Key facts
- 1 production cluster mapped, in Punjab; Haryana; Madhya Pradesh; UP.
- Market guides for 9 countries, each with destination requirements and transit times.
- Certifications available from the supply base: FSSAI licence, APEDA RCMC, HACCP, ISO 22000, FSSC 22000 and more.
- Typical minimum order: One 20' container (about 20-24 MT) (typical).
Product overview
India is the world's second-largest wheat producer. Chakki atta - whole-wheat flour ground in stone or disc mills - is the base for rotis and parathas and is a high-volume diaspora grocery item in the Gulf, UK, North America and Australia. Maida (refined flour) and sooji/rava (semolina) are also exported.
Wheat exports were prohibited from May 2022 and wheat-flour exports restricted from July 2022. According to newsonair (government broadcaster, 24 Aug 2026), DGFT has moved wheat and wheat-flour products (atta, maida, semolina, wholemeal and resultant atta) from 'Prohibited' to 'Free'. Earlier in 2026 a limited quantity of flour exports had been allowed under export authorisations.
Supply comes from roller and chakki mills in Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan. Sharbati and MP wheat atta are marketed as premium.
HS note: DGFT's 2022-26 restrictions applied to atta, maida, semolina, wholemeal and resultant atta under HS 1101 and related lines; check the exact 8-digit line against the current notification.
Specifications
| Moisture | ≤ 12-13% (typical) |
|---|---|
| Gluten (wet) | about 26-32% for atta (typical) |
| Ash | 1.2-1.8% atta; ≤ 0.6% maida (typical) |
| Water absorption | about 65-72% for chakki atta (typical) |
| Particle size | Atta through 500 µm sieve, buyer-specified (typical) |
Typical commercial values. Final specifications are fixed per contract and verified by lab report or pre-shipment inspection.
Grades & variants
Chakki atta (whole wheat)
Stone/disc-ground with bran; for rotis and parathas.
Sharbati / MP wheat atta
Premium-positioned atta from Madhya Pradesh wheat.
Maida (refined flour)
Bakery, naan and confectionery.
Sooji / rava (semolina)
Fine, medium and coarse for upma, sweets and bakery.
Multigrain atta
Wheat blended with millet, soy or oat flours.
Packaging, MOQ & container loading
| Packing | Sizes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Retail | 1, 5, 10, 20 kg bags | Laminated or HDPE bags with buyer brand |
| Bulk | 25-50 kg PP bags | For bakeries and repackers |
Container load (estimate): 20' GP about 20-24 MT bagged · 40' HC about 25-26 MT (weight-limited). Dense cargo; weight-limited
Customisation: Private-label atta, multigrain blends, specified grind
Where we source in India
Producing regions and manufacturing clusters our supplier network draws from.
Madhya Pradesh
Sehore, Vidisha, Indore, Bhopal
Sharbati wheat, chakki mills
Punjab
Ludhiana, Patiala, Sangrur
Roller and chakki mills
Haryana
Karnal, Kurukshetra
Roller flour mills
Uttar Pradesh
Agra, Kanpur, Meerut
Large milling base
Market requirements by region
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. Canadian importers need an SFC licence; flour labels must declare wheat as an allergen in both markets.
United Kingdom
UK: the India-UK CETA entered into force on 15 July 2026 (reported) - claim preference with proof of origin; higher-risk food needs IPAFFS pre-notification. Diaspora atta brands compete with UK-milled chapatti flour; labelling needs UK importer address and allergen (gluten) emphasis.
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. Large South Asian population makes atta a core grocery item in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and Oman.
General guidance, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with your customs broker or the regulator.
Trade policy note
As of 2026-11: DGFT notifications dated 24 Aug 2026 moved wheat-flour products (atta, maida, semolina, wholemeal/resultant atta, HS 1101) and wheat from 'Prohibited' to 'Free' (newsonair, 24 Aug 2026: https://newsonair.gov.in/govt-lifts-export-restrictions-on-wheat-flour-and-related-products/; notification numbers reported in trade press as 34/2026-27 and 35/2026-27). Wheat policy has changed repeatedly since 2022 - verify current DGFT policy before quoting.
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
- • Gluten, ash and water-absorption test per lot
Certifications available
- • FSSAI licence
- • APEDA RCMC
- • HACCP
- • ISO 22000
- • FSSC 22000
- • Halal certificate
- • India Organic (NPOP)
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 (if required)
- • Certificate of analysis
- • FSSAI licence copy
Export markets
Frequently asked questions
Can wheat flour be exported from India now?
According to newsonair (24 Aug 2026), DGFT made wheat flour products and wheat 'Free' for export. Policy has changed often since 2022, so we re-check DGFT before each contract.
What is chakki atta?
Whole-wheat flour ground in stone or disc (chakki) mills, retaining bran and giving softer rotis than roller-milled flour.
What is the shelf life of atta?
Typically 4-6 months because whole-wheat flour contains germ oil; maida and sooji keep longer.
Do you offer private-label atta?
Yes, retail bags from 1 to 20 kg can be packed under the buyer's brand at partner mills.
Request a quote for Wheat Flour (Chakki Atta, Maida, Semolina / Sooji)
Tell us grade, quantity and destination. We reply with options, packaging and pricing on your Incoterm.
