The China market for Indian castor oil & derivatives
China is the largest buyer of Indian castor oil (share varies 25-50% by secondary source); Japan buys refined grades.
Castor Oil & Derivatives specification for China orders
| Parameter | Typical export value |
|---|---|
| Acid value (FSG) | ≤ 2.0 mg KOH/g (typical) |
| Moisture & volatiles | ≤ 0.25% (typical) |
| Hydroxyl value | 160-168 (typical) |
| Iodine value | 82-90 (typical) |
| Saponification value | 176-187 (typical) |
| Colour | Gardner ≤ 3 for FSG; lighter for pale pressed (typical) |
Final values are agreed per contract, then confirmed by lab report or pre-shipment inspection.
Shipping castor oil & derivatives to China
Typical sea transit from India: 14–20 d to Shanghai/Ningbo; 12–16 d to Shenzhen via Singapore/Colombo (ASSUMPTION — this file's analyst estimate, not in 06 §F.2) days.
Supply window: Indian castor oil & derivatives is mainly produced or harvested First flush Mar-Apr; second flush May-Jun; rains Jul-Sep; autumnal Oct-Nov (ASSUMPTION - standard flush calendar); First flush Mar-Apr; second flush May-Jun; autumn Oct-Nov (ASSUMPTION). Allow 14–20 d to Shanghai/Ningbo; 12–16 d to Shenzhen via Singapore/Colombo (ASSUMPTION — this file's analyst estimate, not in 06 §F.2) days at sea plus 5–10 days for inspection, export clearance and China customs when you set delivery dates.
Container loading (estimate): 20' Flexitank ~20-22 MT; drums 80 x ~190 kg ≈ 15 MT, 40' HC Not normally used (20' preferred for weight).
Quoted on FOB, CFR, CIF; CIF China is the common choice for first orders.
Where buyers are in China
| City | Port / airport | Buyer sectors |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Port of Shanghai (Yangshan Deep-Water & Waigaoqiao) - world's largest container port · Sha | chemicals & dyes, pharma/API traders, engineering & machinery |
| Guangzhou | Port of Guangzhou (Nansha) · Guangzhou Baiyun International (CAN) - major cargo hub | chemicals & dyes, apparel & textile wholesalers (Baima, Shisanhang) |
| Tianjin | Port of Tianjin (Binhai) - northern China's largest port · Tianjin Binhai International (T | chemicals, steel & engineering goods, auto components |
| Qingdao | Port of Qingdao (Qianwan) - world top-10 container port · Qingdao Jiaodong International ( | seafood processing, chemicals, appliance & electronics component buyers |
| Ningbo | Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan - world's largest port by cargo tonnage, top-3 by containers · Nin | plastics/chemicals, textile & garment exporters' input buyers, engineering & auto-part trade |
Frequently asked questions
How long does shipping from India to China take?
Typically 14–20 d to Shanghai/Ningbo; 12–16 d to Shenzhen via Singapore/Colombo (ASSUMPTION — this file's analyst estimate, not in 06 §F.2) days at sea (estimate).
Does China have a trade agreement with India?
No FTA. Both are in the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA) — limited tariff concessions; India restricts FDI (Press Note 3) and applies many QCOs/anti-dumping duties [S7 — not mentioned; S9] A preferential certificate of origin is needed to claim any reduced duty.
Which HS code applies to castor oil & derivatives from India?
Usually HS 151530. China applies its own national tariff extension to the 6-digit code; confirm the full line with your broker.
What is FSG castor oil?
First Special Grade: the benchmark industrial specification (low acid value and moisture, light colour) used in most contracts.
Is castor oil hazardous to ship?
No. Castor oil is not classified as dangerous goods. The toxic ricin stays in the seed meal, not the oil.
When is the new crop?
Castor is harvested in Gujarat from roughly January to April, so new-crop oil flows from early spring (ASSUMPTION - varies by season).
Related guides
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