How to Start Agriculture Export from India (Complete Guide for New Exporters)

India is one of the world’s largest producers of agricultural commodities including rice, spices, fruits, vegetables, tea, and pulses. With growing global demand, agriculture export from India is a massive opportunity for entrepreneurs, farmers, and food processors. However, exporting agricultural products requires specific certifications, registrations, and compliance documents before shipments can leave India. In this guide, we explain how to start an agriculture export business step-by-step, along with all the certifications required. Step 1: Choose the Right Agricultural Product to Export The first step is identifying which agricultural product has strong global demand. Popular Indian agricultural exports include: Basmati Rice Spices (turmeric, cumin, chilli) Fruits (mangoes, pomegranates, bananas) Vegetables Tea and coffee Pulses and grains Organic produce Many of these products fall under the regulation of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), which supports exporters and regulates scheduled agricultural commodities. Once you identify the product, the next step is completing export registrations. Step 2: Obtain Import Export Code (IEC) Before exporting any product from India, businesses must obtain an Import Export Code (IEC) issued by DGFT. This is the primary license required to conduct international trade. Internal Link Example: ➡ Read more: IEC Registration https://eximsaathi.com/services/exim-certifications/iec Without IEC, exporters cannot file shipping bills or receive export payments. Step 3: Register with APEDA If you export agricultural or processed food products, you must obtain APEDA Registration (RCMC). Internal Link Example: ➡ APEDA Registration https://eximsaathi.com/services/exim-certifications/apeda-registration APEDA registration provides: Export promotion support Market intelligence Financial assistance Export compliance verification Exporters of products listed under the APEDA Act must obtain registration before exporting. Step 4: Obtain Phytosanitary Certificate For most agricultural products such as fruits, vegetables, seeds, and grains, exporters must obtain a Phytosanitary Certificate. Internal Link Example: ➡ Phytosanitary Certificate https://eximsaathi.com/services/exim-certifications/phytosanitary-certificate A phytosanitary certificate confirms that the agricultural shipment: Is free from pests and diseases Meets plant health regulations of the importing country Has been inspected by plant quarantine authorities. Without this certificate, many countries will reject shipments. Step 5: Obtain Quality and Health Certifications Depending on the product, additional certifications may be required. Some important certifications for agriculture export include: Food Safety Certifications ➡ FSSAI License https://eximsaathi.com/services/exim-certifications/fssai-license Food exporters must comply with FSSAI standards to ensure hygiene and food safety. Health Certificate ➡ Health Certificate https://eximsaathi.com/services/exim-certifications/health-certificate Health certificates are often required for processed food exports. Fumigation Certificate ➡ Fumigation Certificate https://eximsaathi.com/services/exim-certifications/fumigation-certificate Fumigation ensures that cargo is pest-free before shipment. Step 6: Obtain Certificate of Origin Most agricultural shipments require a Certificate of Origin (COO). Internal Link Example: ➡ Certificate of Origin https://eximsaathi.com/services/exim-certifications/certificate-of-origin This document confirms that the product originates from India and is often required for: customs clearance tariff benefits trade agreements Step 7: Prepare Export Documentation Agricultural exporters must prepare several documents before shipping. Typical export documents include: Commercial invoice Packing list Certificate of origin Phytosanitary certificate APEDA registration Shipping bill Bill of lading or airway bill. These documents are filed through Indian Customs ICEGATE system. Step 8: Logistics and Shipment After documentation is completed, exporters must arrange: Freight forwarding Customs clearance Container stuffing Insurance Relevant logistics services include: ➡ Freight Forwarding Services https://eximsaathi.com/services/freight-forwarding ➡ Customs Clearance https://eximsaathi.com/services/customs-clearance Step 9: Find International Buyers To scale agriculture exports, exporters must identify global buyers. Popular methods include: Trade fairs B2B marketplaces Import-export databases Trade intelligence platforms Government buyer-seller meets Platforms like EXIMSaathi also help exporters identify buyers and compliance requirements. Step 10: Maintain Export Compliance Agricultural exports are heavily regulated because of: food safety rules plant quarantine laws import country regulations Exporters must ensure compliance with: APEDA guidelines destination country food standards pesticide residue limits traceability requirements For example, APEDA systems like HortiNet track quality and traceability for fruits and vegetables exports. Certifications Required for Agriculture Export (Quick Summary) Certification Purpose IEC Registration Required to export from India APEDA Registration Mandatory for scheduled agricultural products Phytosanitary Certificate Ensures pest-free agricultural shipment FSSAI License Food safety compliance Health Certificate Food export approval Certificate of Origin Proof of product origin Fumigation Certificate Pest treatment before shipment Why Agriculture Export is a Huge Opportunity India exported billions of dollars worth of agricultural products every year, driven by global demand for spices, rice, fruits, and organic produce. Key advantages: Strong agricultural production Government export incentives Growing demand for Indian food products Global demand for organic and natural foods With the right certifications and buyer network, exporters can build highly profitable international businesses. Start Your Agriculture Export Journey with EXIMSaathi Starting an agriculture export business requires multiple registrations and certifications. EXIMSaathi simplifies the process by providing: Export registrations Certification assistance Compliance guidance Logistics support Explore all export certifications here: ➡ https://eximsaathi.com/services