India is the world’s second-largest tea producer and one of the oldest tea exporters. From Assam black CTC tea to Darjeeling orthodox, Indian tea has a huge global market with rising demand every year.
In this guide, I’ll share:
✔ How tea export from India works
✔ Why tea is one of the easiest and best products for new exporters
✔ The step-by-step export process
✔ Mandatory documents for different countries
✔ Best markets + growing markets
✔ My personal story: How I built my tea export business without money
You may also like to read: Collateral Free Loan for MSME: How Determination Helped Me Start My Tea Packaging Business
My Story: How I Started My Tea Export From India
I grew up with a simple dream—to build a business of my own. I didn’t have money, contacts, or a business background. But I had strong determination.
My journey started with a small tea packaging unit. Slowly, I learned about tea export from India, global demand, and how small exporters were earning good income with low investment.
I researched markets, studied regulations, attended DGFT and Tea Board webinars, and connected with overseas buyers through online platforms.
My first export order was small—only a LCL shipment. But that order changed everything.
Today, I export different varieties of Indian tea, including:
- Assam CTC
- Darjeeling Orthodox
- Masala Chai blends
- Green tea
I want to tell you this clearly:
💬 “If I could start tea export from India with almost no capital, anyone can.”
You don’t need a factory, warehouse, or big money.
You need knowledge, consistency, and the right strategy.
you may also like to read: Tea Business in India: From Assam to the World – My Journey and Opportunities for New Entrepreneurs
Why Tea Is One of the Best Products to Export From India
1. Huge Global Demand
Tea is consumed heavily in 100 + countries. India’s tea quality and variety give it a natural edge.Especially the Assam and darjeeling tea varieties.
2. Easy to Start
Low investment, easy procurement, simple packaging options.
3. Stable, Repeat Orders
Tea is a consumable product → buyers reorder every month.
4. High Profit Margins
Margins can go from 20% to 80% depending on branding and grade.
5. Government Support
The Tea Board of India actively promotes exporters.
Link: https://tea-board.gov.in
6. Easiest Product to Export as a Beginner
Unlike food items like meat or dairy, tea faces fewer restrictions.
related post: Monthly Tea Export Returns: Why Nil Filings Matter More Than Exporters Think
❗ When NOT to Enter the Tea Export (Very Important)
Many newcomers enter tea export without understanding the challenges. Here are solid, practical reasons when you should avoid this business:
1. If You Don’t Have Patience for Long Sales Cycles
Finding genuine international buyers can take 3–6 months or more.
If you expect quick money, tea export is NOT for you.
2. If You Don’t Understand Quality Variations in Tea
Tea is not a standardized product.
CTC, Orthodox, Dust, Fanning, Leaf grades—all vary in:
- taste
- color
- aroma
- moisture
- density
If you cannot handle quality complaints, disputes, and sampling process, avoid this business.
3. If You Don’t Want to Invest in Sample Shipments
Buyers demand samples before placing orders.
You must pay for:
- courier charges
- lab reports
- packaging samples
If you are not ready to spend a little upfront, tea export will disappoint you.
4. If You Cannot Maintain Consistent Quality
Tea bought today may not taste 100% same next month.
If a buyer’s repeat order quality differs, you may lose the client forever.
5. If You Are Afraid of International Compliance
Some markets have strict rules:
- EU demands extremely low pesticide residue
- USA requires FDA registration
- Japan requires rigorous testing
- Saudi Arabia has strict labeling rules
If you cannot handle documentation pressure, avoid these markets or avoid exporting altogether.
6. If You Want Fast Returns Without Building Relationships
Tea buyers stay loyal. But only after trust is built.
If you prefer one-time deals instead of long-term partnerships, this sector may not suit you.
7. If You Expect Every Inquiry to Convert Into Orders
Export business has:
- time-wasters
- brokers
- low-price seekers
- fake inquiries
Only 5–10% inquiries convert into serious orders.
If that frustrates you, tea export may not be ideal.
8. If You Cannot Handle Price Fluctuations
Tea auction prices change weekly.
If price fluctuations scare you, avoid this business.
9. If You Want a Zero-Risk Business
Currency fluctuation, shipment delays, customs issues—everything carries risk.
Tea export is profitable, but not risk-free.
What You Need to Start Tea Export From India
Below are the essential requirements:
1. Company Formation
You can choose:
- Sole Proprietorship
- Partnership
- LLP
- Pvt. Ltd. Company
Create your business legally through the MCA portal:
https://www.mca.gov.in
2. Udyam Registration (Optional but Helpful)
Register as an MSME to avail government benefits.
https://udyamregistration.gov.in
3. Import-Export Code (IEC) – Mandatory
This is issued by DGFT.
