Export Orange / Citrus from India: Buyers, Process & Requirements
How to export Orange / Citrus from India, who buys it, the quality and documentation buyers expect, and how to connect with verified export buyers.
Top export markets for Orange / Citrus
How to export Orange / Citrus from India
Obtain an IEC from DGFT and register with APEDA. Source export-grade citrus (such as Nagpur mandarin/Kinnow), and pack through a hygienic pack-house with washing, waxing where permitted, grading and fungicide treatment to control decay. Each consignment needs a phytosanitary certificate from plant quarantine, and you must meet the destination's MRLs and quarantine conditions, including any fruit-fly or citrus disease requirements. Pre-cool and ship reefer at the recommended temperature; some quarantine markets require cold treatment in transit. Agree Incoterms and a secure payment method with the buyer first. Confirm current market access on the APEDA portal and with plant quarantine.
Quality and standards buyers expect
Meet destination MRLs and wax/coating rules. Grade by size/count, colour, juice content and brix-acid balance, with no creasing, oleocellosis or decay. Treatment needs are mainly post-harvest fungicide and waxing, with cold treatment or fruit-fly measures for stricter markets; confirm per destination.
Packaging
CFB cartons with cell trays or net packs, fruit waxed and fungicide-treated; palletised and shipped reefer with controlled temperature and ventilation.
Demand and opportunity
Dependable demand for mandarins and limes in neighbouring South Asian markets and the Gulf; demand quality depends on consistent size, colour and decay control. Verify live buyer interest yourself.
GI tags and premium positioning
Nagpur Orange and Coorg Mandarin hold GI status; Kinnow is a popular north Indian mandarin. Use accurate GI/origin claims only.
Common pitfalls and scams to avoid
Decay and stem-end rot from poor fungicide treatment or cold-chain breaks, MRL or banned-wax rejection, fruit-fly interception in strict markets, and advance-fee scams from fake buyers.
Indicative HS code: 0805 (citrus fruit, fresh or dried): oranges 0805.10, mandarins 0805.21, limes/lemons 0805.50. Confirm the exact 8-digit code on the DGFT schedule.. Confirm the exact 8-digit code, current export policy, fees and MRLs on the official APEDA portal before you ship.