Export Litchi from India: Buyers, Process & Requirements
How to export Litchi from India, who buys it, the quality and documentation buyers expect, and how to connect with verified export buyers.
Top export markets for Litchi
How to export Litchi from India
Obtain an IEC from DGFT and register with APEDA. Litchi has a very short season and shelf life, so harvest at full colour, then pack quickly through a hygienic pack-house with sorting, any permitted post-harvest treatment to retain red colour and control browning, and grading. Each consignment needs a phytosanitary certificate from plant quarantine, and you must meet the destination's MRLs and any fruit-fly quarantine conditions. Pre-cool rapidly and ship reefer at the recommended temperature with high humidity, or air freight, which is common for litchi because of its short life. Fix 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, including limits on any anti-browning treatment used. Grade by size, bright red pericarp colour, freshness and freedom from cracking, browning and decay. Fruit-fly markets may require treatment such as hot water, VHT or irradiation; confirm per destination. Sulphur-based fumigation is restricted in many markets.
Packaging
Punnets or small vented CFB cartons with liner to hold humidity; palletised reefer for nearby markets and air freight in fibreboard cartons for distant premium buyers.
Demand and opportunity
Premium, short-window demand in the Gulf, UK and among South Asian diaspora; the very short season and rapid browning make demand quality-sensitive and largely air-freight driven. Verify live buyer interest yourself.
GI tags and premium positioning
Shahi Litchi (Muzaffarpur, Bihar) holds GI status; use accurate GI/origin claims only.
Common pitfalls and scams to avoid
Rapid pericarp browning and decay within days, restrictions on sulphur fumigation for colour retention, fruit-fly interception, MRL rejection, high air-freight cost risk, and advance-fee scams.
Indicative HS code: 0810.90 (litchis 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.