India is a major hub for spice production. Various countries across the world import spices from India. The reach of spice exports from India has further increased with higher global demand and advanced cultivation techniques.
- According to the Spices Board of India (SBI), India exported spices worth $4.72 billion during FY 24-25, supplying products in more than 180 countries worldwide.
- With growing demand for natural flavors, organic ingredients, and traditional seasoning, spice exports have become a profitable business opportunity for Indian entrepreneurs, traders, and manufacturers.
- And when it comes to spice exports from India, it involves more than just finding buyers. It is required for exporters to obtain the required licenses, comply with quality standards, complete export documentation, and understand international market requirements.
So, if you are wondering how to export spices from India, you have come to the right place. Here in this blog, we will explain the step by step method to start spice exports from India, including the registration process, necessary export licenses, documentation, packaging standards, and more.
Top Spices Exported from India
India is the largest exporter of spices in the world. It covers at least 80% of the market share. This is because Indian spices are valued globally for their quality, aroma, and medical properties. Here are the top spices exported from India in 2026:
Turmeric
Known for its medicinal and culinary properties, Turmeric is one of the essential spices for curries and dals. Turmeric is widely used and valued for its anti-inflammatory properties.
- More than 30 varieties of turmeric are grown in India.
- India is the world's dominant turmeric exporter, with exports valued at $333 to $342 million.
- Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu are major turmeric-producing states in India.
- Top export destinations for turmeric from India are the United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, and the United States.
Red Chilli
Chili peppers were brought to India by Portuguese traders via the port of Goa in the 16th century. Since then, this red spice has become an integral part of Indian cuisine. Not only that, today India is the largest exporter of chilies in the world.
- India exports both whole and powdered varieties of chilies.
- In FY 24-25, India exported chilies worth $1.34 billion
- Indian varieties Guntur Sannam and Bayadi are highly sought after due to their color and pungency.
- China, Bangladesh, and Thailand are among the leading importers of Indian chilies.
Cumin (Jeera)
Cumin is another top spice exported from India. After chilies, it is the second-largest spice India exports to the world.
- This spice is widely used in cuisines across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America.
- And over the years, cumin exports from India have increased due to its medicinal properties.
- There has been strong demand for cumin from countries such as Vietnam, the USA, and the UAE.
Cardamom (Elaichi)
Cardamom is a spice added as a sweetener to many dishes and beverages. It is primarily produced in Southern India and in a few northeastern states.
- Currently, Kerala, Sikkim, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Arunachal Pradesh are some of the leading producers of both small and large cardamom.
- This spice is particularly popular in Middle Eastern countries for use in coffee, tea, desserts, and local or traditional dishes.
- So, ultimately, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are among the major importers.
Black Pepper
Also known as the “King of Spices”, Indian black pepper remains a significant export product. Indian black pepper is widely valued for its strong flavor.
- There is a huge demand for black pepper produced in Indian states from food processing and seasoning industries.
- As per available data, the export value of black pepper from India was $1.42 billion.
- China, the US, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Indonesia are the major exporting countries.
Coriander
Coriander is one such spice exported from India, which is provided in different forms. It is one of the highest-value spice exports from India.
- Exported from India in different forms like seeds, powder, and leaves.
- The exported value of coriander is around $95.9 million.
- Major buyers of Indian coriander include Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, China, the USA, and the UK.
Ginger and Garlic Powder
Fresh ginger is exported from India to various countries. Ginger is widely used in beverages, food products, traditional medicines, and wellness supplements. Similarly, garlic is also used in so many cuisines and to add a special flavor to several dishes.
- Growing demand for natural, organic, and health-focused ingredients has led to an increase in the export of ginger and garlic powder from India.
- India’s ginger export value is approximately $108 million.
- Each ginger-producing states in India are Karnataka, Kerala, Mizoram, and Meghalaya.
- Currently India exports ginger and garlic to over 60 countries globally. And the United States, the United Kingdom, and Malaysia are the major exporting countries.
