assistant

My main goal isn't just getting a job title. I want a role where I can actually learn things like:

Finding buyers/suppliers → quotations → negotiation → purchase orders → Incoterms → HS codes → export/import documentation → freight forwarding → customs clearance → shipping → payments/LCs → dealing with overseas buyers → actual shipment execution.

Where should I apply?

I'm mainly confused about the best way to find these jobs.

Should I:

1. Search on LinkedIn using specific job titles/keywords?
2. Apply directly to export/import companies?
3. Target freight forwarding companies?
4. Target CHA/customs brokers?
5. Contact small exporters directly and ask for an entry-level position?
6. Use Naukri/Indeed or other platforms?
7. Network with people already working in EXIM on LinkedIn?

If you work in this industry, what exact keywords should I type into LinkedIn/Naukri, and what type of companies should I target?

I'm based in Mumbai, so advice about companies/areas in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Bhiwandi, JNPT/Nhava Sheva, etc. would be especially useful.

Also, I have a B.Sc. Computer Science degree, so I'm not from a traditional commerce/logistics background. Would that be a major disadvantage for entry-level EXIM roles?

I would really appreciate advice from people who actually work in import-export, freight forwarding, customs, trading companies, sourcing, or international sales.

I'm looking for practical career advice, not paid-course recommendations.

Thanks!

My shipment from China is currently stuck at Nhava Sheva Port Customs because CHA is asking for a BIS certificate for the product.

The issue is that the original manufacturer does not have BIS certificate and it is being imported regularly in India by multiple companies in crores of values.

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I have used the same HSN as they have been using in their invoices. I don't think my particular product requires it but they are considering in under a whole 3 phase induction motor category whereas my product does not fall in that it is single phase.

My freight forwarder is saying that the CHA is not willing to take the matter forward because the BIS certificate missing.

Can anyone help in clearing the shipment or let me know what actions can I take.

Has anyone in India dealt with a similar Customs/BIS issue? Would really appreciate advice from importers, CHAs, Customs professionals, or anyone who has handled BIS-related detentions

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