The Singapore market for Indian fresh onion
Malaysia (8.31% of fresh-vegetable exports) and Singapore buy red onions and Bangalore Rose; Singapore requires SFA import permits.
Indian community in Singapore (Ministry of External Affairs estimate): 483,199 (NRI 450,000 + PIO 23,199; ethnic Indians ~9% of residents).
Fresh Onion specification for Singapore orders
| Parameter | Typical export value |
|---|---|
| Bulb size | 25-40 mm, 40-55 mm, 55 mm+ (typical) |
| Skin | Dry, well-cured, 2-3 outer skins (typical) |
| Defects | No sprouting, rot or black mould; doubles/splits ≤ 2-3% (typical) |
| Transit | Ventilated container or reefer at 0-2 °C for long routes (typical) |
Final values are agreed per contract and checked against the Singapore requirements below, then confirmed by lab report or pre-shipment inspection.
Import requirements in Singapore
| Requirement | Regulator | Document / registration |
|---|---|---|
| Importer licence & permit | SFA | SFA registration/licence; import permit via TradeNet per consignment; CA/SC supplier code |
General guidance as of November 2026. Confirm with your customs broker or the regulator before shipping. Final regulatory decisions require professional verification.
Shipping fresh onion to Singapore
Typical sea transit Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva) → Singapore: 7-12 days. Direct services; SFA import permit via TradeNet per consignment
Supply window: Indian fresh onion is mainly produced or harvested Harvest Jan-Apr; cold-storage stock traded year-round (ASSUMPTION); Rabi (storable) Mar-May; kharif Oct-Dec; late-kharif Jan-Feb (ASSUMPTION). Allow 7-12 days at sea plus 5–10 days for inspection, export clearance and Singapore customs when you set delivery dates.
Container loading (estimate): 20' about 13-14 MT, 40' HC about 28-29 MT.
Quoted on FOB, CFR, CIF; CIF Singapore is the common choice for first orders.
Where buyers are in Singapore
| City | Port / airport | Buyer sectors |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore | Port of Singapore (PSA Tuas & Pasir Panjang) - world's largest transshipment hub · Singapo | Indian diaspora grocers & HORECA (Little India), regional re-export traders (ASEAN), pharma/biotech |
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to import fresh onion into Singapore?
Key requirements: Importer licence & permit — SFA (SFA registration/licence; import permit via TradeNet per consignment; CA/SC supplier code). Your customs broker confirms the full list for your HS line.
How long does shipping from India to Singapore take?
Typically 7-12 days port-to-port from Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva) to Singapore, plus 5–10 days for stuffing, export clearance and destination clearance (estimates).
Does Singapore have a trade agreement with India?
India–Singapore CECA in force since 2005 (reviewed 2018; 3rd review ongoing); also ASEAN–India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) 2010, under review [S7] A preferential certificate of origin is needed to claim any reduced duty.
Which HS code applies to fresh onion from India?
Usually HS 070310. Singapore applies its own national tariff extension to the 6-digit code; confirm the full line with your broker.
Can onions be exported from India now?
The 20% export duty was withdrawn from 1 April 2025 and no later restriction was found in our check, but onion policy changes often - we confirm the DGFT/CBIC position before each contract.
Which size grades are available?
Typically 25-40 mm, 40-55 mm and 55 mm+ bulb diameter.
What is Bangalore Rose onion?
A small, pungent onion variety from Karnataka exported mainly to South-East Asia.
Related guides
Request a quote: fresh onion to Singapore
Tell us grade, quantity and your port in Singapore. We quote CIF/CFR with the destination documents listed above.