The export of basmati rice from India follows a clear process. The exporter needs an Import Export Code, APEDA registration and a registered export contract. The rice then clears quality and residue checks and ships with the required documents. This guide walks international buyers through each step.
India has been the world’s largest rice exporter since 2012, with a share of 30 to 35 percent over the last five years, according to APEDA. Basmati is the premium end of that trade: a long, slender, aromatic grain that cooks light and separate. Only India and Pakistan grow premium-grade basmati, so buyers have few origin choices.
You will learn how to pick varieties, read market trends, prepare documents, meet quality rules, plan shipping and choose an exporter.
Indian basmati combines aroma, grain length and a light, fluffy finish after cooking. India and Pakistan are the only two sources of premium-grade basmati, so origin choice is narrow and India is the larger supplier.
For importers, this means dependable supply and a documented export process.
Buyers usually fix the variety, grain length and processing type in the contract. These are the most common requests:
Processing type matters as much as variety. Raw white, steam, sella (parboiled) and brown rice each suit different markets and cooking styles. For a deeper comparison, read our guide to top basmati varieties in the rice export business.
Basmati demand is concentrated in the Middle East, with Europe and North America as the other major buyers. In 2024-25, the top five markets (Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, Yemen and the UAE) took about 61 percent of basmati export volume, according to ThePrint.
The trade is sensitive to regional events. India’s basmati exports fell 5.5 percent to 3.36 million tons in January to June 2026, as shipments to markets including Iran declined, Business Recorder reported.
For buyers, the lesson is practical: confirm shipping routes, transit times and insurance before you fix a delivery date.
The export of basmati rice from India runs in eight steps:
Steps one to three are listed by APEDA as general requirements for rice exports. When you work with an established exporter, the exporter handles steps one to three and five to seven for you.
Basmati shipments move on a standard set of documents. The HS code for basmati rice under India’s export policy is 10063020.
| Document | Issued by | Purpose |
| Import Export Code (IEC) | DGFT | Mandatory code for any exporter |
| APEDA e-RCMC | APEDA | Exporter membership for rice |
| RCAC | APEDA | Registration of each basmati contract |
| Commercial invoice and packing list | Exporter | Value, quantity and packing details |
| Bill of lading | Shipping line | Proof of shipment |
| Certificate of origin | Authorised agency | Proof of Indian origin |
| Phytosanitary certificate | Plant protection authority | Plant health clearance |
| Certificate of Inspection | EIC or EIA | Required for EU, UK, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland |
Some destinations add their own rules. Iran requires pre-shipment inspection, and Saudi Arabia accepts rice only from registered establishments, per APEDA. Inspection rules for other European countries have changed more than once, so check the latest DGFT notification before you ship.
Pesticide residue limits are the most common reason basmati shipments get held. Limits differ by country, and APEDA publishes country-specific limits for rice on its website. EU-bound basmati needs pre-shipment pesticide testing, and some fungicides such as tricyclazole are tightly controlled, per this APEDA trade notice.
Ask your supplier for a recent lab report and fix these points in the contract:
Pack sizes range from 1 kg and 5 kg retail bags to 25 kg and 50 kg sacks, plus bulk loads for repacking abroad. Good packing uses food-grade, moisture-resistant material and clear labels with variety, batch and packing date. Moisture is the main risk at sea, so ask about liners and container preparation.
Three Incoterms cover most basmati deals:
Agree the Incoterm, loading port and lead time before you confirm the order.
A reliable partner makes the whole process easier. Check these points before you place an order:
Our guide on how global buyers find reliable wholesale rice suppliers covers this in more depth.
The ITC (HS) code for basmati rice in India’s export policy is 10063020. It sits under HS 100630, which covers semi-milled or wholly milled rice.
You need an IEC, an APEDA e-RCMC and an RCAC for each contract. Shipping documents include the invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin and a phytosanitary certificate. Some destinations add a Certificate of Inspection.
Yes. APEDA lists the e-RCMC and contract registration (RCAC) as general requirements for rice exports from India.
Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, Yemen and the UAE were the top five markets in 2024-25, with about 61 percent of export volume.
Yes. Exports to EU member states need a Certificate of Inspection from EIC or EIA, and pre-shipment pesticide testing applies.
It depends on your market and budget. 1121 is the extra-long choice for premium packs, while Pusa 1509 and 1718 suit value-focused orders.
Source Basmati with Jesvil
The export of basmati rice from India is straightforward when your supplier handles registration, testing and documents correctly. Jesvil Corporation is a Kerala-based agri export company that supports international buyers with specifications, samples and shipment planning.
Share your variety, quantity, destination and target Incoterm, and we will respond with a quote.
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