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Learn how to start a tea export business from India easily with ecommerce and start selling your tea products across the world.
India is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of tea, known for its diverse varieties such as Assam, Darjeeling, Nilgiri, and speciality teas. With strong global demand, institutional support, and growing ecommerce adoption, tea exports from India present a significant opportunity for Indian businesses to scale internationally.
In this blog, learn about the export potential of tea products from India, key product categories in demand, major export destinations, and how sellers can leverage ecommerce to scale globally.
In this blog, learn about the export potential of tea products from India, key product categories in demand, major export destinations, and how sellers can leverage ecommerce to scale globally.
Overview and trends of Indian tea export
India is among the top tea-producing countries globally and a major supplier to international markets. The Indian tea industry benefits from favourable agro-climatic conditions, skilled labour, and strong institutional support led by the Tea Board of India. The country ranks among the world’s top five tea exporters, accounting for nearly 10% of global tea exports. In FY26 (April-July 2025), India’s tea exports were valued at approximately US$ 314 million, with popular products including Indian Assam, Darjeeling, and Nilgiri teas.1
What are the top tea products exported from India?
India exports a wide range of tea products catering to diverse international preferences. Top tea products being exported from India include:
● Black tea
● Specialty and herbal-infused blends
● Green tea
● Masala chai2
Top countries to export tea from India
Indian tea is widely consumed across multiple regions due to its quality and variety. Key export destinations include:
Russia
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Learn how Rudra Chatterjee of Luxmi Tea has taken his premium teas to customers around the world with Amazon Global Selling.
Government bodies that promote tea export from India
India’s tea export ecosystem is supported by dedicated government institutions, including:
Tea Board of India
The Tea Board of India is the nodal body responsible for the development, promotion, and regulation of tea production and exports. It supports exporters through market promotion initiatives, quality certification, and international trade participation.4
Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)
Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) is the licensing authority for exporters, importers and export and import businesses in India. It implements various policies and regulations, grants export licenses to exporters, and introduces trade incentives to improve ease of doing business.5
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) supports value-added and packaged tea exports by facilitating market access, quality certification, and export infrastructure.6
Government schemes that promote tea export from India
Market Access Initiative (MAI) scheme:
The Market Access Initiative scheme (MAI) supports exporters through financial assistance for international trade fairs, buyer–seller meets, and export promotion activities.
Tea Development and Promotion scheme:
Implemented by the Tea Board of India, the Tea Development and Promotion scheme supports quality improvement, export promotion, branding, and sustainability initiatives in tea exports.7
Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP)
Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) refunds embedded taxes and duties not otherwise rebated, helping tea exporters improve global price competitiveness.8
Documents required to export tea from India
To export tea from India, exporters must arrange the following documents:
● GST registration
● GST registration
How to start a tea export business from India? Step-by-step guide
Here’s how you can start exporting tea from India:
Step 1: Set up your business
Set up your business as a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLP, or company. Enroll with the Tea Board of India to access key export incentives.
Step 2: 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 through programs like Amazon Global Selling.
Step 3: Obtain product documentation
Obtain an Importer–Exporter Code (IEC) from DGFT. Tea exporters must also register with the Tea Board of India and obtain a Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC).
Step 4: Manufacture and monitor quality
Begin production with clearly defined specifications aligned to buyer expectations. Implement quality control measures during sourcing, processing, and packaging, and ensure compliance with international food safety and quality standards.
Step 5: Manage logistics and shipping
Choose a reliable logistics partner experienced in handling tea exports. Select the appropriate mode of transport, sea freight for bulk shipments or air freight for premium and time-sensitive consignments, and ensure customs requirements are met to avoid delays.
Step 6: Secure payments and insurance
Decide on secure international payment terms such as advance payment or letters of credit. Insuring shipments helps protect against potential losses or damage during transit.10
How to export tea with Amazon Global Selling?
