Introduction
The global demand for onions is on an upswing — and India has a golden opportunity. If you’re planning to export from India, starting with onions is a smart move. With the right export service in India, your business can tap into growing markets, reliably source produce, comply with regulations, and reach international buyers in 2025. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to begin an onion export business from India.
Current Market & Trends for Indian Onion Export
Key export destinations & demand drivers
Major export markets for Indian onions include Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, UAE, Malaysia and other Asian and Middle‑East countries. Demand is driven by India’s year‑round production cycles, its diverse onion varieties, and export‑ready infrastructure.
Policy changes & 2025‑specific shifts
In 2024–25, the Indian government lifted export prohibition and allowed onion exports with a Minimum Export Price (MEP) of US $550 per metric ton and an export duty of 40 %. Also, export duties and quotas remain fluid, and as of April 2025 revised duty and policy settings impact profitability for exporters.
Challenges and emerging opportunities
While India has huge potential, risks include crop loss (due to weather), policy uncertainty (export bans/duties) and competition from other suppliers. On the flip side, value‑added onion products (like onion powder) and new markets offer strong growth paths.
Pre‑Export Requirements: Setting Up Your Business
Obtain IEC & register your business
To export from India, you must first obtain an Importer‑Exporter Code (IEC) from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). Set up your business legally (proprietorship/LLP/Pvt. Ltd).
Register with the relevant export authority
For exports of fresh agricultural produce, you’ll likely need registration with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and comply with their guidelines.
Choosing the right onion variety
Select varieties suited for export – e.g., long shelf life, good bulb size, less spoilage during transit. India offers varieties such as the “Lasalgaon onion” grown in Maharashtra which already has GI‑tag recognition.
Working with a reliable export service in India
Partnering with an experienced export‑service provider helps you handle sourcing, quality control, documentation, logistics and buyer contacts. For a smooth export process, you’ll want a service in India that understands compliance, port formalities and global supply—making “export service in India” a core keyword area.
Setting up sourcing & farmer‑linkage
Ensure you have a reliable supply chain from farm → pack house → export. Farmer agreements, contracts, consistent quality and timely harvest are key to avoid last‑minute sourcing crunches.
Quality Standards, Packaging & Compliance
Export quality standards
Define grade standards (bulb size, damage, moisture content), ensure the crop meets maximum residue levels (MRLs) for pesticides, and adhere to packing/handling norms established by APEDA.
Packaging, storage & handling
Use proper packaging (ventilated crates, chilled storage if needed), pre‑cooling and stack management to ensure onions arrive in good shape. Labelling, traceability, and pack‐house certification help add credibility.
Documentation checklist
Typical documents include: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Certificate of Origin, Phytosanitary Certificate, Bill of Lading / Airway Bill, Contract with buyer, and Insurance.
Legal & regulatory landscape
Stay updated with export duties, minimum export prices, export bans or restrictions (which have been used in recent years) — these can alter cost calculations rapidly.
Logistics, Shipping & Distribution
Domestic logistics
From the farm to pack house to port: ensure timely transport, minimal handling damage, proper cold/chill chain if required, and efficient coordination.
International shipping
Decide between sea freight or air freight depending on market urgency, destination distance and cost. Ensure containerisation (for sea) and understand transit times and shelf life. Include freight forwarding, customs clearance, and insurance in your logistics plan.
Customs clearance & export formalities
Work with customs brokers and your export service in India so that documentation, duties, port charges and export manifest are properly handled.
Selecting markets & buyer evaluation
Identify target markets (look at demand, tariffs, logistics cost). Evaluate buyers (importers) for reliability, payment terms (L/C, T/T), and shipping terms (FOB, CIF). Understand transit risks (delay, spoilage, rejection at destination).
Marketing Your Onions Globally
Building your brand
Highlight what makes Indian onions special: variety, firm quality, year‑round availability, packaging compliance and traceability. Use this to differentiate your product in international markets.
Digital & offline channels
Use online B2B platforms (trade portals), international trade shows, and direct buyer outreach. Develop a professional website, product catalogue, and sample shipments to build credibility.
Collaborating with a credible export service in India
An export service provider can help you with marketing, buyer identification, contract negotiation, logistics coordination, documentation and compliance — boosting your chance of success when you export from India.
Best Practices & Tips from Successful Exporters
Ensure traceability & quality consistency
Maintain records of farmer supply, pack house logs, grading results, and shipping conditions. Consistency builds buyer trust.
Build contingency plans
Have backup sources, alternative routes, and insurance coverage for crop losses, delays, or policy changes (which are not uncommon in onion exports).
Maintain relationships with farmers & partners
Strong farmer‑linkage ensures supply and favourable pricing; strong logistics/packing partner ensures quality; a trustworthy export service in India ensures smooth end‑to‑end flow.
Stay updated with policy & market shifts
With export duties, minimum export prices, and global market demand changing, staying informed matters. For example, changes in export policy in 2025 have impacted contract fulfilment.
Conclusion
Exporting onions from India in 2025 is a timely opportunity — but success depends on careful planning, quality control, proper logistics and selecting the right export service in India. By following the steps above — from business registration, sourcing, packaging, compliance, to marketing — you can build a sustainable export operation. With India’s strong global standing in onion supply and evolving trade policies, this could well be your gateway to global markets.
FAQs
Q 1. What licence do I need to export onions from India?
You need an IEC (Importer‑Exporter Code) from DGFT, and registration with APEDA (for agricultural exports), plus any state/farm licensing as required.
Q 2. Which onion varieties from India are suitable for export?
Varieties with good shelf life, firm bulbs, export‑grade size and compliance with international MRLs. For example, the Lasalgaon variety from Maharashtra is recognised for export.
Q 3. What are the major export destinations for Indian onions?
Key destinations include Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the UAE, Malaysia and other Asian/Middle East countries.
Q 4. Has India imposed any export duty or ban on onions in 2025?
Yes — export duties and minimum export prices have been imposed and revised, and exporters must stay updated with notifications from DGFT and the Ministry of Commerce.
Q 5. How do I choose a reliable export service in India for onion exports?
Look for a service provider with experience in agricultural exports, knowledge of global markets, a logistics network, documentation proficiency, transparent fees, and good references from previous clients.
