Export Maize (Corn) from India: Buyers, Process & Requirements

Top export markets for Maize (Corn)

How to export Maize (Corn) from India

Apply for an IEC from DGFT and register with APEDA. Dry and clean the maize to the agreed moisture, then test for moisture, foreign matter, broken grain and aflatoxin at an accredited lab. Arrange a phytosanitary certificate and certificate of origin, and confirm whether the buyer needs a GMO or non-GMO declaration. Use a confirmed Letter of Credit or advance payment and document grade and tolerances in the contract. Confirm the current maize export policy, any duty and registration steps on the DGFT and APEDA portals before shipping.

Quality and standards buyers expect

Feed and food buyers check moisture, broken and damaged kernels, foreign matter, test weight and especially aflatoxin levels, which many importers cap strictly. Some markets require GMO status declarations; arrange accredited-lab testing and confirm the destination's current aflatoxin and MRL limits on APEDA and FSSAI references.

Packaging

Woven polypropylene bags around 25-50 kg or bulk container loading with moisture liners; feed-grade maize often ships in bulk to the buyer's specification.

Demand and opportunity

Much Indian maize export is for animal feed and starch in nearby Asian markets; demand follows feed and poultry industry needs and competing-supplier prices. Read this qualitatively and verify current conditions before committing.

Common pitfalls and scams to avoid

Aflatoxin rejection is the top real risk, so dry and store properly and test before loading. Guard against fake buyers and advance-fee fraud, never pay upfront fees to release a deal, and clarify GMO declaration requirements early to avoid customs problems.