Key facts
- 3 production clusters mapped, in Andhra Pradesh; Telangana; Karnataka; MP, Maharashtra; Gujarat; Karnataka; MP, Maharashtra; Gujarat; Karnataka; AP; TN; WB.
- Market guides for 14 countries, each with destination requirements and transit times.
- Certifications available from the supply base: FSSAI licence, APEDA RCMC, Phytosanitary certificate.
- Typical minimum order: One 40' container (about 28-29 MT in reefer / ventilated) (typical).
Product overview
India is the world's second-largest onion producer and a major exporter, with Lasalgaon in Nashik district (Maharashtra) the largest onion market in Asia. Onion is included in APEDA's 'fresh vegetables' group (US$ 894 million in FY2024-25, led by Bangladesh, the UAE, Malaysia, Nepal and Sri Lanka); an onion-only value is not available in the sources used.
Export onions are mainly red/pink rabi (stored) and kharif crops from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh, graded by bulb diameter (25-40, 40-55, 55 mm+). Bangalore Rose (small, pungent) and Krishnapuram onions are niche varieties for South-East Asia.
Onion export policy is volatile: India banned or taxed exports repeatedly in 2019-2024 (a 40% duty from August 2023, a ban from December 2023, then a minimum export price and duty in 2024). The 20% export duty was withdrawn with effect from 1 April 2025 (PTI via press). Any quote must be checked against the policy on the contract date.
HS note: Bangalore Rose and Krishnapuram onions have had separate policy treatment in past notifications; dehydrated onion is 0712 20.
Specifications
| 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) |
Typical commercial values. Final specifications are fixed per contract and verified by lab report or pre-shipment inspection.
Grades & variants
Nashik red / pink (rabi)
Main export type with good storage life.
Kharif red
Shorter storage, seasonal.
Bangalore Rose / Krishnapuram
Small pungent onions for SE Asia.
White onion
Mainly for dehydration; limited fresh export.
Packaging, MOQ & container loading
| Packing | Sizes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mesh bags | 5, 10, 20, 25 kg mesh or jute bags | Ventilated stuffing |
Container load (estimate): 20' GP about 13-14 MT · 40' HC about 28-29 MT. Ventilated or reefer container; weight depends on bag size
Customisation: Size grade and bag size
Where we source in India
Producing regions and manufacturing clusters our supplier network draws from.
Maharashtra
Nashik (Lasalgaon), Ahmednagar, Pune, Solapur
Lasalgaon - Asia's largest onion market
Gujarat
Bhavnagar (Mahuva), Rajkot
Red and white onions
Karnataka
Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Chitradurga
Bangalore Rose onion
Madhya Pradesh
Indore, Shajapur, Khandwa
Rabi onion
Market requirements by region
Gulf (GCC)
UAE: Dubai Municipality FIRS requires the importer to register the company and each food item (label assessment) before arrival; Arabic/English labelling per GSO 9; India-UAE CEPA preference with a CEPA certificate of origin. UAE (14.61% of fresh-vegetable exports) and other Gulf states buy year-round; supply gaps during Indian bans are filled by Pakistan, Egypt and China.
Southeast Asia
Malaysia (8.31% of fresh-vegetable exports) and Singapore buy red onions and Bangalore Rose; Singapore requires SFA import permits.
South Asia
Bangladesh (28.04% of India's FY2024-25 fresh-vegetable exports, APEDA), Nepal and Sri Lanka are the largest onion buyers, largely by land.
General guidance, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with your customs broker or the regulator.
Trade policy note
As of 2026-11: onion export policy has been volatile (40% duty Aug 2023; ban Dec 2023-May 2024; MEP US$ 550/t and 40% duty May 2024; duty cut to 20% Sep 2024). The 20% export duty was withdrawn effective 1 April 2025 (PTI via indiaseatradenews: https://indiaseatradenews.com/centre-withdraws-20-onion-export-duty-as-prices-slump/). No later restriction was confirmed in our check - verify current DGFT/CBIC policy before quoting.
Quality control
- • Size and curing check at packing
- • Phytosanitary inspection
- • Fumigation where required
Certifications available
- • FSSAI licence
- • APEDA RCMC
- • Phytosanitary 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
- • Fumigation certificate (if required)
Export markets
Frequently asked questions
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.
How are onions shipped?
In mesh or jute bags in ventilated containers or reefers, depending on transit time.
Request a quote for Fresh Onion (Nashik Red, Pink, Bangalore Rose, White)
Tell us grade, quantity and destination. We reply with options, packaging and pricing on your Incoterm.