Here’s how to start exporting tea 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 deliver 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 tea export industry is well-positioned for global growth, supported by strong production capabilities, government backing, and rising international demand. With the right compliance, market strategy, and use of global ecommerce platforms, Indian tea exporters can build scalable, global brands.
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.
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. How can I get a tea export license in India?
You must register with the Tea Board of India and obtain a Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC). You also need an Importer–Exporter Code (IEC) issued by DGFT, which is mandatory for all exports.11
2. Can I export tea without a physical setup?
Retailers and sellers can export tea without their own production facility by sourcing from registered manufacturers or packers and selling via global ecommerce platforms (e.g., Amazon Global Selling).
3. Is tea export from India profitable?
India exported millions of kilograms of tea to key markets in recent years, reflecting steady international demand.
4. Which tea varieties are exported from India?
India exports a range of teas including black tea, green tea, and speciality teas such as Darjeeling, Assam, and Nilgiri.
5. Which countries import tea from India?
Major importers of Indian tea include the USA, UK, Russia, Iran, UAE, Germany, and other countries in Europe and the Middle East.12
6. Is Tea Board registration mandatory?
Tea exporters must be registered with the Tea Board of India to legally export tea, as per the Tea (Distribution & Export) Control Order.13
7. What certifications are required?
In addition to the Tea Board RCMC, exporters often need a phytosanitary certificate and must comply with food safety and import regulations of the destination country.14
8. What is the best shipping method for tea export?
For bulk quantities, sea freight is generally most cost-effective; for premium, small, or time-sensitive shipments, air freight can be appropriate to maintain product quality.
Last updated on February 26, 2026.
Sources:
1. https://www.ibef.org/exports/indian-tea-industry
2. https://samaaratea.com/blogs/blog/explore-10-popular-types-of-tea-in-india?srsltid=AfmBOop9TWLkblnP5Tpc5RK-kJJwUSoG1KzjWqbyTyuet1_2JkcUWq3u
3. https://www.eximpedia.app/blog/tea-exports-from-india
4. https://www.teaboard.gov.in
5. https://www.dgft.gov.in
6. https://apeda.gov.in
7. https://www.teaboard.gov.in/pdf/TDPS_Press_Release_03_10_2024_pdf5010.pdf
8. https://indiantradeportal.in/vs.jsp?lang=0&id=0,31,24100,24122
9. https://www.teaboard.gov.in
10. https://artemusgroupusa.com/how-to-export-tea-from-india/
11. https://www.teaboard.gov.in/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
12. https://www.eximpedia.app/blog/tea-exports-from-india?utm_source=chatgpt.com
13. https://exaplusinternational.com/how-to-export-tea-from-india-2025-complete-guide/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
14. https://exportindianews.com/how-to-export-tea-from-india/?
Sources:
1. https://www.ibef.org/exports/indian-tea-industry
2. https://samaaratea.com/blogs/blog/explore-10-popular-types-of-tea-in-india?srsltid=AfmBOop9TWLkblnP5Tpc5RK-kJJwUSoG1KzjWqbyTyuet1_2JkcUWq3u
3. https://www.eximpedia.app/blog/tea-exports-from-india
4. https://www.teaboard.gov.in
5. https://www.dgft.gov.in
6. https://apeda.gov.in
7. https://www.teaboard.gov.in/pdf/TDPS_Press_Release_03_10_2024_pdf5010.pdf
8. https://indiantradeportal.in/vs.jsp?lang=0&id=0,31,24100,24122
9. https://www.teaboard.gov.in
10. https://artemusgroupusa.com/how-to-export-tea-from-india/
11. https://www.teaboard.gov.in/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
12. https://www.eximpedia.app/blog/tea-exports-from-india?utm_source=chatgpt.com
13. https://exaplusinternational.com/how-to-export-tea-from-india-2025-complete-guide/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
14. https://exportindianews.com/how-to-export-tea-from-india/?
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