What are the steps how to export rice from India?

India is one of the prime exporters of rice in the world selling variety of basmati and non-basmati rice to different markets within and outside the country.

As a business person, trader, or a farmer, you may want to expand your company, and this can be a massive achievement in case you know how to export Indian rice. In this blog, we shall categorize the whole process in very easy and practical steps starting with registration to shipping and documentation in order to assure your confidence in starting your rice export business.

The Export Potential Knowledge

India enjoys good agro-climatic conditions and there is excess production of rice every year. Rice is produced in India, which is then imported by countries in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Southeast Asia regularly owing to the quality and variety in rice

You could be aiming at selling IR 64 Parboiled Rice, 100 percent Broken Rice and high quality Basmati but you need to establish how to export rice from India as the first and the most important step in exploring this international market.

Licensing Your Export Business

In order to begin exporting rice on a legality basis, you shall have to get your business registered with an appropriate legal entity, e.g. sole proprietorship, partnership and a private limited company. On being registered, you should apply for the following:

• DGFT Import Export Code (IEC)
• GST Registration
• Licensing on food safety compliance by FSSAI
• (APEDA) Registration

The procedure of registration is the keystone in the procedure of how to export rice from India because it is one of the ways through which you can legally export the rice to other countries.

Choose Your Kind of Rice and Grading of Rice

Varieties exported by India are Basmati, Sona Masoori, IR 64, Ponni and 100 percent broken raw/paraboiled rice. You need to select the grade with the respective target market.

Purchase rice produced in credible mills or farmers, so that the quality of the rice is maintained. Depending on the regulations of the importing country you may also be required to supply lab test reports and quality certificates. One of the factors towards successful long term exportation how to export rice from India is quality consistence.

Department of Reliable Suppliers or Establish Processing

Without a mill of your own, you can be affiliated with a respected rice miller or aggregator. Ensure the rice is thoroughly sorted, properly graded, and packaged in compliance with international export standards.

It will depend on the requirements of the buyers to find options in vacuum packing, in jute bags or in bulk container packing categories. These technicalities are critical to the export of rice in India in an effective an profitable manner.

Get Buyers and Sell Your Products

There are B2B sites such as

• Alibaba
• Indiamart
• TradeIndia
• ExportHub

where you can get international buyers. Moreover, you can establish a site demonstrating your certification and use LinkedIn or Google Ads by developing credibility.

The most practical advice on how to export rice from India is that one should start with small sample order so as to gain trust and repeat orders.

Terms Negotiation & Contracts Signing

After you have identified a buyer you should negotiate a price, quantity, Incoterms (such as FOB, CIF) and payment terms (LC, TT). Be sure to draft a detailed sales agreement that includes all essential information such as the product type, delivery date, port names, packaging specifications, and liability terms

The clarity in the contracts is a crucial element in the process of how to export rice from India, particularly when it is traded with other buyers operating on various legal jurisdictions and with different currency types.

Records and Regulations

Rice exports require proper documentation and this is not to be negotiated. The following are key documents that shall be needed:

• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List Airway Bill / Bill of Lading
• Certificate of origin
• Phytosanitary Certificate
• FSSAI Certificate
• APEDA Certificate
• Inspection Certificate (with license requirement)

All the documents are useful in the process of exporting rice in India and the smooth customs clearance in India and the destination country.

Shipping and Logistics

Get a good freight forwarder who will potentially ship either to sea or air. In case of large orders, the use of sea transport is cheaper. Pack all the goods correctly to prevent the damage caused by moisture. You will also have to liaise with CHA (Custom House Agent) to clear.

Another critical operational parameter in the process of exporting rice from India is logistics management since any delay or handling may cause loss of the product and will not satisfy the customers.

Post-Export Formalities

After goods are shipped, there should be receiving of payment under agreed terms. Financial documentation will be required as well so that you file with your bank the Export General Manifest (EGM) and Bank Realization Certificate (BRC).

Observing the reaction of customers and offering post-sale services is always forgotten yet this process is very important in establishing a lifelong export company. That is the way sustainability is incorporated into the issue of how to export rice from India.

conclusion

This might appear to be a complex procedure but by taking the required steps and following through, exporting of rice is a profitable venture. As a farmer, trader or a startup learning how to export rice from India opens up a global market and puts you at an advantage over other competitors in the local markets.