Apply here: https://dgft.gov.in
4. Tea Board Registration (Mandatory for Tea Exporters)
You need an Exporter’s License (Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate – RCMC).
Apply at Tea Board: https://tea-board.gov.in
5. FSSAI License (For Food Exporters)
Since tea is a food item, FSSAI registration is required.
https://foscos.fssai.gov.in
6. GST Registration
Mandatory for any trading/export business.
https://www.gst.gov.in
7. Current Account + AD Bank
You need an AD (Authorized Dealer) bank for export payments.
Mandatory Documents Required for Tea Export From India
These documents are required for almost all markets:
A. Shipping Documents
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Bill of Lading / Air Waybill
- Certificate of Origin
- Phytosanitary Certificate (required for many countries)
- Fumigation Certificate (if required)
- Insurance Certificate
- Export Declaration (Shipping Bill)
B. Tea-Specific Documents
- Tea Board Export License (RCMC)
- Tea Quality Certificate
- Laboratory test report (for pesticide residue, moisture, etc.)
Country-Wise Requirements
1. Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain)
✔ Very high demand
✔ Easiest for beginners
✔ Documents required:
- Halal certificate (sometimes needed)
- Lab test report
- Certificate of Origin
Growing demand for Masala tea, CTC tea.
2. Russia, CIS, Kazakhstan
✔ Large volume buyers
✔ Prefer Assam CTC and Orthodox tea
✔ Requires:
- Phytosanitary certificate
- Lab analysis
- Invoice & COO
Market size is stable, long-term.
3. USA & Canada
Moderately strict regulations.
Documents required:
- FDA Registration (for exporters shipping to USA)
https://www.fda.gov - FSSAI
- Tea quality report
- Ingredient list (for flavored teas)
Demand growing for green tea, herbal blends, and organic tea.
4. Europe (Germany, UK, France, Italy)
Highly regulated markets.
Requirements:
- Strict pesticide residue reports
- Organic certification (if claiming organic)
- Phytosanitary certificate
- CE certificate not required for tea
- Compliant packaging & labeling
High demand for Darjeeling tea.
5. Africa (Egypt, Morocco, South Africa)
Price-sensitive markets.
Prefer:
- Bulk tea
- Low-cost blends
Growing market for India’s CTC tea.
Where Indian Tea Has Huge Market
- UAE
- Russia
- USA
- UK
- Germany
- Iran
- Kazakhstan
- Egypt
- Saudi Arabia
Where Indian Tea Has Limited Market
- China (self-producing country)
- Japan (strict quality norms, traditional tea culture)
Where The Market Is Rapidly Growing
- Middle East
- East Africa
- Eastern Europe
- South East Asia (Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia)
These markets are increasing their imports every year.
How to Find Buyers for Tea Export From India
Use these free and paid platforms:
- IndiaMART International
- Alibaba
- TradeIndia
- GlobalTrade
- Facebook B2B Groups
- International Tea Fairs by Tea Board
Government portal:
https://www.indiantradeportal.in
Export Process Summary (Beginner-Friendly)
- Register your company
- Get IEC, Tea Board License, FSSAI
- Find buyers online or through exhibitions
- Send samples
- Finalize quality, price & terms
- Arrange packaging and lab tests
- Prepare export documents
- Ship through sea or air
- Receive payment in your bank
Can You Start Tea Export From India Without Big Investment?
YES.
Many exporters start:
- without a factory
- without machinery
- without employees
You can begin as a merchant exporter—buy tea from trusted suppliers in Assam, Siliguri, Kolkata auctions, or private factories ,pack it and export it at your unit or at a rented unit.
This is exactly how I started.
About the Author
Tabrez — Entrepreneur, Tea Exporter & MSME Mentor
I built my tea packaging and export business from scratch with limited resources. Today, I help new entrepreneurs learn about tea export from India, MSME loans, and small business growth.
I believe anyone can become an exporter with the right guidance and persistence.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only. Although every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, export regulations, documentation requirements, government policies, and market conditions change frequently and may vary from country to country.
Readers are advised to:
- Verify all regulatory requirements with official authorities (DGFT, Tea Board of India, FSSAI, Customs, etc.)
- Consult certified export professionals, customs brokers, or legal advisors before making business decisions
- Conduct independent market research before entering any export market
The author and the website businesszindagi.com are not responsible for any losses, delays, compliance issues, rejections, or financial impacts arising from actions taken based on this content.
Exporting involves financial and regulatory risks. Proceed with due diligence.
