How to Export Organic /Natural Honey from India?

India is known for its rich tradition of honey production, as thousands of beekeepers produce pure and natural honey. As the world shifts towards organic and chemical-free products, the demand for Indian honey is growing fast. This rising trend offers Indian entrepreneurs and beekeepers a valuable opportunity to expand their reach and build a profitable business through honey exports.

In this article, you will learn about a step-by-step process on how to export organic or natural honey from India.

The Growing Demand for Indian Organic Honey

India's organic honey market is expanding quickly due to rising demand for natural and chemical-free products worldwide. In the fiscal year 2023–24, India produced around 1.42 lakh metric tonnes of honey. States like Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Punjab were the top contributors. During the same time, the country exported nearly 1.08 lakh metric tonnes which earned over USD 177 million.

The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Libya, and the United States were among the top purchasers. This strong performance shows India’s growing strength in the global honey market. It also highlights a big opportunity for Indian farmers and entrepreneurs to expand their reach and profits through honey exports.

Types of Honey Exported from India

Different varieties of natural honey are exported from India globally. Each reflects the country's rich floral biodiversity and regional characteristics. According to the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), the major types of honey exported from India are:

• Rapeseed/Mustard Honey: Rapeseed or mustard honey comes from the flowers of mustard and rapeseed plants. This honey is known for its light color and mild flavor.  It is mostly found in northern India, specifically in states like Uttar Pradesh and Punjab.
• Eucalyptus Honey: Eucalyptus honey is made from the nectar of eucalyptus trees. It contains a unique taste and aroma. This honey is mainly produced in Uttar Pradesh and southern parts of India.
• Lychee Honey: A light and fragrant honey is collected from lychee orchards. Bihar and portions of Uttar Pradesh are the main production locations for this type.
• Sunflower Honey: Sunflower honey is harvested from sunflower fields that offer a light and sweet flavor. It is primarily produced in states like Rajasthan and Maharashtra which is known for their vast sunflower cultivation.
• Karanj/Pongamia Honey: A unique flavor of honey comes from the nectar of the Pongamia tree. It is found in several parts of India, particularly in regions like Maharashtra, where the tree grows abundantly.
• Multi-flora Himalayan Honey: This honey is a natural blend of nectar from various Himalayan flowers. It is produced in India’s northern hilly regions.
• Acacia Honey: Acacia honey is a light and mild flavor honey. This is made from the nectar of Acacia tree flowers. It is primarily produced in regions like Jammu and Kashmir and parts of northeastern India.
• Wild Flora Honey: This honey is harvested from the nectar of wildflowers growing in forested areas which offers a unique and natural taste. It is collected in regions across India, including the Northeast and central parts.
• Multi and Mono-floral Honey: India produces both multi-floral honey, made from the nectar of many flower types, and mono-floral honey, which mainly comes from one kind of flower. Each offers a unique taste and benefits.

How to Export Organic or Natural Honey from India?

Exporting organic or natural honey from India requires following a clear process with strict regulations to maintain quality and meet international standards. Here is a step-by-step process to export organic or Natural Honey from India:

Step 1: Obtain Mandatory Registrations and Licenses

Here is a detailed explanation:

1. FSSAI Central License

Any food business operator (FBO) looking to export honey must obtain a Central License from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), regardless of their business size. This license ensures the business follows food safety rules and is valid for five years, with the option to renew.

2. Importer Exporter Code (IEC)

You should obtain an Import Export Code (IEC) from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) to export goods from India. This unique code is crucial for customs clearance and facilitates smooth international trade transactions.

3. APEDA Registration

Honey exporters must register with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). APEDA helps promote exports and gives exporters the assistance they need.

4. India Organic Certification

To label honey as "organic," it must be certified under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) or Participatory Guarantee System for India (PGS-India). This accreditation guarantees that organic farming requirements are followed. 

Step 2: Comply with Export Regulations

To export natural honey from India, it is important to follow key export rules. According to DGFT Notification No. 45/2024-25, a Minimum Export Price (MEP) of USD 2,000 per metric ton applies to natural honey exports (HS Code 04090000) until December 31, 2025. This helps maintain quality and fair pricing in global markets.

The Export Inspection Council (EIC) requires every honey shipment to pass a quality check. Exporters must get a Certificate of Inspection before shipping to ensure compliance with international quality standards.

Step 3: Ensure Proper Packaging and Labeling

Proper packaging and labeling are key to exporting honey successfully. Use clean, food-grade, airtight containers to keep the honey fresh during shipping. Labels should clearly mention the product name, batch number, origin, and certifications. The India Organic label should be used for organic honey. You must follow the language and rules of the importing country.

Step 4: Logistics and Shipping Considerations

Managing logistics and shipping is beneficial for honey exports. You should engage with skilled freight forwarders who manage perishable goods for transportation logistics. Prepare all necessary documents, including the Certificate of Origin, Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and any sanitary or phytosanitary certificates required by the destination country.

Step 5: Explore Export Incentives

Honey exporters from India enjoy duty-free exports and can also benefit from government support. Duty credit scrips are offered via programs such as the Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS).This scheme reduces import costs and makes the export business more profitable and competitive.

Step 6: Identify Target Markets

In 2023–24, India exported around 107,963 metric tons of natural honey, earning about USD 177.52 million. The top buyers of Indian honey were the USA, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Libya, and Qatar. It shows a strong international demand for Indian honey.

