Indian onions, especially the red onions from Nashik and the Lasalgaon market, are a staple in Bangladesh, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, the Gulf and South East Asia. It is a high-volume, fast-moving trade where price, timing and grading decide everything. The government also adjusts export rules when domestic prices rise, so policy checks are part of the job.
To export onions from India, get an IEC, GST registration with an LUT, and register with APEDA. Check the current export policy for HS code 0703 10 on the DGFT website, since the government has used bans, minimum prices and export duties at different times. Grade and dry the onions, pack them in mesh or jute bags, get a phytosanitary certificate, and ship in ventilated or reefer containers.
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Check the export policy first
Onion is a politically sensitive product in India. In recent years the government has banned exports, set minimum export prices and charged export duties, then removed them when supply improved. Before you quote, check the current policy for your 8-digit code on the DGFT website, and include a clause in the contract that covers a change in government policy.
Registrations and documents
- IEC, GST and LUT: see the IEC guide and the LUT guide.
- APEDA registration: fresh fruits and vegetables come under APEDA. See the APEDA guide.
- Phytosanitary certificate: issued through the Plant Quarantine system for every shipment. See the phytosanitary certificate guide.
- Other documents: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and certificate of origin. Use the export documents checklist.
Varieties, sizes and grading
Fresh onions fall under HS code 0703 10, and dehydrated onion under 0712 20. Buyers ask for:
- Variety: Nashik red (the most common), Bangalore Rose and Krishnapuram onions, which are exported mainly to South East Asia, and white onions for dehydration.
- Size: usually given in millimetres, such as 40 to 55 mm, 45 to 65 mm or 55 mm and above.
- Quality: well dried, firm, single skin and free of sprouting, rot, black mould and mechanical damage.
Packing and shipping
Onions are packed in 5, 10, 20, 25 or 50 kg mesh, leno or jute bags. Mesh bags allow air flow, which matters because onions release moisture. Short routes to Bangladesh and Nepal often move by road. Sea shipments use ventilated containers or reefers set to the temperature and ventilation the buyer agrees. Load quickly after grading, and do not mix wet and dry lots.
Pricing and payment
Onion prices change every week with arrivals at mandis such as Lasalgaon, so keep quotes valid for a short time and state the size, variety and packing. Price per tonne, FOB or CIF; the free export price calculator helps. Because onion is perishable, new buyers should pay an advance or open a letter of credit. A rejection at destination is costly, so agree the inspection method before loading.
Where to find onion buyers
Bangladesh, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, the UAE, Nepal, Indonesia, the Philippines, Qatar, Oman and Kenya buy Indian onions. On BuyGenix you can see current onion buyer requirements and country pages such as onion buyers in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Indonesia. Verify each buyer first with our guide to spotting fake buyers.
Frequently asked questions
Is onion export allowed from India right now?
It depends on the current government policy, which has changed several times. Check the DGFT website for the latest notification on HS code 0703 10 before you sign a contract.
What is the HS code for onion?
Fresh or chilled onions fall under HS code 0703 10, and dried or dehydrated onion under 0712 20.
Which onion variety is best for export?
Nashik red onion is the most widely exported. Bangalore Rose and Krishnapuram onions are exported mainly to South East Asia.
Do I need a phytosanitary certificate for onion export?
Yes. Fresh onions need a phytosanitary certificate for each shipment, issued through the Plant Quarantine system.
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