Trade · 8 min read
How to Import Onions from India: A Buyer's Guide to Varieties, Sizes, Packing and Documents
Everything an importer needs to settle before the first container of Indian onions leaves port.
Quick answer
To import onions from India, choose the variety and size band (for example Nashik red onion, 45–65 mm), agree packing such as 25 kg mesh bags, confirm the shipment month and Incoterm, check India's current onion export policy, and make sure the exporter supplies a phytosanitary certificate, certificate of origin, commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading. Onions usually ship in refrigerated or ventilated 40ft containers carrying around 28–29 tonnes.
Step 1: Which variety should you buy?
- Nashik red onion — the large red onion most markets expect from India
- Bangalore Rose onion — small and rose-coloured, mainly for pickling and processing
- White onion — milder, used for processing and some retail markets
- Small onion or shallot — 20–30 mm, for South and Southeast Asian cooking
Step 2: Which size band and packing?
Red onions are sold by diameter: 25–40 mm, 40–60 mm, 45–65 mm or 55 mm and above. Choose by your customers — retail chains prefer uniform larger sizes, food service and processors buy for value. Packing is usually in 5, 10, 20, 25 or 50 kg leno mesh bags, which let the onions breathe.
Step 3: How are onions shipped?
In 40ft refrigerated or ventilated containers, with temperature and ventilation settings agreed with the shipping line. Shorter voyages — India to the Gulf, South Asia and Southeast Asia — suit onions well. Ask the exporter to quote CFR or CIF if you want delivery to your port.
Step 4: Which documents do you need?
- Phytosanitary certificate issued by India's plant quarantine authority
- Certificate of origin
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Bill of lading
- Quality and size-grading report
- Any import permit your own country requires
Step 5: Why check India's export policy?
India changes onion export rules when domestic prices rise — through a minimum export price, an export duty or a temporary restriction. A reliable exporter checks the current DGFT notification before signing and builds the policy position into the contract.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum order for onions from India?
Most export orders are in full containers. A 40ft reefer carries around 28–29 tonnes of onions; some suppliers also load 20ft containers for trial orders.
Can I get samples before ordering onions?
Yes. Versa Traders sends samples and a size-grading report from the offered lot before you commit.
