How to Export Rice from India — Complete Guide

India exported $12.47 billion worth of rice in 2024-25, shipping to 171 countries and cementing its position as the world's largest rice exporter. For MSME owners sitting on quality produce in Punjab, Haryana, West Bengal, or Andhra Pradesh, this represents one of the most accessible entry points into international trade. Rice is a staple commodity with stable global demand, well-established export infrastructure, and government support through schemes like the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).

This guide walks you through the entire process — from getting your export licence to shipping your first container. Every number in this guide comes from India's official trade data, and every regulation has been verified against current government rules.

Understanding India's Rice Export Landscape

India dominates global rice trade. In 2024-25, the country's rice exports totalled $12.47 billion, up nearly 20% from $10.42 billion in 2023-24. This rebound followed the Government of India's partial lifting of the non-basmati rice export ban that had been in place since mid-2023.

The rice export market breaks down into four product categories under HS code 1006:

HS Code	Description	2024-25 Exports (USD Million)	Share
100630	Semi-milled/wholly milled rice (includes basmati)	$11,879	95.2%
100640	Broken rice	$317	2.5%
100610	Rice in husk (paddy)	$159	1.3%
100620	Husked (brown) rice	$117	0.9%

The overwhelming majority of India's rice exports — over 95% — fall under HS 100630, which covers both basmati and non-basmati milled rice. Basmati rice commands premium prices ($800-1,200 per tonne) while non-basmati varieties trade at $400-600 per tonne, making both segments viable depending on your sourcing region and target market.

Where Indian Rice Is in Demand

India's rice exports are geographically diverse, reaching over 100 countries across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. African countries are collectively the largest destination, driven by food security needs and India's competitive pricing. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are major basmati rice buyers, driven by traditional culinary preferences and diaspora demand. Bangladesh, Nepal, and other South Asian neighbours import non-basmati rice. The USA, UK, and Canada import premium basmati rice for their South Asian diaspora communities and increasingly for mainstream consumers who have adopted basmati.

Want the full country-by-country breakdown? See exact export values, growth rates, tariff rates, and market attractiveness scores for every destination in our detailed data pages. View Rice export data by country →

Step 1 — Get Your IEC (Import Export Code)

No one can export from India without an Import Export Code. The IEC is a 10-digit code issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and is mandatory for clearing customs.

How to apply:

1. Visit the DGFT portal at dgft.gov.in
2. Register using your PAN card, Aadhaar, and bank account details
3. Pay the application fee of Rs 500
4. IEC is typically issued within 1-3 working days

The IEC is a lifetime licence — it does not expire and does not need renewal. However, you must update your IEC details on the DGFT portal if your business address, bank account, or directors change.

Step 2 — Register with APEDA

For rice exports specifically, you must register with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). APEDA is the government body that regulates the export of all agricultural products, including rice.

APEDA registration involves:

1. Apply online at apeda.gov.in
2. Submit your IEC, GSTIN, FSSAI licence, and company incorporation documents
3. Pay the registration fee (Rs 5,000 for five years)
4. APEDA issues a Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC)

APEDA registration is particularly important because India's basmati rice exports are governed by strict quality standards. APEDA maintains the Basmati Export Development Foundation (BEDF) which sets minimum specifications for length, aroma, and purity of basmati rice meant for export.

Step 3 — Understand HS Codes and Use Them Correctly

The Harmonized System (HS) code determines everything in international trade — the tariff rate your buyer pays, the regulations that apply, and even whether your shipment clears customs. Getting the HS code wrong can result in shipment delays, penalties, or seizure of goods.

For rice, the 4-digit heading is 1006. The 6-digit subheadings break down as follows:

• 100610 — Rice in husk (paddy or rough). This covers unprocessed paddy rice, rarely exported in large quantities.
• 100620 — Husked (brown) rice. The husk is removed but bran layers remain.
• 100630 — Semi-milled or wholly milled rice, whether or not polished or glazed. This is the big one — it covers both basmati and non-basmati milled rice and accounts for 95% of India's rice exports.
• 100640 — Broken rice. Used in animal feed, brewing, and some food products.

At the 8-digit level (India's tariff schedule), 100630 further splits into:

• 10063010 — Parboiled rice
• 10063020 — Basmati rice
• 10063090 — Other milled rice

Use the HS Code Finder to look up the exact classification for your product, or browse the full rice HS code page for duty rates by country.

Step 4 — Quality Standards and Certifications

Rice export quality is not negotiable. Buyers in Saudi Arabia, the EU, and the US have strict specifications, and a single rejected shipment can cost you lakhs.

