Introduction
Cardamom, often referred to as the “Queen of Spices,” is one of India’s major spice exports. Saudi Arabia has a high demand for Indian cardamom, especially due to its use in traditional Arabic coffee and culinary dishes. If you’re planning to export cardamom from India to Saudi Arabia, this guide will help you understand the step-by-step process, legal requirements, and market potential.
Table of Contents
Market Potential
India is one of the leading producers of cardamom, mainly grown in Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Saudi Arabia is among the largest importers of Indian cardamom, making it a lucrative market for exporters. The spice is widely used in food, beverages, and traditional medicines in the Middle East.
Step-by-Step Process to Export Cardamom
1. Register Your Business
Before exporting cardamom, ensure your business is legally registered:
- Obtain a GST Registration (Goods and Services Tax)
- Get a Director Identification Number (DIN) if registering as a company
- Apply for a Spice Board of India Registration to be an approved exporter
2. Get Import-Export Code (IEC)
An IEC issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) is mandatory for all exports from India. Apply online through the DGFT website.
3. Meet Quality Standards and Certifications
Saudi Arabia has strict food import regulations. Ensure compliance with:
- FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) approval
- Spices Board of India Certification
- ISO and HACCP Certifications (optional but beneficial)
- Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) approval for entry into Saudi markets
4. Select the Right Cardamom Grade
Cardamom is graded based on size, color, and quality. Common export grades include:
- Alleppey Green Extra Bold (AGEB) – Premium quality
- Alleppey Green Bold (AGB) – High demand in Saudi Arabia
- Alleppey Green Superior (AGS) – Standard quality
5. Find Buyers in Saudi Arabia
To secure buyers:
- Attend trade fairs and exhibitions like Gulfood in Dubai
- Use B2B marketplaces such as Alibaba, TradeIndia, and ExportHub
- Contact importers and distributors directly in Saudi Arabia
- Leverage social media and digital marketing to reach potential clients
6. Set Up Logistics and Shipping
Choose between air freight (faster but expensive) or sea freight (cost-effective but slower).
- Common shipping ports in India: Kochi, Chennai, Mumbai
- Major ports in Saudi Arabia: Jeddah Islamic Port, King Abdulaziz Port
- Follow incoterms (FOB, CIF, EXW) to determine buyer-seller responsibilities
7. Prepare Export Documents
Ensure you have the following:
- Invoice and Packing List
- Certificate of Origin (Issued by Spice Board or Chamber of Commerce)
- Fumigation Certificate
- Phytosanitary Certificate
- Bill of Lading or Airway Bill
- Saudi Arabian Customs Clearance Documents
8. Understand Saudi Arabia’s Import Regulations
- Cardamom imports must comply with SFDA food safety standards
- Packaging should include Arabic labeling with ingredient details
- Halal certification may be required for some buyers
9. Secure Payment and Pricing
Common payment methods:
- Letter of Credit (LC) – Secure and widely used
- Advance Payment – Preferred by some exporters
- Open Account & Documentary Collection – For long-term buyers
10. Promote and Expand Your Business
- Build strong relationships with Saudi buyers for repeat business
- Consider government incentives and schemes for exporters
- Use digital marketing to grow your brand presence
Now Let’s understand the cardamom market and its trends using Graphs.
India’s Cardamom Export Volume to Saudi Arabia (2020-2025)
Price Trend of Cardamom in India and Saudi Arabia (Last 5 Years)
Top Cardamom Exporting States in India (2025 Projection)
Major Importing Countries of Indian Cardamom (2025 Forecast)
Shipping and Logistics Cost Comparison (Air vs. Sea Freight)
Conclusion
Exporting cardamom from India to Saudi Arabia can be highly profitable business. First you have to Understand legal requirements, finding reliable buyers, and ensuring quality compliance are key steps to execute this export import business. With India’s strong reputation in the global spice market, expanding into Saudi Arabia can be a great business opportunity.
For assistance in exporting Indian spices, contact Aroma Xport at [email protected] or visit www.aromaxport.com.
