Export Sesame Seed (Til) from India: Buyers, Process & Requirements

Top export markets for Sesame Seed (Til)

How to export Sesame Seed (Til) from India

Get an IEC from DGFT and register with APEDA as an agricultural exporter. Clean and grade the seed and have it lab tested for moisture, oil content, admixture, free fatty acid and, importantly, pesticide residues and Salmonella, which several markets check strictly. Secure a phytosanitary certificate from Plant Quarantine and any sortex or food-safety certificate the buyer needs. Sign a contract that fixes purity percentage, colour, oil content, Incoterms, inspection and a safe payment route such as a letter of credit. Pack in clean food-grade bags, arrange container fumigation if required and file the shipping bill via a customs broker. Verify the latest residue limits and certification rules on the APEDA and DGFT portals before shipping.

Quality and standards buyers expect

Key parameters are purity, colour (whitish, brown, black or mixed), oil content, moisture, free fatty acid, foreign matter and microbial safety. Whitish hulled and sortex-cleaned seed for food use commands tighter specs than oil-grade seed.

Packaging

New PP woven or jute bags for bulk, or vacuum and laminated pouches for hulled and roasted retail product. Keep moisture low, use food-grade liners and label grade, purity, lot and origin.

Demand and opportunity

Strong and recurring demand from East Asian and European food markets for both natural and hulled sesame. Pesticide residue and Salmonella compliance increasingly decide which suppliers win contracts.

Common pitfalls and scams to avoid

Rejections most often come from pesticide residue exceedances or Salmonella, so test before loading. Watch for fake buyer enquiries that request your documents and samples but never pay, and never send advance fees to unverified agents claiming to arrange orders or certifications.