Key facts
- India exported US$418 million of psyllium husk in FY2024-25 (busy.in).
- Largest destinations by value: unavailable (USA widely cited as top market; not from a tier 1-4 source)
- 1 production cluster mapped, in Gujarat; Rajasthan; MP.
- Market guides for 15 countries, each with destination requirements and transit times.
- Certifications available from the supply base: FSSAI licence, APEDA RCMC, Phytosanitary certificate, HACCP, ISO 22000 and more.
- Typical minimum order: One 20' container (husk about 5-8 MT; powder about 12-15 MT) or LCL (typical).
Product overview
India is the dominant world supplier of psyllium (Plantago ovata). Export value for FY2024-25 is estimated at about US$ 418 million (Rs 3,540.22 crore converted at 84.7 per US$, from a tier-6 aggregator of TradeStat data - ESTIMATED). The crop is grown mainly in north Gujarat and western Rajasthan, and the Unjha-Sidhpur cluster in Gujarat processes most of it.
The husk is the seed coat, which is mechanically separated and graded by purity (85% to 99%) and then milled into powder (40 to 100 mesh). It is a soluble fibre used in laxatives and fibre supplements, functional foods, gluten-free bakery, pet food and ice-cream stabilisers.
The USA is widely cited as the largest market (not confirmed from a tier 1-4 source). Pharma and nutraceutical buyers ask for swell volume, microbiology, heavy metals and pesticide data, often to USP/EP monographs.
HS note: India's ITC(HS) line for psyllium husk is 1211 90 32; seeds and powder have related lines. Some destinations classify psyllium powder as a dietary-fibre ingredient under 1302 or 2106.
Specifications
| Purity | 85%, 95%, 98%, 99% (typical trade grades) |
|---|---|
| Swell volume | ≥ 40-50 ml/g for 98-99% husk (typical) |
| Mesh (powder) | 40, 60, 80, 100 mesh (typical) |
| Moisture | ≤ 10-12% (typical) |
| Light extraneous matter | ≤ 1-2% (typical) |
| Microbiology | TPC ≤ 10^3-10^4 cfu/g, Salmonella and E. coli absent (typical; USP/EP for pharma) |
Typical commercial values. Final specifications are fixed per contract and verified by lab report or pre-shipment inspection.
Grades & variants
Psyllium husk 99% / 98%
Pharma and supplement grade.
Psyllium husk 95% / 85%
Food, feed and economy grades.
Psyllium husk powder 40-100 mesh
For capsules, drink mixes and bakery.
Organic psyllium
NPOP / NOP certified.
Psyllium seed and khakha powder
By-products for feed and industrial use.
Packaging, MOQ & container loading
| Packing | Sizes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bulk | 25 kg paper or HDPE bags with liner | Light - volume-limited for husk |
| Retail | 100 g-1 kg pouches and jars | Private label |
Container load (estimate): 20' GP about 5-8 MT husk (volume-limited); about 12-15 MT powder · 40' HC about 11-16 MT husk; about 20-24 MT powder. Husk is very light; compressed packing raises loads
Customisation: Purity, mesh, organic, sterilised low-micro grades, retail packs
Where we source in India
Producing regions and manufacturing clusters our supplier network draws from.
Gujarat
Mehsana (Unjha), Patan (Sidhpur), Banaskantha
Unjha-Sidhpur processing cluster
Rajasthan
Jalore, Barmer, Jodhpur, Nagaur
Major growing area
Market requirements by region
European Union
EU supplement and pharma buyers specify Ph. Eur. monograph quality and pesticide MRL compliance.
United States & Canada
USA: the packing facility needs FDA Food Facility Registration, every shipment needs FDA Prior Notice, and the US importer must run FSVP supplier verification. US tariff treatment of Indian goods changed several times in 2025-26 (reciprocal tariffs, product exemptions, a Feb-2026 India-US framework and later court rulings) - verify the current duty for the HTS line before quoting landed cost. The USA is widely cited as the largest psyllium market (unverified); fibre-supplement buyers expect USP-grade data, and FDA labelling rules apply to psyllium health claims.
East Asia
Japan and Korea buy powder for supplements and functional foods.
General guidance, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with your customs broker or the regulator.
Quality control
- • Pre-shipment inspection by SGS / Bureau Veritas / Intertek on request
- • Accredited (NABL) lab report for moisture, aflatoxin, pesticide residues and microbials
- • Pre-shipment and loading photographs, container seal record
- • Swell volume test per batch
- • USP/EP monograph testing for pharma grade
- • Heavy metals panel
Certifications available
- • FSSAI licence
- • APEDA RCMC
- • Phytosanitary certificate
- • HACCP
- • ISO 22000
- • FSSC 22000
- • Halal certificate
- • Kosher certificate
- • India Organic (NPOP)
- • USDA Organic (NOP)
- • US FDA registration / approval
Held by the producing supplier for the specific lot; copies shared with the quote.
Shipping documents
- • Commercial invoice
- • Packing list
- • Bill of lading
- • Certificate of origin (preferential where an FTA applies)
- • Phytosanitary certificate
- • Certificate of analysis
- • Organic transaction certificate (if organic)
Trade data
| Period | Flow | Value (USD mn) | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FY2024-25 | India exportsLine: Psyllium husk (isabgol) | 418 | estimated | busy.in |
Top destinations: unavailable (USA widely cited as top market; not from a tier 1-4 source)
Export markets
Frequently asked questions
What purity grades of psyllium husk are available?
Standard grades are 85%, 95%, 98% and 99% purity; 98-99% is used for pharma and supplements.
What is swell volume?
The volume (ml) that 1 g of husk occupies after hydrating in water - a key indicator of fibre quality; 98-99% husk typically exceeds 40 ml/g.
Do you supply psyllium powder?
Yes, in 40 to 100 mesh, with low-micro sterilised options for capsule and drink-mix makers.
Where is psyllium grown in India?
Mainly north Gujarat and western Rajasthan, processed in the Unjha-Sidhpur cluster.
Is organic psyllium available?
Organic husk is available from NPOP-certified grower groups; US buyers need USDA NOP certification on the lot.
Request a quote for Psyllium Husk (Isabgol) and Psyllium Husk Powder
Tell us grade, quantity and destination. We reply with options, packaging and pricing on your Incoterm.
