GLOBAL SELLING BLOG

Top spices exported from India: A guide for sellers

The demand for Indian spices is growing across the world. Indian sellers can now export spices globally in easy steps. In this blog, learn the process to export cardamom, chili, cumin and turmeric from India.

Indian cuisine is popular world-over for its taste and traditional methods of cooking. However, one of the key elements that make it standout is the homegrown spices generously used in every Indian dish. The legacy of these spices and its flavors goes way back in the history, creating all the more interest and liking towards Indian spices in the international markets. With the growing demand and usage across the world, the export of Indian spices has also seen a rise in the recent years. From turmeric export to cumin and cardamom export, Indian sellers are increasingly selling spices in the international markets like the USA, Canada, Australia and Middle East¹.

Top spices exported from India

Here’s a guide to some of the spices exported from India²:

Turmeric

With India being the largest producer and exporter of turmeric, states like Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Karnataka, West Bengal, Gujarat and Kerala see huge cultivation and export of turmeric from India. A varied range covering Lakadong, Rajapore, Sangli, Erode and Nizamabad bulb are exported globally³.

Cardamom

Largely grown in Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, the demand for cardamom is on the rise owing to its use in various products like medicine, food, perfume and beverages.

Chilli

Chilli is the largest exported spice from India. It is exported in large amounts to the US, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the UK⁴.

Cumin

After chili, cumin is the second largest spice exported from India at 15%. Cumin export from India has seen a gradual increase due to its numerous medicinal benefits.

Black Pepper

Asia being one of the key exporters of pepper, India is one of the leading countries in pepper export. Largely exported to the USA, Germany and other parts of Europe, black pepper grown in India is increasingly gaining popularity for its use in medicinal and dietary products.

Documents required to export spices from India

In order to start a spice export business from India, there are a few documents that are required to be obtained:

1. IEC (Importer-Exporter Code)
2. A spice registration certificate as exporter of spices (CRES) issued by the Indian Spices Board.
3. Authorised Dealer Code (AD Code) issued from the current account bank of the exporter
4. Business registration under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs
5. FSSAI food license
6. Products should be labelled as per FDA food labelling requirements

How to obtain a certificate of registration?

Before sellers export spices from India, they need to apply for a rertificate of registration as Exporter of Spices (CRES) with the following documents⁵:

• MSME certificate

• Self-attested copy of IEC (Import-Export Code) issued by DGFT.

• Partnership Deed or Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Article of Association (AOA).

• GST registration certificate

• PAN card, along with a passport size photograph and bank report.

The validity of the certificate will be for three years from the date of registration.

How to export spices from India?

With the growing demand for Indian spices and ease of e-commerce exports, Indian sellers from any part of the country can export spices across the globe. Amazon Global Selling is one such e-commerce exports program that enables sellers to take their Indian spices to 18 marketplaces in 200+ countries and territories with ease.

To reach millions of customers from Rajasthan, Manish Jain, an Ahmedabad-based seller, started his spices export business and joined Amazon Global Selling in 2016. Having started off with a 200-square-foot office and a dream to establish an international business, his spices export business grew from 2-3 orders a day to hundreds of orders coming from across the globe.

I could turn around my export business on my own and develop a globally acknowledged brand of natural herbs, thanks to Amazon Global Selling
Manish JainHerbs & Crops

Step-by-step guide to exporting spices from India

Register your business

First, you must register your export business with Amazon Global Selling. You don’t have to be an existing Amazon India seller. The registration can be done online on Seller Central. You’ll need the following documents to register:
• ID proof (Aadhar, driving license or passport)
• Business address proof (Bank statement)
• Credit or debit card (international transactions enabled)

List your products

Once you have successfully registered to sell globally on Amazon, you can list your products. Remember to follow tips on how to list your products include attractive pictures and descriptions that’s clear to international customers. You can also seek help from third party service providers.

Ship and receive payments

Once a customer places an order, you can choose to deliver by yourself or you can opt for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA). Under FBA, Amazon takes care of shipping, delivery, returns and customer concerns. Once a customer purchases your product, Amazon credits the money in your bank account in the currency of your choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which country imports black pepper from India?

USA, Brazil, France, Australia, and the Middle East are some of the importers of black pepper from India⁶.

Which country imports Indian cardamom?

UAE, USA, Canada, and Singapore are some of the countries that import cardamom from India.

Published on January 18, 2022.

Sources:
1. https://www.ibef.org/exports/spice-industry-indias.aspx
2. http://www.indianspices.com/
3. http://apeda.in/agriexchange/Market%20Profile/one/TURMERIC.aspx
4. https://www.statista.com/statistics/871260/spice-export-by-type-india/#:~:text=Chili%20were%20the%20most%20exported,dollars%20in%20value%20that%20year.
5. https://www.e-startupindia.com/spice-board-registration.html
6. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1594925

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