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International Business — NCERT Class 11 Business Studies

Complete NCERT Solutions for CBSE Class 11 Business Studies Chapter 11 — all exercise questions on export/import procedures, licensing, franchising, joint venture, FDI, WTO, and export promotion schemes.

Updated 11 June 20268 min read

Exercise Solutions Available

Step-by-step answers for all textbook questions in this chapter

View Solutions →

How to Use This Solutions Page

1. Attempt all NCERT questions on your own. 2. Compare answers — especially the sequence of export/import steps. 3. Memorise key documents and their purposes.


Key Concepts Recap

  • Modes of entry: Export/Import (low risk), Licensing (IP only), Franchising (IP + system), JV (shared), Wholly-owned (full control), FDI (investment + control).
  • Export steps: Order → IEC → Production → Insurance → Customs → Shipment → Documents → Payment.
  • Import steps: Enquiry → IEC → Order → Forex → Arrival → Customs → Delivery.
  • WTO (1995): Replaced GATT; TRIPS, GATS, TRIMS.
  • EPCG: Duty-free capital goods; 6x export obligation in 6 years.
  • SEZ: Tax holiday, duty-free, single window.
  • IEC: Mandatory — from DGFT.

Intext Questions

Q: What is the difference between licensing and franchising?

Answer
BasisLicensingFranchising
ScopeIP rights only (patent, trademark, technology)IP + complete business system (brand, operations, training)
ControlVery lowModerate to high
SupportMinimal from licensorTraining, marketing, operations from franchisor
ExampleA pharma company licensing a drug patentMcDonald's franchising its outlets
FeeRoyalty on salesInitial fee + ongoing royalty

Q: Name the document that is mandatory for both exports and imports.

AnswerIEC — Importer Exporter Code, obtained from DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade). No person can make any import or export without an IEC number.

Chapter-End Exercise Solutions

Q1: What is international business? Why do nations engage in international business?

Answer

International business refers to business transactions that take place across national boundaries — between two or more countries. It includes exports, imports, licensing, franchising, joint ventures, and FDI.

Reasons for engaging in international business: 1. Unequal distribution of resources — no country has all natural and human resources; trade fills the gap. 2. Specialisation and comparative advantage — countries produce what they can make most efficiently. 3. Larger market — domestic market may be too small for economies of scale. 4. Higher profits — international prices may be higher than domestic. 5. Technology access — importing advanced technology and machinery from developed countries. 6. Foreign exchange earnings — exports earn foreign exchange needed for imports. 7. Political relations — trade strengthens diplomatic ties between nations.

Q2: Explain the different modes of entry into international business.

Answer
ModeDescriptionInvestmentControlRisk
ExportingSelling domestically produced goods to foreign buyersLowLowLow
ImportingBuying foreign goods for domestic useLowN/ALow
LicensingGranting foreign firm rights to use IP for royaltyNoneVery lowLow
FranchisingLicense + complete business systemLowModerateLow
Joint VenturePartnership with a foreign firm, shared ownershipModerateSharedShared
Wholly-Owned Subsidiary100% owned foreign unitHighFullHigh
FDIInvestment in foreign company equity for management controlHighHighHigh

Choosing a mode depends on: investment capacity, desired control, risk appetite, and regulatory environment of the host country.

Q3: State the procedure for exporting goods from India.

Answer

1. Receive export order — from foreign buyer specifying product, price, quantity, delivery, and payment terms. 2. Assess feasibility — check ability to supply, profitability, and compliance requirements. 3. Obtain IEC — Importer Exporter Code from DGFT (mandatory for all exporters). 4. Produce/procure goods — as per the order specifications and quality requirements. 5. Obtain excise/GST clearance — exports are zero-rated under GST; claim input tax credit. 6. Obtain certificate of origin — from Chamber of Commerce certifying the country of manufacture. 7. Arrange marine insurance — insure goods against transit risk. 8. Customs clearance — submit shipping bill to customs; get examination and clearance. 9. Ship the goods — book shipping space; load goods; get mate's receipt from ship captain. 10. Prepare export documents — commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, insurance policy. 11. Receive payment — through letter of credit (LC), advance payment, or documentary collection.

Q4: State the procedure for importing goods into India.