Spice Export HS Code
Here are the top spices with their HS code:
Spices HS Codes
Product Description
091030
Ginger, Turmeric (curcuma), bay leaves, thyme, and curry leaves
090831
Cardamom, nutmeg
090931
Cumin, fennel, and coriander seeds
090421
Chili Peppers, cayenne, and bell peppers
Why is the Spice Export Business Profitable in India?
India has a legacy when it comes to spices. As the world’s largest producer and exporter of spices, India enjoys a competitive advantage in the global market. The increasing demand for authentic flavors, natural ingredients, and health-focused products has made the spice export business in India a profitable venture.
Today, spices from India are popular worldwide. This has further opened up opportunities in the Indian spice industry for entrepreneurs, traders, and manufacturers. The spice export business is profitable in India due to the following reasons:
- There is a huge global demand for Indian spices because of their rich aroma, flavor, and quality.
- Countries from all over the world like North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, import large volumes of spices.
- Major spices India exports include turmeric, cumin, chili, cardamom, and black pepper. Indian spices are popular due to the sheer number of varieties available.
- Consumers worldwide are increasingly seeking natural and chemical-free food ingredients. So, India has built an image of offering quality spices.
- Exporting spices from India is also profitable because of its low manufacturing cost. You do not need to directly own a manufacturing unit. You can directly start exporting the spices by purchasing them from farmers or wholesalers.
- Many exporters in India today source products directly from farmers, cooperatives, processors, or wholesalers and export them under their own brand or as bulk shipments.
Best Countries to Export Indian Spices
Both the United States of America and China are the biggest importers of spices from India. In the US, there is high demand for spices from India such as turmeric, cumin, chili, coriander, and ginger.
This demand is driven by ethnic cuisines, health-conscious consumers, and growing popularity of natural food ingredients. Here is the list of countries that export Indian spices:
- USA
- Bangladesh
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Saudi Arabia
- Vietnam
- United Kingdom
- Germany
- Netherlands
Country
Major Exported Spices
United States of America
Turmeric, Ginger, Cumin, Pepper
China
Dry Red Chili, Chili Powder
UAE
Turmeric, Cardamom, Pepper
Vietnam
Cumin, Chili, Pepper
Saudi Arabia
Cardamom, Pepper
Germany
Organic Turmeric, Ginger, Pepper
United Kingdom
Turmeric, Cumin, Coriander
Can You Legally Export Spices from India?
Yes, it is possible to legally export spices from India. There are several companies and manufacturers in India that export a wide variety of spices worldwide.
Even the Government of India actively supports spice exports through various policies and export promotion initiatives. But there is a process that you have to follow to start spices export from India.
You need to first complete registration, get required documents, and follow quality standards before shipping spices to international buyers.
Step by Step Process to Export Spices from India
To export spices from India, you need to follow these steps:
1. Business Registration
You must operate through a registered business entity. If you have not already done so, then before you begin to spice export from India, register your business as:
- Sole Proprietorship
- Partnership Firm
- Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
- Private Limited Company
2. Import Export Code
For exporting spices from India, you need to obtain the Import Export Code (IEC) from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). This is the mandatory certificate required to export any kind of goods from India.
3. Registration with Spice Board of India
The seminal body for spice management in India is the “Spice Board of India”. So before you begin to export spices, you need to obtain a Certificate of Registration of Exporter of Spices (CRES) from this body.
4. GST Registration
You may also need to register your business with the GST department.
5. Compliance with Quality Standards
As spices directly impact the health of the people, you need to work by following all the quality and regulatory standards. You need to meet the quality standards:
- For safety regulations
- Importing country standards
- Packaging and labeling requirements
- Phytosanitary requirements
Licenses Required for Spices Export from India
In order to start a spice export business from India, there are a few licenses that you need to obtain:
- Import Export Code (IEC)
- Certificate of Registration as Exporter of Spices (CRES)
- FSSAI License
- MSME Registration (Optional)
For most businesses, the two essential requirements for spice exporters from India are Import Export Code (IEC) and CRES registration from the Spices Board of India.
