How to Export Paper Cups from India: Specifications, Food Contact Rules and Buyers
Paper cups are a repeat-order product for cafes, catering companies, vending operators and distributors. Demand is strong in the Gulf, where many buyers have moved away from plastic, and in the USA and Africa. Buyers compare price closely, so specification and food contact compliance decide who keeps the account.
To export paper cups from India, get an IEC, GST registration with an LUT and an RCMC for incentives. Paper cups fall under HS code 4823 69. Agree the cup size, paperboard GSM, coating (PE, PLA or aqueous), printing and packing, meet the destination country's food contact rules, and pack in sealed sleeves inside strong cartons.
Registrations you need
- IEC, GST and LUT: see the IEC guide and the LUT guide.
- RCMC: paper products have their own export promotion council, and the RCMC is needed for incentives. See the RCMC guide.
HS code and specifications
Cups, trays and plates of paper or paperboard fall under heading 4823: 4823 61 for bamboo paper and 4823 69 for other paper, which covers most paper cups. Confirm the code with your customs broker.
- Size: usually given in ounces or millilitres, such as 4, 6.5, 8, 12 and 16 oz.
- Board: cupstock GSM, often 150 to 350 depending on size, and single wall, double wall or ripple wall.
- Coating: PE (polyethylene) single or double side, PLA for compostable claims, or plastic-free aqueous coatings.
- Printing: plain, or flexo and offset printed with the buyer's brand and Pantone colours.
- Lids and sleeves: some buyers order matching lids, sleeves and carriers.
Food contact and environmental rules
Paper cups touch food, so buyers ask for proof that the board, coating and inks are safe. US buyers often ask for compliance with FDA food contact regulations, and EU buyers with the EU framework regulation on food contact materials. In the EU, paper cups with a plastic lining fall under the Single-Use Plastics Directive and must carry the required marking. If you claim "compostable" or "plastic-free", keep test reports or certificates that support the claim. Some Gulf countries also have their own rules on single-use products, so ask the importer what applies.
Packing and shipping
Cups are packed in sleeves of 50 or 100 inside 5-ply cartons, often 1,000 to 2,000 cups per carton. Paper cups are light and bulky, so a 40 ft high cube container usually gives the best cost per cup. Plan the carton count with your forwarder; see the container size guide. Protect cartons from moisture during transit.
Pricing and payment
Quote per 1,000 cups or per carton, FOB or CIF, with size, GSM, coating and printing stated. Printed orders need artwork approval and plate or cylinder costs. For new buyers, take an advance with the balance against documents. Our export quotation guide shows how to present the offer.
Where to find paper cup buyers
The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, the USA, Kenya and other African markets buy Indian paper cups. On BuyGenix you can see live paper cup requirements and country pages such as paper cup buyers in Saudi Arabia, Oman and the USA.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HS code for paper cups?
Paper cups usually fall under HS code 4823 69. Cups of bamboo paper use 4823 61.
Which coating is best for export paper cups?
PE coating is the most common and lowest cost. Buyers who want compostable or plastic-free cups ask for PLA or aqueous coatings, with certificates to support the claim.
Do paper cups need marking in the EU?
Yes. Paper cups with a plastic lining fall under the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive and must carry the required marking.
Which countries import paper cups from India?
The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, the USA and several African countries are regular buyers.
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