How to Export Bananas from India: Complete Guide for Beginners

Bananas are one of India’s top fruit exports, with rising demand from markets like the Middle East, Europe, and Southeast Asia. Thanks to high production in states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, India is well-positioned to dominate the global banana trade.

In this blog, we break down how to export bananas from India in a step-by-step manner for beginners and agri-exporters.

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✅ 1. Understand the Types of Bananas Exported from India

The most popular export varieties include:

• Cavendish (Grand Naine or G9) – The most exported variety, known for its long shelf life.
• Red Banana – Sent to niche markets with ethnic demand.
• Robusta & Rasthali – Exported regionally.

Choose the variety based on your target market demand and shelf life requirements.

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✅ 2. Check the Banana Export Policy

Banana exports from India are classified under the ‘Free’ category, meaning no restrictions or licenses are required unless otherwise notified.

However, exporters must ensure:

• No banned pesticides are used
• Adherence to packaging and phytosanitary standards of the importing country

Stay updated with DGFT and APEDA circulars for any temporary bans or quality alerts.

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✅ 3. Required Registrations for Banana Export

Before exporting, ensure you have:

• ✅ IEC (Import Export Code) from DGFT
• ✅ GST Registration
• ✅ APEDA Registration – Mandatory for fruit exporters
• ✅ FSSAI License – Especially important for EU and US markets
• ✅ Packhouse Approval & Phytosanitary Certification Unit (PSC) registration

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✅ 4. Identify Your Target Markets

India exports bananas to:

• UAE
• Iran
• Iraq
• Oman
• Saudi Arabia
• Qatar
• Nepal
• Bangladesh
• Sri Lanka

Explore new markets like Russia, EU, and Central Asia, which have increasing demand for Indian bananas due to competitive pricing and quality.

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✅ 5. Sourcing Bananas for Export

Bananas are mainly sourced from:

• Jalgaon & Solapur (Maharashtra)
• Chhindwara (MP)
• Andhra Pradesh & Tamil Nadu

You can work with:

• Local Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)
• APEDA-registered packhouses
• Private aggregators/exporters for bulk quantities

Ensure sourcing from farms that follow GAP (Good Agricultural Practices).

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✅ 6. Packaging & Cold Chain Logistics

Standard banana packaging involves:

• 7-ply corrugated fiberboard boxes (13–18 kg net)
• Ventilation holes for air circulation
• Plastic liners or foam nets for cushioning

Use pre-cooling, refrigerated transport, and reefer containers (13–15°C) to maintain freshness during transit.

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✅ 7. Documents Required to Export Bananas

Ensure the following:

• Commercial Invoice & Packing List
• Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
• Phytosanitary Certificate (PQ Dept.)
• Certificate of Origin
• APEDA registration certificate
• Fumigation Certificate (if required)
• Import permit of buyer country (if needed)

For EU, GRASP or GLOBAL GAP certification may be necessary.

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✅ 8. Book Shipment through the Right Port

Major banana export ports:

• JNPT (Mumbai) – Primary port
• Mundra Port (Gujarat)
• Chennai Port (South India)

Exporters often ship through refrigerated containers or air cargo for premium markets like Europe.

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✅ 9. Find Buyers for Banana Export

Use the following platforms and strategies:

• APEDA Buyer-Seller Meets
• B2B Portals: Alibaba, TradeIndia, IndiaMART
• Instagram & LinkedIn for trade leads
• Contact Indian embassies and export promotion councils

Always verify the credibility of buyers and use Letter of Credit (LC) or advance payment terms.

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✅ 10. Payment & Risk Management

Payment terms in banana exports:

• Advance Payment for new buyers
• LC at Sight or D/P (Documents Against Payment)
• Protect with ECGC export credit insurance

Due to perishability, avoid long credit periods and choose faster payment instruments.

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🌱 Bonus Tips for Banana Exporters

• Invest in banana ripening chambers if targeting domestic + export markets
• Track global banana prices and competition from Ecuador, the Philippines, and Costa Rica
• Register your own brand for long-term market presence
• Consider organic banana exports for EU/US buyers

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✅ Conclusion

Exporting bananas from India is a rewarding venture if done with care, certifications, and quality assurance. With the right logistics, compliance, and market understanding, you can build a thriving agri-export business around this humble fruit.

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This guide includes:

• ✅ How to find buyers
• ✅ Documents & compliances
• ✅ Profit calculation
• ✅ Incoterms, shipping, payments & more