Spices export from India: A guide on how to export spices from India

Learn how to export spices (masala) from India with this complete guide covering process, documents, licenses, and global opportunities.

Understand requirements, documents, markets, and tips to grow your carpet export business.

India’s history of global trade is strongly tied to the export of spices. From turmeric and cardamom to black pepper and cumin, India’s spices continue to find their way to kitchens across the world. India is one of the largest exporters of spices, meeting the growing international demand for authentic, high-quality ingredients. Supported by modern processing facilities, government initiatives, and expanding e-commerce opportunities, India’s spice export sector blends tradition with innovation. In this blog, learn about India’s top exported spices, key markets, government initiatives, and how you can also start your spice export business.

Key trends in India’s spice export sector

India is one of the world’s largest producer and exporter of spices and spice items, exporting over 225 unique spice products to over 200 countries. Major exports, especially to the US, include celery, cumin, curry powder, fennel, fenugreek, garlic, chilies, and mint products, with chilies emerging as the leading spice exported from India.¹

Indian spice exports reached an all-time high in FY 2024-25. India exported 17.99 lakh tons of spices and spice products worth $4.7 billion, up from $4.4 billion in 2023-24.² States that are leading spice production include Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Telangana.³

What spices (masala) can be exported from India?

Spices are used as appetizers, preservatives, flavor enhancers, and ingredients in different home, beauty, and health products. The top spices exported from India include:

● Turmeric

● Fennel

● Cardamom

● Fenugreek

● Chilli

● Garlic

● Black Pepper

● Mace

● Coriander

● Curry powder

● Ginger

● Spice oils

● Celery

● Oleoresins⁴

What are the top countries for spices export from India?

The leading destinations for spices exports from India are:

The US

The UK

Saudi Arabia

Germany

UAE

Thailand

⁵

Documents required for spices export

Documents required to spices from India include:

● PAN card

● FSSAI registration/license

● Importer-Exporter code

● Phytosanitary certificate

● Incorporation certificate

● Bank statement

● RCMC from Spices Board

● AD code

● Trademark registration

● GST documentation⁶

Government initiatives for spices export

The government of India has launched several schemes and initiatives to promote the export of spices from the country. Some key initiatives are listed below:

SPICED scheme:

The Sustainability in Spice Sector through Progressive, Innovative, and Collaborative Interventions for Export Development (SPICED) scheme is a flagship initiative by the Spices Board. It aims to strengthen India’s spice sector and boost India’s competitiveness in global spice trade by promoting sustainable cultivation, improving post-harvest quality, and supporting value addition. It also focuses on developing Geographical Indication (GI) spices, enhancing processing and testing infrastructure, and facilitating direct market linkages between farmers and exporters.⁷

Export Development and Promotion of Spices Scheme:

This initiative by the Spices Board of India aims to help exporters adopt high-tech processing technologies and upgrade existing technology to develop capabilities to meet the changing food safety standards worldwide. The initiative offers support for infrastructure development, promotion of Indian spice brands in foreign markets, infrastructure setup in major spice growing centres, and promotion of organic spices.⁸

Spice parks:

The Spices Board of India has launched crop-specific Spices Parks in major market centers. The aim is to facilitate improved price realization for farmers and connect them with a wider range of buyers. These parks also aim to integrate operations for cultivation, post-harvesting, value-addition, packaging, and storage of spices and spice products.⁹

Spices Board of India: Promoting spices (masala) export from India

The Spices Board of India is a statutory body established under the Spices Board Act, 1986. It was formed by merging the erstwhile Cardamom Board and the Spices Export Promotion Council, operating under the purview of the Department of Commerce. Its core responsibilities include:

● The development, promotion, and export regulation of the 52 spices listed in the schedule of the Spices Board Act, 1986.

● The overall development of the cardamom industry, including domestic marketing and export of small and large cardamom.¹⁰

How to start a spices export business?

You can start your spices (masala) export business by following the steps below:

● Set up your business

Set up your business as a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLP, or company. Enroll with the Spices Board to access export incentives.

● Complete market research and identify buyers

Study demand by market. Use export data and ecommerce platforms to identify trending products. Find buyers through trade shows and exhibitions, or online through global marketplaces like Amazon Global Selling.

