Export Dragon Fruit (Kamalam) from India: Buyers, Process & Requirements
How to export Dragon Fruit (Kamalam) from India, who buys it, the quality and documentation buyers expect, and how to connect with verified export buyers.
Top export markets for Dragon Fruit (Kamalam)
How to export Dragon Fruit (Kamalam) from India
Obtain an IEC from DGFT and register with APEDA. Harvest at full colour but firm, and pack through a hygienic pack-house with cleaning, grading and careful handling to protect the fins/bracts. Each consignment needs a phytosanitary certificate from plant quarantine, and you must meet the destination's MRLs and quarantine conditions; fruit-fly host status means some markets may require treatment such as hot water, VHT or irradiation. Pre-cool and ship reefer at the recommended temperature, or air freight for premium markets. Settle Incoterms and a secure payment method with the buyer first. Confirm current protocols on the APEDA portal and with plant quarantine.
Quality and standards buyers expect
Meet destination MRLs. Grade by size/weight, even skin colour, fresh green fins/bracts and freedom from bruising and decay; ship firm. Fruit-fly markets may require treatment such as hot water, VHT or irradiation; confirm exact protocol per destination.
Packaging
Single-layer CFB cartons with foam nets or trays to protect the soft fins; palletised reefer, with air freight for premium or distant buyers.
Demand and opportunity
Emerging interest as a high-value novelty fruit in the Gulf and Europe, supported by the government promoting it under the name Kamalam; demand quality is rising but the export base is still developing. Verify live buyer interest yourself.
Common pitfalls and scams to avoid
Bruising and fin damage from rough handling, decay and over-ripeness in transit, fruit-fly interception without treatment, MRL rejection, cold-chain failure, and advance-fee scams targeting new exporters of a trendy crop.
Indicative HS code: 0810.90 (dragon fruit/pitaya and other fresh fruit). 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.