The Bangladesh market for Indian sugar
Sri Lanka (1.34 lakh t in 2024-25) and Afghanistan are regular buyers when Indian exports are open.
Indian community in Bangladesh (Ministry of External Affairs estimate): 8,560 (NRI 8,550 + PIO 10).
Sugar specification for Bangladesh orders
| Parameter | Typical export value |
|---|---|
| ICUMSA colour | ICUMSA 45 (refined); about 100-150 for S-30 / M-30 plantation white; 600-1,200 raw (typical) |
| Polarisation | ≥ 99.8° refined/white; 96-99° raw (typical) |
| Moisture | ≤ 0.04-0.1% white; ≤ 0.15% raw (typical) |
| Ash | ≤ 0.04% refined (typical) |
| Grain size | S-30 small / M-30 medium crystal (Indian grading) |
Final values are agreed per contract, then confirmed by lab report or pre-shipment inspection.
Shipping sugar to Bangladesh
Typical sea transit from India: 7–12 d by feeder via Colombo/Singapore to Chattogram; land route via Petrapole–Benapole 1–3 d from Kolkata (ASSUMPTION — this file's analyst estimate, not in 06 §F.2) days.
Supply window: Indian sugar is mainly produced or harvested Crushing season Oct-Apr; export quotas announced per season (ASSUMPTION on season; quota VERIFIED). Allow 7–12 d by feeder via Colombo/Singapore to Chattogram; land route via Petrapole–Benapole 1–3 d from Kolkata (ASSUMPTION — this file's analyst estimate, not in 06 §F.2) days at sea plus 5–10 days for inspection, export clearance and Bangladesh customs when you set delivery dates.
Container loading (estimate): 20' about 25-26 MT, 40' HC about 26-27 MT (weight-limited).
Quoted on FOB, CFR, CIF, FAS; CIF Bangladesh is the common choice for first orders.
Where buyers are in Bangladesh
| City | Port / airport | Buyer sectors |
|---|---|---|
| Dhaka | Inland river city; Chattogram (Chittagong) Port (~250 km) / Mongla; Pangaon Inland Contain | sugar, RMG factories (cotton yarn, fabric |
| Chittagong (Chattogram) | Chattogram Port (Chittagong Port Authority; ~90% of Bangladesh seaborne trade) / Matarbari | C&F agents & importers (Khatunganj - largest commodity wholesale market in BD: spices, sugar, pulses |
Frequently asked questions
How long does shipping from India to Bangladesh take?
Typically 7–12 d by feeder via Colombo/Singapore to Chattogram; land route via Petrapole–Benapole 1–3 d from Kolkata (ASSUMPTION — this file's analyst estimate, not in 06 §F.2) days at sea (estimate).
Does Bangladesh have a trade agreement with India?
SAFTA (South Asian Free Trade Area) + India's duty-free quota-free LDC scheme (Bangladesh graduates from LDC Nov 2026 — preferences change); bilateral CEPA talks launched 2023 stalled after 2024 political change; 2025 port-restriction measures by both sides — verify land-port routes before quoting [S7 — not mentioned; S9] A preferential certificate of origin is needed to claim any reduced duty.
Which HS code applies to sugar from India?
Usually HS 170199. Bangladesh applies its own national tariff extension to the 6-digit code; confirm the full line with your broker.
Can sugar be exported from India now?
Sugar exports are tightly controlled. DGFT prohibited sugar exports from 13 May to 30 September 2026 (Notification 16/2026-27); the 2026-27 season policy must be confirmed with DGFT before any contract.
Do you sell ICUMSA 45?
Only when export is permitted and a refinery allocation is available; India's main export grades are S-30/M-30 plantation white and raw sugar.
What are EU and US sugar TRQs?
Small duty-preferential quotas India holds for the EU and US markets, allocated through DGFT/APEDA; these shipments were exempt from the May-2026 prohibition.
Related guides
Request a quote: sugar to Bangladesh
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