Basmati Rice Standards (APEDA/FSSAI)

APEDA mandates that basmati rice for export must meet these minimum specifications:

• Grain length: minimum 6.61mm (average)
• Elongation ratio after cooking: minimum 1.5
• Moisture content: maximum 14%
• Foreign matter: maximum 1%
• Damaged/discoloured grains: maximum 3%

Phytosanitary Certificate

Every rice shipment requires a phytosanitary certificate issued by the Plant Quarantine Division under the Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine and Storage (DPPQS) — part of the Ministry of Agriculture. This certificate confirms that the rice is pest-free and meets the importing country's sanitary requirements.

Apply through the Plant Quarantine Information System (PQIS) portal. Inspection is typically done at the port or at approved inland facilities.

FSSAI Licence

If you're processing or packaging rice for export, you need a valid FSSAI licence (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India). This is separate from APEDA registration. FSSAI ensures your processing facility meets food safety standards.

Country-Specific Certifications

Different destination countries may require additional certifications:

• EU: Requires fumigation certificates and aflatoxin testing (maximum 4 ppb for aflatoxin B1)
• Saudi Arabia (SASO): Requires conformity certificates under the SABER system
• USA (FDA): Prior notice filing through the FDA's FFRM system, facility registration
• Iraq: Central Organisation for Standardisation and Quality Control (COSQC) requirements

Step 5 — Export Documentation Checklist

Rice export requires a specific set of documents. Missing even one can hold your shipment at the port for days. Here is the complete list:

Mandatory documents:

1. Commercial Invoice — Buyer details, product description, HS code, quantity, unit price, total value, Incoterms
2. Packing List — Detailed breakdown of packages, weights, and markings
3. Bill of Lading (B/L) or Airway Bill — Issued by the shipping line or airline
4. Certificate of Origin — Issued by local Chamber of Commerce or the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO)
5. Phytosanitary Certificate — From the Plant Quarantine Division
6. Fumigation Certificate — Proof that the consignment has been fumigated (usually with aluminium phosphide)
7. Weight and Quality Certificate — From an approved inspection agency (e.g., SGS, Bureau Veritas, or Cotecna)
8. APEDA RCMC — Your Registration-cum-Membership Certificate
9. Shipping Bill — Filed through ICEGATE (Indian Customs EDI Gateway)

Additional documents depending on destination:

• Letter of Credit (if payment terms are LC-based)
• Insurance Certificate
• Inspection Certificate from the buyer's nominated agency
• Halal Certificate (for Middle Eastern markets)

Step 6 — Pricing and Payment Terms

Pricing rice for export involves more than just adding a margin to your procurement cost. You need to factor in processing, packaging, inland transport, port charges, freight, insurance, and agent commissions.

Typical cost structure for basmati rice export (per tonne):

Cost Component	Approximate Range
Paddy procurement	Rs 25,000 - 40,000
Milling and processing	Rs 2,000 - 4,000
Packaging (jute/PP bags)	Rs 500 - 1,500
Inland transport to port	Rs 1,500 - 3,000
Port handling and customs	Rs 1,000 - 2,000
Freight (container, FOB to CIF)	Rs 5,000 - 15,000
Insurance	Rs 300 - 800
Agent/commission	Rs 1,000 - 3,000

Payment terms: For first-time export relationships, always insist on a Letter of Credit (LC) — preferably an irrevocable, confirmed LC from a reputed international bank. As trust builds, you can move to Documents against Payment (D/P) or open account terms. Never ship on open credit to a new buyer regardless of the order size.

Currency: International rice trade is denominated in USD. Use forward contracts through your bank to hedge against INR/USD fluctuations, especially for contracts with 60-90 day payment cycles.

Step 7 — Logistics and Shipping

India has excellent port infrastructure for rice exports. The key ports and their typical routes:

• Mundra/Kandla (Gujarat) — Primary ports for basmati rice to the Middle East. Transit to Dubai: 4-5 days, to Saudi Arabia: 6-8 days.
• JNPT/Nhava Sheva (Maharashtra) — India's largest container port. Good connectivity to all global destinations.
• Kakinada/Krishnapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) — Major non-basmati rice export ports, especially for West African markets.
• Kolkata/Haldia (West Bengal) — Serves Bangladesh, Southeast Asia, and some African markets.

Container types: Rice is typically shipped in 20-foot dry containers. One 20-ft container holds approximately 26-27 tonnes of milled rice in PP/jute bags. For bulk shipments (above 500 tonnes), bulk carriers are more cost-effective, especially for non-basmati rice to African markets. Always use food-grade container liners to prevent moisture contamination and ensure containers are clean, dry, and odour-free before stuffing. Place desiccant bags (minimum 1 kg per tonne) inside the container to absorb condensation during transit, especially for long-haul routes to Africa and Europe where temperature fluctuations cause container sweat.

