Foxnut, popularly known as Makhana, is one of the fastest-growing agricultural export products from India. Once limited to traditional consumption in regions like Bihar, foxnut has grown into a global superfood, appreciated for its nutritional value, gluten-free nature, long shelf life, and versatility. Countries such as the USA, UAE, UK, Australia, Japan, and Singapore have shown rapidly increasing demand for Indian makhana in both raw and processed forms.

As health-oriented snacking continues to rise worldwide, the market for foxnut offers an excellent opportunity for new and experienced exporters alike. However, to build a reliable and scalable export business, one must understand the legal requirements, certification norms, processing standards, documentation, logistics, packaging, market selection, costing, and compliance procedures.

This detailed guide explains how to legally and successfully execute Foxnut Export from India, step by step, along with practical business insights and professional strategies to grow a sustainable brand in the international food market.

Why Exporting Foxnut from India is a High-Potential Opportunity

Before learning the export process, it's important to understand why foxnut is becoming such a promising export commodity.

Global Demand is Rising

The global health snack market is expanding every year, and foxnut fits perfectly into trends like:

• High protein diets
• Gluten-free food consumption
• Low-fat snacking
• Vegan and plant-based food adoption
• High-fiber diets

This makes makhana a preferred option for premium retail stores, organic outlets, clean-label snack brands, and health-focused online marketplaces worldwide.

India is the World's Largest Source

India produces over 80–85% of the world's foxnut, with Bihar being the leading hub. This gives Indian exporters a natural competitive advantage due to:

• High supply volume
• Low raw material procurement cost
• Well-established farmer networks
• Increasing number of processing units

Wide Range of Exportable Product Types

An exporter can choose multiple product formats:

This gives flexibility in brand positioning, pricing, and market selection.

Legal Requirements for Foxnut Export from India

Exporting food products requires strict compliance. Below are mandatory legal registrations and documents needed to start exporting makhana.

Importer-Exporter Code (IEC)

IEC is the first and most essential requirement for any export activity from India. It is a 10-digit code issued by DGFT and is mandatory for:

• Customs documentation
• Shipping bills
• Bank export settlement

Every exporter must apply for IEC before starting operations.

APEDA Registration (RCMC)

Since foxnut falls under agricultural and processed food products, exporters must register with APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority).

APEDA provides:

• Market assistance
• Export guidelines
• Access to export subsidy and assistance schemes
• Eligibility for trade fairs and buyer–seller meets

Exporters receive an RCMC (Registration-cum-Membership Certificate) after registration.

FSSAI Registration or License

Any business dealing with food manufacturing, packaging, storage, or distribution must have a valid FSSAI license. It ensures:

• Food safety compliance
• Product manufacturing hygiene
• Standardized nutritional labeling

GST Registration

Exporters must also hold GST registration since export invoices require GST details, even though export of goods is zero-rated under GST.

MSME / Udyam Registration (Optional but Beneficial)

This registration is not compulsory but provides benefits such as:

• Cheaper bank loans
• Subsidies
• Priority in government schemes

Product Classification – HS Codes

Correct HS Code classification is crucial for:

• Customs clearance
• Export data reporting
• Trade benefits
• Smooth international shipping

Most foxnut products are classified under:

Exporters must ensure the correct HS code is used based on product processing level and destination country regulatory norms.

Quality Standards for Foxnut Export

Since food exports involve human consumption, maintaining global-level quality standards is essential.

Standard Parameters to Maintain

Export-quality foxnut must comply with:

• Moisture below acceptable limit (usually 5–10%)
• No fungal contamination
• Low microbial counts
• No foreign particles
• Uniform grain size (for popped kernels)

Laboratory Testing Requirements

Buyers, especially from the US, Japan, Europe, and Australia, commonly request:

• Certificate of Analysis (CoA)
• Microbial testing
• Aflatoxin screening
• Pesticide residue tests
• Heavy metal contamination tests

A lab-approved CoA boosts trust and increases export success.

International Certifications That Add Value

Although not mandatory for all markets, certifications improve product acceptance:

• HACCP
• ISO 22000
• BRC Food Safety
• Organic Certification (NPOP/USDA/EU Organic)
• Halal Certification (for Middle East buyers)

The more certifications a business has, the easier it becomes to enter premium retail chains and high-value markets.

Packaging Standards for Foxnut Export

Packaging for Raw Bulk Export

Bulk shipments often use:

• 20–50 kg laminated bags
• PP / HDPE sacks
• Cartons for containerized storage

These must protect the product from:

• Moisture
• Pests
• Temperature fluctuations

Packaging for Retail Products

Retail-ready makhana in international supermarkets is usually packed in:

• Nitrogen-flushed stand-up pouches
• Zip-locked pouches
• PET jars
• Aluminium laminated pouches

Good packaging increases:

• Shelf life
• Product freshness
• Brand value
• Customer appeal

Mandatory Labelling Details

Labels must include:

• Product name
• Ingredient list
• Net quantity
• Batch number
• Manufacturing & expiry date
• Nutritional values
• FSSAI number
• Exporter details
• Country of origin
• Storage instructions

Different countries may also require bilingual labeling or allergen disclosure.

