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India is the world's largest rice exporter, and buying from it is straightforward once you know the sequence. This guide walks through a typical order from first enquiry to customs clearance.
1. Define your specification
A clear spec avoids disputes later. Include:
- Variety and process, for example 1121 steam or 1509 golden sella.
- Average grain length, maximum broken percentage and maximum moisture.
- Purity: the share of the named variety, and limits on damaged, discoloured and chalky grains.
- Crop year and ageing, if it matters for your market.
- Packing: bag size, material and printing, including your own brand.
- Residue limits if you're importing into the EU, UK or another strict market.
Our guide to rice specifications explains each term.
2. Get samples and a quote
Ask for samples that match the spec and cook them the way your customers will. Quotes are usually per metric tonne and state the Incoterm:
- FOB: the price includes delivery on board at the Indian port. You arrange and pay for sea freight and insurance.
- CFR: the price includes sea freight to your port. You arrange insurance.
- CIF: the price includes sea freight and insurance to your port.
3. Confirm the order and payment terms
Once you accept, the exporter issues a proforma invoice. Common payment terms include:
- Letter of credit (LC): your bank guarantees payment against compliant documents. Most secure for both sides on first orders.
- Cash against documents (CAD): you pay through your bank to receive the shipping documents.
- Advance payment, in full or part, often combined with a balance against documents.
4. Inspection and loading
Before loading, the lot is tested against your spec. Many buyers appoint an independent inspection company for quality and weight. Containers are usually fumigated, and you should receive photos of the stuffing and seal.
5. Shipping documents
A typical rice shipment from India comes with:
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Bill of lading
- Certificate of origin
- Phytosanitary certificate
- Fumigation certificate
- Quality and weight certificates, and any lab analysis your market requires
Your country may require more, such as a health certificate, a registration number for the exporter, or specific labelling. Check with your customs broker before the first shipment.
6. Clearance and delivery
When the vessel arrives, your clearing agent presents the documents, pays duties and arranges release. Transit time depends on the route. As a rough guide, Gulf ports are closest to western India, with East Africa, Europe and the Americas progressively further.
Export rules change
India has changed its export rules for some rice types several times in recent years, including duties, minimum export prices and temporary restrictions on certain non-basmati grades. Basmati exports also go through registration with APEDA, India's agricultural export authority. We confirm the rules that apply on the day we quote.
Ready to start? Send your requirement with variety, quantity and destination port, and we'll reply with samples and a price.