Freight rates vary significantly by route and season. As of early 2025, expect Rs 80,000 - 1,50,000 per 20-ft container for Middle Eastern destinations and Rs 1,50,000 - 2,50,000 for West African ports.

Government Schemes and Incentives

The Indian government actively supports rice exports through several schemes:

Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP): Refunds embedded taxes and duties on inputs used in exported products. Specific RoDTEP rates for rice: basmati rice (10063020) attracts 2.5% of FOB value, non-basmati milled rice (10063090) attracts 1.8-2.2%, broken rice (100640) attracts 1.5%. These rates are revised periodically — always check the latest DGFT RoDTEP schedule before quoting your price.

Transport and Marketing Assistance (TMA): APEDA provides financial assistance for freight costs to new and emerging markets, especially in Africa and Latin America. The scheme covers up to Rs 3-5 per kg for exports to eligible countries, significantly offsetting logistics costs for non-basmati rice shipments to distant African markets.

Market Access Initiative (MAI): Funding for participation in international trade fairs, buyer-seller meets, and market studies. Key trade fairs for rice exporters include Gulfood (Dubai, February), SIAL (Paris, October), Annapoorna World of Food India (Mumbai, September), and Foodex Japan (Tokyo, March).

ECGC Export Credit Insurance: The Export Credit Guarantee Corporation provides insurance against buyer default, political risk, and payment delays — particularly useful when exporting to less familiar markets. Standard ECGC cover costs 0.6-1.2% of invoice value depending on the buyer's country risk grade.

Pre-shipment and Post-shipment Finance: Banks provide export credit at concessional interest rates (currently 7-9%) under RBI guidelines. Pre-shipment credit (packing credit) covers the period from order confirmation to shipment. Post-shipment credit covers the period from shipment to payment receipt — typically 60-90 days for rice exports.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

After working with hundreds of first-time rice exporters, these are the errors we see most often:

Not checking the current export policy. India's rice export policy changes frequently. The government imposed a 20% export duty on parboiled non-basmati rice and banned non-basmati white rice exports in 2023, then partially lifted restrictions in 2024. Always check the latest DGFT notifications before committing to an order.

Skipping quality testing. A buyer in Saudi Arabia will reject an entire container if moisture content is 15% instead of the specified 14%. Invest in pre-shipment inspection from an accredited agency.

Underestimating documentation time. First-time exporters often assume documentation takes a day. In reality, collecting all certificates (phytosanitary, fumigation, origin, quality) can take 7-10 working days. Start the process as soon as your order is confirmed.

Ignoring Incoterms. Make sure you and your buyer agree on whether you're quoting FOB (Free On Board — buyer pays freight) or CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight — you pay everything to the destination port). This can mean a difference of $30-60 per tonne.

Not fumigating properly. Aluminium phosphide fumigation is mandatory for most rice export shipments. The fumigation must be done at an NPPO (National Plant Protection Organisation) approved facility, with a standard exposure period of 5-7 days. Some exporters try to rush this process, resulting in live insect detection at the destination port. A rejected container costs far more than the 2-3 days saved. Fumigation certificates must be issued by a government-approved pest control operator.

Relying on a single buyer. Many first-time rice exporters find one buyer and ship all their volume to that single customer. If that buyer defaults or switches suppliers, your entire business collapses. Aim to diversify across at least 3-4 buyers in 2-3 different countries within your first year of exporting.

Key Takeaways

• India exported $12.47 billion in rice in 2024-25 across 171 countries, with Saudi Arabia ($1.32B), Benin ($1.03B), and Iraq ($865M) as the top three buyers
• 95% of exports are milled rice under HS code 100630, covering both basmati and non-basmati varieties
• You need three registrations before exporting: IEC from DGFT, APEDA RCMC, and FSSAI licence
• Basmati rice goes primarily to the Middle East; non-basmati to West Africa and South Asia
• Always use Letters of Credit for new buyer relationships and hedge currency risk with forward contracts
• Pre-shipment quality testing and complete documentation are non-negotiable — budget 7-10 days for paperwork

Start Your Rice Export Journey

If you're ready to explore rice export opportunities, here's where to begin:

1. Look up your exact HS code using the HS Code Finder — confirm whether your product falls under 10063020 (basmati) or 10063090 (other milled rice)
2. Research your target market — browse the rice export data page to see which countries are buying and at what volumes
3. Check country-specific requirements — visit our guides for Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iraq, or Bangladesh
4. Calculate landed costs using the Duty Calculator to understand what tariffs your buyer will face
5. Find market opportunities with the Market Finder to identify underserved destinations for your rice variety

The global appetite for Indian rice is not slowing down. With the right preparation, quality control, and market intelligence, your MSME can claim a share of this $12 billion opportunity.