India exports natural honey, mainly multiflora and mustard honey, to the USA, the Gulf and other markets. Honey is one of the most tested foods in world trade because of adulteration with cheaper sugar syrups, so buyers judge suppliers by their lab reports as much as by price.
To export honey from India, get an IEC, GST registration with an LUT and APEDA registration, and export through the Export Inspection Council's certification system for honey. Honey falls under HS code 0409. Test each lot for authenticity (NMR and C4 sugar tests), antibiotic and pesticide residues and moisture, check whether a minimum export price applies, and pack in food-grade drums or retail jars.
Registrations and certification
- IEC, GST and LUT: see the IEC guide and the LUT guide.
- APEDA RCMC: natural honey is an APEDA scheduled product. See the APEDA guide.
- EIC certification: honey for export is inspected and certified through the Export Inspection Council, which runs a residue monitoring plan. Exports to the EU need an approved, listed unit.
- FSSAI and FDA: processing units need FSSAI, and the US market needs FDA facility registration. See the FDA guide.
Export policy and minimum price
The government has at times set a minimum export price for natural honey to discourage low-priced, adulterated exports. Check the current DGFT notification before you quote, because a contract below the minimum price cannot be shipped.
Testing and authenticity
Buyers ask for a full lab report for each lot, usually covering:
- Authenticity: NMR profiling and C4 or C3 sugar tests to detect added syrups.
- Residues: antibiotics and pesticides.
- Quality: moisture (often below 20 percent), HMF (a freshness marker), sugars, and pollen analysis for floral source claims.
Use an accredited lab that your buyer accepts, and keep retained samples from every lot.
Packing and labelling
Bulk honey ships in food-grade steel or HDPE drums, often around 300 kg each, loaded in 20 ft containers. Retail honey ships in glass or PET jars with labels showing floral source, net weight, batch, best-before date, origin and importer details. Labels must be accurate; claims such as raw, organic or single-origin need records or certification.
Duties, pricing and payment
The USA applies anti-dumping duties to raw honey from India, and the rate depends on the exporter. Check the current rate with your buyer and customs broker before quoting. Price per kg or per tonne, FOB or CIF, by floral source and colour grade. For new buyers, use an advance or a letter of credit.
Where to find honey buyers
The USA is the largest market for Indian honey, followed by the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Qatar, Bangladesh and others. On BuyGenix you can see live honey requirements and honey buyers in the USA.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HS code for honey?
Natural honey falls under HS code 0409.
Is EIC certification needed for honey export?
Yes. Honey exports are inspected and certified through the Export Inspection Council, and EU exports need an approved, listed unit.
What is an NMR test for honey?
NMR profiling compares the honey's chemical profile with a database of authentic honey to detect added sugar syrups and check origin.
Is there a minimum export price for honey?
The government has applied a minimum export price for natural honey at times. Check the current DGFT notification before quoting.
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