India, led by West Bengal, is the world's largest jute producer. As retailers move away from plastic, jute shopping bags, wine bags, gift bags, sacks and rugs have found buyers in Europe, the USA and Australia. Jute is natural and strong, but it is also a textile, so fabric weight, printing and finishing decide how the product looks and lasts.
To export jute bags and products from India, get an IEC, GST registration with an LUT and an RCMC from the Jute Products Development and Export Promotion Council (JPDEPC). Jute sacks fall under HS code 6305 10, jute shopping and tote bags usually under heading 4202, and jute rugs under 5702. Agree the fabric weight, size, gusset, handles, lamination and printing, approve a sample, and pack flat in bales or cartons.
Registrations you need
- IEC, GST and LUT: see the IEC guide and the LUT guide.
- JPDEPC RCMC: jute product exporters register with the Jute Products Development and Export Promotion Council. See the RCMC guide.
- Incentives: check RoDTEP and drawback rates for your code. See export incentive schemes.
HS codes
- 6305 10: sacks and bags of jute for packing goods (gunny bags and hessian sacks).
- 4202 22 and 4202 92: handbags, shopping and tote bags with an outer surface of textile, which includes most jute shopping bags.
- 5702 and 5705: jute rugs and floor coverings.
- 5310: woven jute fabric (hessian) by the metre.
Confirm the code with your customs broker, because a laminated or leather-trimmed bag may be classified differently.
Specifications buyers ask for
- Fabric: natural or dyed jute, fabric weight in GSM or ounces, and blends such as juco (jute and cotton).
- Size: width, height and gusset in cm.
- Handles: cotton webbing, rope, bamboo or padded jute, and their length.
- Lining: unlaminated, or laminated inside for strength and water resistance. Many eco buyers prefer unlaminated or bio-based lamination.
- Printing: screen print colours, print area, and whether one or both sides.
Quality and compliance
Jute should be free of loose fibre, smell and stains, with strong stitching at the handles. Food sacks for coffee, cocoa or grain must use jute batching oil that meets food-grade standards, and buyers may ask for a test report. Retailers in the EU and the UK increasingly ask for social audit reports and proof that environmental claims such as "plastic free" or "biodegradable" are true.
Packing, pricing and payment
Bags are packed flat in bales or cartons, often 100 to 500 pieces each, with poly wrap against moisture. Quote per piece FOB with size, fabric, handles, lamination and printing stated, and add plate or screen charges for printed orders. Many buyers order a mix of styles; set an MOQ per style and colour. For new buyers, take an advance. See the export quotation guide.
Where to find jute buyers
The USA, the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, France, Spain, Australia and the UAE are major buyers of Indian jute products. On BuyGenix you can see live jute rug requirements, gunny bag buyers and tote bag buyers.
Frequently asked questions
Which council covers jute product exports?
The Jute Products Development and Export Promotion Council (JPDEPC) issues the RCMC for jute product exporters.
What is the HS code for jute shopping bags?
Jute shopping and tote bags usually fall under heading 4202, such as 4202 22 or 4202 92. Jute sacks for packing goods use 6305 10.
Are laminated jute bags eco-friendly?
Lamination makes the bag stronger and water resistant but adds plastic. Some buyers ask for unlaminated or bio-based lamination for plastic-free claims.
Which countries import jute bags from India?
The USA, the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, France, Spain and Australia are among the largest buyers.
Starting jute product exports?
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