India is one of the largest sugar producers in the world, and buyers in Bangladesh, the Gulf, East Africa and South East Asia ask for Indian sugar regularly. Sugar exports are controlled by the government, though, and the international sugar trade attracts many fake offers. Knowing the rules protects both your margin and your business.
Sugar exports from India are in the restricted category, so you can export only within the quota the government allows for each sugar season, usually through quantities allocated to sugar mills. You also need an IEC, GST registration with an LUT and an RCMC. Sugar falls under HS heading 1701. Agree the ICUMSA grade, packing and inspection, and work only with buyers you have verified.
Export policy and quota
Since 2022, sugar exports from India have been in the restricted category. The government decides each season how much sugar may be exported, and the Directorate of Sugar and Vegetable Oils allocates the quantity, mostly to sugar mills. Merchant exporters usually buy from a mill that holds a quota and export against it. Supplies to the EU and the USA under their tariff rate quotas are handled separately. Policy changes every season, so check the latest DGFT and Department of Food and Public Distribution notifications before you quote, and add a policy change clause to the contract.
Registrations you need
- IEC, GST and LUT: see the IEC guide and the LUT guide.
- RCMC: needed for export incentives. See the RCMC guide.
- FSSAI: many buyers ask for it for food products. See FSSAI for exporters.
HS codes and ICUMSA grades
Cane and beet sugar fall under HS heading 1701: raw cane sugar under 1701 13 or 1701 14, and white or refined sugar under 1701 99. Confirm the 8-digit code with your customs broker.
Buyers describe sugar by its ICUMSA value, which measures colour. Lower numbers are whiter:
- ICUMSA 45: refined white sugar.
- ICUMSA 100 to 150: plantation white sugar, which covers most Indian mill grades such as S-30 and M-30 (S and M refer to crystal size).
- ICUMSA 600 to 1,200 and above: raw sugar for refineries.
Specifications also cover polarisation, moisture, ash, sulphur dioxide and crystal size.
Watch out for fake sugar offers
The sugar trade is known for fake "ICUMSA 45" offers and buyers who ask for fees before any real contract. Common warning signs are huge volumes on long monthly contracts, requests for an upfront "procedure" fee, proof of product or bank comfort letters sent through intermediaries, and no verifiable company history. Our guide on spotting fake export buyers explains how to check a buyer before you share prices.
Packing, shipping and payment
Sugar ships in 50 kg PP woven bags with an inner liner, in 20 ft containers or as break-bulk for large lots. Buyers usually want an inspection by SGS, Bureau Veritas or a similar agency at loading. Quote per tonne FOB or CIF; use the export price calculator to check figures. For new buyers, use an irrevocable letter of credit from a known bank; see the letter of credit guide.
Where to find sugar buyers
Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the UAE, Somalia, Djibouti, Afghanistan, Indonesia and Malaysia have been regular buyers of Indian sugar. On BuyGenix you can see live sugar buyer requirements and country pages such as sugar buyers in Bangladesh and the UAE. Each requirement is reviewed by our team before it is shared.
Frequently asked questions
Is sugar export allowed from India?
Sugar is in the restricted category. Exports are allowed only within the quota the government sets for each season. Check the latest notification before you sign a contract.
What is ICUMSA 45 sugar?
ICUMSA 45 is refined white sugar with very low colour. Most Indian mill sugar is plantation white, around ICUMSA 100 to 150.
What is the HS code for sugar?
Sugar falls under HS heading 1701. Raw cane sugar uses 1701 13 or 1701 14, and white or refined sugar uses 1701 99.
How do I avoid fake sugar buyers?
Verify the company, its trade history and its bank. Never pay fees before a contract, and use a letter of credit from a known bank for new buyers.
Need export registration for food products?
We handle IEC, GST, LUT, FSSAI and RCMC registration so you are ready when a quota opens.
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