Answer

1. Trade enquiry — gather information about foreign suppliers, prices, and terms. 2. Obtain IEC — Importer Exporter Code from DGFT (mandatory). 3. Place import order — submit an indent to the supplier with product, quantity, price, and delivery terms. 4. Obtain foreign exchange — from an authorised dealer (bank) under RBI guidelines. 5. Goods arrive at port — shipping company sends arrival notice to the importer. 6. Customs clearance — submit bill of entry; pay customs duty and IGST; get goods examined. 7. Take delivery — after customs clearance, goods are released from the port or warehouse.

Q5: What is FDI? How is it different from portfolio investment?

Answer

FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) is a long-term investment by a foreign entity in the equity of a domestic company that gives the investor management control (usually 10%+ equity).

Difference:

BasisFDIPortfolio Investment
NatureLong-term, strategicShort-term, financial
ControlManagement controlNo management control
PurposeEstablish operations, expand marketEarn dividend or capital gain
Minimum equity10%+ for lasting interestAny amount
StabilityStable — not easily reversibleVolatile — can be withdrawn quickly
ExampleToyota setting up a factory in IndiaForeign fund buying shares on BSE

Q6: Explain the role of WTO in international trade.

Answer

The World Trade Organisation (WTO), established in 1995, replaced GATT (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade). It is the global body that governs international trade rules.

Objectives: 1. Reduce trade barriers — tariffs, quotas, and non-tariff barriers. 2. Promote free and fair trade among member nations. 3. Resolve trade disputes between member countries through a structured process. 4. Provide a forum for trade negotiations and agreements. 5. Ensure transparency in trade policies through regular reviews.

Key Agreements:

  • TRIPS — Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights — sets minimum standards for IP protection.
  • GATS — General Agreement on Trade in Services — liberalises trade in services.
  • TRIMS — Trade-Related Investment Measures — removes restrictions on foreign investment.
  • AoA — Agreement on Agriculture — reduces agricultural subsidies and improves market access.

WTO and India:

  • India is a founding member.
  • Benefits: access to global markets, MFN treatment, dispute resolution.
  • Concerns: pressure to reduce agricultural subsidies, competition from imports, TRIPS impact on affordable medicines.

Q7: What are the export promotion schemes in India?

Answer
SchemePurposeKey Feature
EPCGExport Promotion Capital GoodsZero-duty import of capital goods; export obligation of 6x duty saved within 6 years
SEZSpecial Economic ZonesTax holiday (5 years), duty-free import/export, single-window clearance
EPZExport Processing ZonesDesignated areas for export production with infrastructure and incentives
100% EOU100% Export-Oriented UnitsTax benefits, duty-free imports, dedicated to exports
MEIS/SEISMerchandise/Services Exports from India SchemeDuty credit scrips for exporters
Export FinancePre-shipment and post-shipment creditBanks provide low-interest finance for export activities

Key Institutions:

InstitutionRole
DGFTFormulates and implements export-import policy
EXIM BankFinances and promotes export-import trade
ITPOOrganises trade fairs and exhibitions
FIEOApex body of export promotion councils
EDIFExport Development Fund for export promotion

Q8: List the important documents used in international trade.

Answer
DocumentPurpose
Commercial InvoiceSeller's bill for goods sold — description, quantity, price
Packing ListDetails of packing, contents, and weight of each package
Bill of LadingContract of carriage by sea; receipt of goods loaded on ship
Airway BillContract of carriage by air; receipt of goods
Certificate of OriginCertifies the country where goods were manufactured
Marine Insurance PolicyCovers risk of loss or damage during sea transit
Letter of Credit (LC)Bank's guarantee of payment to the seller on presenting documents
Bill of EntryFor imports — submitted at customs for clearance
Shipping BillFor exports — submitted at customs for clearance
Mate's ReceiptIssued by ship captain acknowledging cargo has been loaded

Internal Links

  • [Chapter 11 Guide — International Business](/school/cbse/class/11/business-studies/cbse-international-business)
  • [All Class 11 Business Studies Solutions](/school/cbse/class/11/business-studies/solutions)
  • [Class 11 Business Studies Subject Guide](/school/cbse/class/11/business-studies)

Frequently Asked Questions

Modes of entry into international business; export and import procedures; licensing vs franchising; joint venture features; FDI; WTO and its agreements; export promotion schemes (EPCG, SEZ); documents in international trade; case studies on entry mode selection.