A Complete Guide to Exporting Indian Onions Worldwide

Exporting onions from India is a high-stakes journey that starts long before a single container is ever loaded. It actually begins at the farm gate, where the choice of variety and the “curing” process (letting the outer skins dry to a crisp) determine if the onion will arrive in Dubai or Kuala Lumpur looking fresh or failing halfway. An export-quality onion has to be tough—firm, bone-dry, and uniform—to survive weeks in a dark container.

At JK International, we don’t just buy and sell; we manage the entire lifecycle. From securing the Import Export Code (IEC) to sourcing from growers we trust, we take the complexity off your plate.

We handle the sorting and grading so you don’t have to worry about a “bad batch” stalling your production or retail shelves.

Which Countries Import Indian Onions

Indian onions have a legendary pungency that other varieties just can’t match, which is why they are the “secret ingredient” in kitchens across the globe. They travel far, and each region has its own specific “wish list”:

The Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman): Typically looks for medium to large bulbs with deep red skins.
South Asia (Bangladesh, Sri Lanka): Often prioritizes volume and proximity, valuing the sharp flavor for traditional curries.
Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia): Frequently looks for specific size grades, often preferring the smaller, more flavorful varieties for retail.

At JK International, we tailor every consignment. We know that a bag destined for a supermarket in Singapore has different “acceptance rules” than a bulk order for a processing plant in Colombo.

Onion Export Documentation and HS Code

If the onions are the heart of the trade, the paperwork is the nervous system. One mistake on a certificate and the whole shipment can be “frozen” at the port, leading to expensive storage fees and spoilage.

The standard “rulebook” involves:

Commercial Invoice & Packing List
Phytosanitary Certificate: (This is the most critical—it’s the “health passport” for your onions).
Certificate of Origin & Bill of Lading
HS Code: We use 07031010 for fresh onions.

We handle all this documentation in-house. We’ve done it so many times that it’s second nature, ensuring your shipment clears customs without the typical “bureaucratic headaches.”

Current Onion Export Policy and Duty in India

Exporting onions from India requires a “weather eye” on government policy. Because onions are so vital to the Indian kitchen, the government occasionally adjusts duties or policies to balance domestic supply.
In early 2025, the government made a major move by removing the 20% export duty, switching it to “Nil.”

This was a huge win for international buyers and Indian farmers alike, making our onions far more competitive globally as we move into 2026.

We track these policy shifts daily so that when we give you a quote, it’s based on the most current law—no “hidden costs” popping up at the last minute.

Indian Onion Export Price per Ton

Pricing for onions is never static; it’s a living number. It breathes with the harvest cycles (like the massive Rabi crop), the availability in the mandis, and the cost of ocean freight.

Instead of giving you a vague “ballpark” figure, we provide transparent, market-linked pricing. We factor in:

Size Grading: (e.g., 45mm+ vs 55mm+)
Packaging: (Standard 10kg, 20kg, or 50kg mesh bags)
Transit Type: (Ventilated dry containers vs. Reefer containers)

This transparency helps you plan your retail margins with actual data, not guesswork.

Best Onion Exporter in India

What makes an exporter the “best”? It isn’t just about who has the most onions; it’s about who has the most integrity. The trade is built on trust—the trust that the onions at the bottom of the bag are just as good as the ones at the top.

JK International has built its reputation on being more than a vendor. We are a partner. We offer:

Consistent Grading: No “surprises” in size or quality.
Honest Communication: If there’s a delay at the port or a harvest issue, you hear it from us first.
End-to-End Care: From the soil of Maharashtra to the arrival at your port, we are watching the temperature, the timing, and the tech.

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