● Obtain product documentation

Obtain IEC, register to obtain GST for your business, and obtain your Registration cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) from Spices Board. Also ensure your products are compliant and have the correct HS code.

● Packaging and labeling

Make sure the packaging is secure and compliant with the destination marketplaces. Check if all regulatory requirements are satisfied before exporting to other countries.

● Shipping and logistics

Choose the appropriate shipping method for your products. Finalize the carrier and hand over the shipment for customs clearance and international freight. To simplify logistics, you can choose fulfillment solutions like Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA) and let Amazon manage storage, delivery, and customer service.¹¹

How to export spices from India with Amazon Global Selling?

Here’s how you can start your spices export business from India with Amazon global selling:

Step 1: Register on Amazon Global Selling

Create an Amazon seller account on Seller Central to reach customers across 18+ Amazon global marketplaces. All you need to register is ID proof, address proof, and credit or debit card (international transactions enabled).

Step 2: List your products

Once registered, list your products on Amazon global marketplaces. Use the latest tools and expert support to make your listings more visible to customers.

Step 3: Ship and delivery globally

Choose to manage your own logistics through Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN) or get expert support from Amazon to store, pack, ship, and deliver internationally with Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA). If you are an FBA seller and opt for Amazon SEND, partnered carriers will handle customs clearance for you.

Step 4: Receive payments and grow your business

Receive payment in INR directly in your bank account and use tools like Brand Registry and Amazon Ads to grow your business.

Conclusion

India’s spice export sector continues to grow steadily, backed by strong global demand, quality standards, and government support. With advancements in processing, packaging, and online trade, exporters can reach new markets more efficiently than ever. As buyers seek reliable sources for authentic and sustainably produced spices, India remains a trusted supplier. For businesses exploring export opportunities, this is a sector with both traditional export strength and long-term potential.

Amazon Global Selling: Easy e-commerce exports and hassle-free shipping

If you are a business owner and you want to sell your products to the world, Amazon Global Selling enables you to list and sell ‘Made in India’ products on 18 Amazon global marketplaces. As an e-commerce export program, Amazon Global Selling provides support and guidance at every step of your export journey, connecting you to Amazon’s Service Provider Network for tailored compliance, payments, and logistics support.

Registered sellers can choose to ship their products by themselves through Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN) or they can opt for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and outsource order fulfillment to Amazon including packing, storage, delivery, and returns. Amazon Global Selling simplifies the process of international shipping to the world, helping businesses navigate customs and reach a vast audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which countries import spices from India the most?

Indian spices are exported across the world. Top marketplaces include the US, the UK, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Thailand, Bangladesh, China, and Sri Lanka.¹²

2. Which states in India are the major producers of spices?

The top spice-producing states in India are Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Telangana.¹³

3. How can I start my spices export business from India?

You can start your spices export business from India with Amazon Global Selling and reach customers in 200+ countries and territories around the world. You can get started with just 3 simple steps:

1. Register your business.
2. List your products.
3. Ship and receive payments (you can deliver your products yourself or opt for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) for hassle-free shipping).

4. Is spices export business profitable?

Yes, the spices export business can be profitable, provided it’s managed efficiently. India is the world’s largest producer and exporter of spices, giving exporters access to a strong supply base and diverse product range. High-demand products like turmeric, cumin, and chili powder often offer good returns, especially when exported to markets like the US, Europe, and the Middle East.

Published on September 22, 2021.
Updated on November 28, 2025.

Sources:
1. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?id=154385&NoteId=154385&ModuleId=3
2. https://www.indianspices.com/box2info.html
3. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?id=154385&NoteId=154385&ModuleId=3
4. https://www.exportimportdata.in/blogs/spices-export-from-india.aspx
5. https://www.ibef.org/exports/spice-industry-india
6. https://vakilsearch.com/blog/how-to-start-a-spice-export-business-in-india/
7. https://www.indianspices.com/box5_programmes_schemes.html
8. https://commerce.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Export-Development-and-Promotion.pdf
9. https://www.indianspices.com/spices-parks/spices-park-concept-plan.html
10. https://www.indianspices.com/
11. https://www.corpseed.com/knowledge-centre/how-to-export-spices-from-india-complete-guide
12. https://www.ibef.org/exports/spice-industry-india
13. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?id=154385&NoteId=154385&ModuleId=3

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