Furthermore, depending on your business model, product type, and target export market, you may need additional licenses such as GST registration, FSSAI license, MMSE registration, and any product-specific certification.
Documents Required for Spices Export
Here are the key documents required for spices export from India:
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing list (which provides detailed information about the contents of your shipments)
- Bill of Lading (B/L) for shipping
- Certificate of Origin (COO): This document certifies that spices were produced or processed in India
- Phytosanitary certificate
- Shipping Bill
- Letter of Credit (LC) or Payment documents
Packaging Requirements for Spice Export
Other than having a mandatory license and basic documents, you need to follow certain packing requirements for spice export from India. Because packaging plays an important role in spice exports.
Proper packaging helps to preserve the aroma, color, flavor, and quality of spices during storage and transportation.
Moreover, if you don’t follow the packing requirements for spice export, it can lead to product rejection, contamination, moisture damage, and financial losses. So, depending on your business type and the volume of your spice exports from India, you need to comply with the packaging requirements. Here is how to pack spices for export:
Bulk Packaging
Bulk exporters of spices commonly use these materials for packaging:
- Polypropylene bags (PP)
- Jute bags with inner liners
- High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
- Corrugate Cartons
- Food-grade plastic containers
Retail Packaging
If you export branded or consumer-ready spice products, you need to package them using these materials to maintain aroma and freshness.
- Laminated pouches
- Stand-up zipper pouches
- PET jars
- Glass containers
- Metal tins
- Vacuum-sealed packs
How to Find Buyers for Spice Export Business?
B2B Trademart is one such platform where you can find buyers of various spices from all around the world. You need to simply create your company profile on our platform and list your products. By doing this, you can showcase your spice products across multiple countries.
- Instead of searching for importers individually, you can directly connect with wholesalers, distributors, retailers, and different food processing companies.
- When you create a well-structured product catalog on our platform, it helps buyers evaluate and make purchase decisions.
- You can get business leads directly from buyers interested in specific products. For example, a buyer searching specifically for turmeric or black pepper may discover your company profile and contact you through the platform.
Best Spice Exporter in India
The list of spice exporters in India is as follows:
- Synthite Industries Ltd.
- Vasant Masala Pvt. Ltd.
- MDH (Mahashia di Hatti)
- Achi Group
- Kisan Agro
- Everest Spices
- Priya Masala
- Catch Spices
- MTR Masala
- Swani Spice
These are some of the best spices exporters in India. Some of them are well-known in the international market. If you want your company to be among the best spice exporters in India, you must register on our platform B2B Trademart.
Conclusion
The Indian spices export business is thriving. In FY 2026, it was valued at $4.43 billion. The growth in exports of turmeric, cardamom, and cumin suggests that there is an opportunity for new businesses to enter this industry. Most of the top countries of the world, from the USA to China, today import spices from India.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which spices are mostly exported from India?
The most exported spices from India are turmeric, cumin, coriander, red chili, and black pepper.
Can I export spices from India?
You can start spice export from India. You need to register your business first and then get the required licenses or documents.
What is the 20000 crore export promotion?
The 2000 crore export promotion is part of the Credit Guarantee Scheme launched by the Government of India (GOI).
Which country buys spices from India?
Spice exports from India are to over 180 countries. Major buyers include the USA, UAE, China, Bangladesh, Thailand, and a few other countries in Europe.
Which spices are in high demand from India?
India exports over 200 varieties of spices worldwide. The high-demand spices include red chili, coriander, turmeric, cardamom, ginger, and garlic.
Which country is number 1 in spices?
India holds the number one spot in spice exports. Currently, India covers 70-80% of global spice production.
Who is the biggest importer of spices?
The United States is the biggest importer of spices, with a market value worth $460 million.