Step 7: Additional Certifications for Market Access

Exporters can get extra certifications to build trust and meet global standards. ISO 22000:2018 helps set up a strong food safety system and makes honey more credible. NMR testing confirms the honey’s purity, which many international buyers require to maintain authenticity and quality.

Step 8: Utilize Government Support Schemes

The Indian government offers various schemes to support honey exporters.

Here are a few key schemes:

1. Transport and Marketing Assistance (TMA): TMA is launched by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry (through DGFT). This provides financial assistance for the international component of freight and marketing.
2. Market Access Initiative (MAI): This scheme is created by the Department of Commerce and the Government of India. MAI supports exporters in market research and participation in trade fairs.
3. National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM): NBHM is established by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. It focuses on promoting scientific beekeeping and increasing honey quality.
4. Assistance from APEDA:  APEDA was set up to boost India’s agricultural exports, including honey. It helps exporters with registration, organic certification, and other important support needed to enter global markets successfully.
5. Organic Certification Subsidy (Under NPOP): APEDA’s Organic Certification Subsidy under NPOP helps exporters reduce certification costs and gain access to premium global markets with trusted organic standards.
6. Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECGC) Services: The ECGC is launched by the Ministry of Commerce. It offers credit insurance to honey exporters, protecting against non-payment risks and supporting export credit. It helps to explore new markets with confidence.

Leveraging these schemes can enhance competitiveness and market reach.

Documents Required to Export Organic or Natural Honey from India

Here is a list of essential documents required to export organic or natural honey from India:

• Import Export Code (IEC): It is mandatory for all exporters (Issued by DGFT).
• APEDA Registration: APEDA Registration (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) is mandatory for exporting any agricultural product outside India.
• FSSAI License: It is a food safety compliance.
• GST Registration: It is required for taxation purposes.
• Organic Certification: You have to collect this certificate when someone wants to sell organic honey or any organic product. (e.g., NPOP or NOP certification).
• Phytosanitary Certificate: Exporters have to collect this certificate from the Plant Quarantine Department.
• Certificate of Origin: Collect it from authorized agencies (e.g., Export Promotion Councils) in your area.
• Lab Test Reports: To confirm quality parameters to your consumers, pesticide residues, and purity, you have to collect this certificate.
• Commercial Invoice & Packing List: Commercial Invoice & Packing List is essential because it is basic shipping documents.
• Bill of Lading / Airway Bill: it is a mandatory transport document from shipping lines or airlines.
• Export/Customs Declaration Form (Shipping Bill): You can achieve it after filing your business with through Indian Customs.

Why Honey Export is a Profitable Opportunity for Indian Exporters?

Honey exports offer a great earning opportunity for Indian exporters due to its strong global demand, government support, and the country’s robust production capacities. Here is a detailed explanation:

• Strong Global Demand and Market Share

In 2023, India exported around 98,273 metric tonnes of natural honey and earned approximately USD 170.9 million. The United States was the largest buyer importing over 80% of India's honey. Other key markets included the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Libya, and Qatar. This strong demand, especially for organic honey, highlights India's growing reputation as a top supplier in the global honey market, specifically in health-conscious markets like the U.S.

• Government Initiatives and Policy Support

The Indian government has introduced policies to support honey exports. It includes a key move by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) to extend the Minimum Export Price (MEP) of USD 2,000 per metric tonne for natural honey until December 31, 2025. This initiative aims to maintain the high quality of honey exports and helps prevent underpricing while safeguarding India’s reputation in global markets.

The National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM), with a budget of Rs. 500 crore from 2020 to 2023, focuses on promoting scientific beekeeping practices, increasing honey quality, and developing export-oriented honey clusters.

• Expanding Export Markets

Although the U.S. is India’s biggest honey buyer, the country is now looking to grow in markets like the UK, EU, and Southeast Asia. To support this, India is working on lowering export duties and fixing transport issues to make exports smoother and more profitable.

• Health Trends Driving Demand

Post-pandemic health consciousness has led to increased global demand for natural sweeteners like honey. Consumers are seeking healthier alternatives to sugar, and Indian honey, known for its quality and affordability which meets this demand. It is anticipated that this tendency will maintain and maybe grow the global consumption of honey.

• Production Capacity and Regional Specialties

India is one of the world’s top honey producers, with around 1.33 lakh metric tonnes produced every year. Key states include Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Punjab, and Bihar. Recently, Sundarban Honey from West Bengal received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. This tag boosts its value and helps it stand out in global markets for better pricing and demand.

Economic Viability and Export Potential

India’s honey market was worth ?23.3 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow steadily at 8.4% CAGR that reaches Rs. 38.8 billion by 2028. This strong domestic growth shows rising local demand and provides a solid foundation for increasing honey exports to meet increasing global interest.

Conclusion

The organic or natural honey export business offers vast opportunities and strong profitability. By focusing on compliance, quality, and sustainable sourcing, Indian entrepreneurs can thrive. Government support and rising global demand give India the potential to become a leader in organic or natural honey exports. It helps to maintain consistency in quality and strategic efforts. If you want to register an Import Export Code (IEC), FSSAI license or any business compliance, contact Online Legal India to get assistance.