Key facts
- India exported US$1,347 million of oil meals in FY2024-25 (static.pib.gov.in).
- Largest destinations by value: unavailable
- 1 production cluster mapped, in Andhra Pradesh; Chhattisgarh; West Bengal; Telangana; Odisha; UP.
- Market guides for 24 countries, each with destination requirements and transit times.
- Certifications available from the supply base: FSSAI licence, Phytosanitary certificate, HACCP, ISO 22000, ISO 9001 and more.
- Typical minimum order: One 20' container (about 22-25 MT) or bulk vessel parcels (typical).
Product overview
India exports oil meals worth US$ 1,347 million in FY2024-25 (DGCI&S group, including soybean, rapeseed and other meals), falling to US$ 1,041 million in FY2025-26. Soybean meal - known in India as soya DOC (de-oiled cake) - is produced by solvent-extraction plants in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan, the soybean belt.
India grows only non-GM soybeans (GM soybean cultivation is not approved), which gives Indian meal a niche with non-GMO feed and food buyers in Europe, Japan and elsewhere, alongside regional buyers in Bangladesh, Nepal, Vietnam and the Gulf. Price competitiveness versus South American meal depends on the domestic crop and global prices, so export volumes swing widely year to year.
Meal is sold by protein content (typically 46-48% hipro or 44-45%), moisture, fibre and sand/silica, in bulk vessels or 50 kg bags in containers. Toasted, low-urease meal is required for animal feed.
HS note: Rapeseed/mustard meal is 2306 41/49; de-oiled rice bran 2306 90.
Specifications
| Protein | 46-48% (hipro) or 44-45% (typical) |
|---|---|
| Moisture | ≤ 11-12% (typical) |
| Crude fibre | ≤ 5-6% (typical) |
| Sand / silica | ≤ 1.5-2% (typical) |
| Urease activity | 0.05-0.30 ΔpH (toasted) (typical) |
| GMO status | Non-GMO (India does not approve GM soybean cultivation) |
Typical commercial values. Final specifications are fixed per contract and verified by lab report or pre-shipment inspection.
Grades & variants
Hipro 46-48% (toasted)
Main feed grade for poultry and aquaculture.
Standard 44-45%
General feed grade.
Food-grade defatted soy flour / grits
For food processing (separate HS).
Certified non-GMO / IP lots
Identity-preserved for EU/Japan.
Packaging, MOQ & container loading
| Packing | Sizes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bulk vessel | Break-bulk / bulk cargo | Large parcels via Kandla/Mumbai |
| Bags | 50 kg PP bags in containers | Regional and smaller buyers |
Container load (estimate): 20' GP about 22-25 MT · 40' HC about 26-27 MT. Weight-limited; also shipped in bulk vessels
Customisation: Protein grade, bagged or bulk, non-GMO identity preservation
Where we source in India
Producing regions and manufacturing clusters our supplier network draws from.
Madhya Pradesh
Indore, Ujjain, Dewas, Mandsaur
Largest soybean-processing belt
Maharashtra
Latur, Nagpur, Akola, Amravati
Solvent plants
Rajasthan
Kota, Jhalawar
Hadoti soybean belt
Market requirements by region
European Union
EU non-GMO feed and food buyers value Indian identity-preserved soymeal; feed imports must meet EU feed hygiene and contaminant rules.
Gulf (GCC)
UAE, Saudi and Oman feed mills buy bagged meal; Saudi feed imports need SFDA registration.
Southeast Asia
Vietnam and other SE Asian feed millers buy when Indian prices are competitive with South American meal.
South Asia
Bangladesh and Nepal are regular regional buyers of bagged soymeal by rail, road and sea.
General guidance, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with your customs broker or the regulator.
Trade policy note
Oil-meal exports were 'Free' at last check; de-oiled rice bran (a related meal) has been under periodic export bans - verify current DGFT policy for the exact HS line before quoting.
Quality control
- • Pre-shipment inspection by SGS / Bureau Veritas / Intertek
- • Protein, moisture, fibre, sand/silica, urease analysis
- • Aflatoxin and Salmonella testing
- • Non-GMO PCR test / IP certificate on request
Certifications available
- • FSSAI licence
- • Phytosanitary certificate
- • HACCP
- • ISO 22000
- • ISO 9001
- • Halal certificate
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
- • Non-GMO certificate / PCR report
- • Fumigation certificate (if required)
- • Health certificate for feed (where required)
Trade data
| Period | Flow | Value (USD mn) | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FY2024-25 | India exportsLine: Oil meals (soybean/rapeseed meal) | 1,347 | verified | static.pib.gov.in |
Top destinations: unavailable
Export markets
Frequently asked questions
Is Indian soybean meal non-GMO?
Yes - India has not approved GM soybean cultivation, so Indian meal is non-GMO; identity-preserved lots with PCR tests are available for buyers who need certification.
What protein levels are available?
Typically 46-48% (hipro) and 44-45% standard grades.
Can soybean meal be shipped in containers?
Yes, in 50 kg bags at about 22-25 MT per 20-foot container, or in bulk vessels for large parcels.
Why do Indian soymeal exports swing so much?
Export competitiveness depends on the Indian soybean crop and on prices versus Argentine, Brazilian and US meal.
Request a quote for Soybean Meal (Non-GMO, De-Oiled Cake, 46-48% Protein)
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