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
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:
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
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.
Low investment, easy procurement, simple packaging options.
Tea is a consumable product → buyers reorder every month.
Margins can go from 20% to 80% depending on branding and grade.
The Tea Board of India actively promotes exporters.
Link: https://tea-board.gov.in
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
Many newcomers enter tea export without understanding the challenges. Here are solid, practical reasons when you should avoid this business:
Finding genuine international buyers can take 3–6 months or more.
If you expect quick money, tea export is NOT for you.
Tea is not a standardized product.
CTC, Orthodox, Dust, Fanning, Leaf grades—all vary in:
If you cannot handle quality complaints, disputes, and sampling process, avoid this business.
Buyers demand samples before placing orders.
You must pay for:
If you are not ready to spend a little upfront, tea export will disappoint you.
Tea bought today may not taste 100% same next month.
If a buyer’s repeat order quality differs, you may lose the client forever.
Some markets have strict rules:
If you cannot handle documentation pressure, avoid these markets or avoid exporting altogether.
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.
Export business has:
Only 5–10% inquiries convert into serious orders.
If that frustrates you, tea export may not be ideal.
Tea auction prices change weekly.
If price fluctuations scare you, avoid this business.
Currency fluctuation, shipment delays, customs issues—everything carries risk.
Tea export is profitable, but not risk-free.
Below are the essential requirements:
You can choose:
Create your business legally through the MCA portal:
https://www.mca.gov.in
Register as an MSME to avail government benefits.
https://udyamregistration.gov.in
This is issued by DGFT.
Apply here: https://dgft.gov.in
You need an Exporter’s License (Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate – RCMC).
Apply at Tea Board: https://tea-board.gov.in
Since tea is a food item, FSSAI registration is required.
https://foscos.fssai.gov.in
Mandatory for any trading/export business.
https://www.gst.gov.in
You need an AD (Authorized Dealer) bank for export payments.
These documents are required for almost all markets:
✔ Very high demand
✔ Easiest for beginners
✔ Documents required:
Growing demand for Masala tea, CTC tea.
✔ Large volume buyers
✔ Prefer Assam CTC and Orthodox tea
✔ Requires:
Market size is stable, long-term.
Moderately strict regulations.
Documents required:
Demand growing for green tea, herbal blends, and organic tea.
Highly regulated markets.
Requirements:
High demand for Darjeeling tea.
Price-sensitive markets.
Prefer:
Growing market for India’s CTC tea.
These markets are increasing their imports every year.
Use these free and paid platforms:
Government portal:
https://www.indiantradeportal.in
YES.
Many exporters start:
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.
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.
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:
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.
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