Step-by-Step Procedure for Foxnut Export from India

Step 1: Business Setup and Licensing

• Register your business (proprietorship/LLP/private limited).
• Apply for IEC.
• Obtain APEDA registration.
• Secure FSSAI and GST registration.

Step 2: Product Sourcing

Exporters can source makhana from:

• Farmers
• Aggregators
• Bihar cooperatives
• Processing units

Building strong sourcing relationships ensures quality consistency and price stability.

Step 3: Processing and Quality Control

Processing typically involves:

• Cleaning
• Grading
• Roasting/Popping
• Separation of flakes
• Sieving for size uniformity
• Flavoring (optional)
• Packaging

Every batch must be:

• Lab tested
• Documented
• Traceable

Step 4: Pricing and Costing

Export costing usually includes:

• Raw material procurement
• Processing and labor
• Packaging materials
• Logistics and freight
• Customs and DGFT fees
• Certification and testing costs

Exporters commonly quote under:

• FOB (Free On Board)
• CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight)
• DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)

FOB is most widely used for new exporters.

Step 5: Buyer Identification

Buyers can be found through:

• International trade fairs
• APEDA buyer–seller meets
• B2B platforms
• Export trade directories
• Wholesalers and importers
• Indian diaspora retailers
• Overseas e-commerce stores

Step 6: Negotiation & Sample Shipment

Share:

• Product samples
• Specification sheet
• Lab test reports
• Packaging photos

A well-presented sample pack increases conversion dramatically.

Step 7: Documentation Required

A typical foxnut export shipment includes:

• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
• Certificate of Origin
• Test Certificate / CoA
• FSSAI License copy
• IEC & APEDA registration
• Insurance Certificate (if applicable)

Step 8: Customs Clearance

Your CHA (Customs House Agent) files:

• Shipping Bill
• Export declaration
• Required certificates

After customs approval, the shipment is loaded into the container or aircraft.

Step 9: Shipment & Delivery

The shipment is then delivered as per agreed Incoterms. Regular communication with the buyer ensures smooth handling and clearance on the destination side.

Countries with the Highest Demand for Indian Foxnut

Demand of makhana is increasing in:

• United States
• United Kingdom
• UAE and GCC countries
• Australia
• Canada
• Japan
• Singapore
• Germany
• Malaysia
• South Africa

Different markets have different preferences.

• Western countries prefer flavored and retail snack packs.
• Middle Eastern markets buy both bulk and retail.
• Asian markets may prefer raw kernels for local roasting.

FOXNUT Export Business Models

Bulk Commodity Export

Features:

• Large volume
• Lower margins
• Lesser branding requirements

Suited for:

• Farmers
• Large aggregators
• Processors with high capacity

Branded Retail Export

Features:

• High margins
• Strong brand value
• Greater marketing investment

Ideal for:

• FMCG companies
• Startups
• Premium snack brands

OEM/White Label Manufacturing

Manufacture products for another foreign brand, who:

• Provides packaging design
• Handles international marketing
• Places recurring orders

This is one of the fastest ways to scale without heavy advertising investment.

Cost and Profit Margins in Foxnut Export

Profit margins depend on:

• Source cost
• Type of processing
• Packaging investments
• Target market

Typically:

• Bulk export margins: 10–25%
• Retail branded export margins: 30–100%
• Organic certified retail packs can command even higher prices

Mistakes Every New Exporter Should Avoid

Poor Packaging

Moisture and oxygen can reduce product quality, causing:

• Rancidity
• Soft texture
• Bad odor

Always use airtight, food-grade laminated packaging.

Exporting Without Lab Tests

International importers will reject shipments if:

• Microbial counts are high
• Aflatoxins are above permissible limits
• Packaging is not compliant

Misclassification of HS Code

Incorrect HS code can lead to:

• Shipment delays
• Penalties
• Customs disputes

Not Understanding Market Regulations

Many countries have strict:

• Label rules
• Import tariff rules
• Ingredient disclosures

Failing to follow them leads to rejections.

Scaling the Business into a Global Brand

Build Strong Supply Chains

Long-term agreements with farmers result in:

• Better pricing
• Steady supply
• Consistent quality

Invest in Product Innovation

Examples:

• Peri peri makhana
• Truffle makhana
• Cream & onion
• Spiced caramel
• Korean flavors

These products perform exceptionally well in modern retail stores.

Participate in Trade Fairs

Events help meet buyers directly, such as:

• Gulf Food (Dubai)
• Biofach
• SIAL
• APEDA trade shows
• Food & Hospitality expos

Build Export Certifications Gradually

As the business grows, add certifications that:

• Improve credibility
• Enable entry into new markets
• Reduce shipment inspection hassles

Conclusion

The demand for makhana is rising across the world, and India is uniquely positioned as the largest global supplier with strong production capacity, processing expertise, and growing export infrastructure.

By understanding legal registrations, laboratory and packaging standards, HS code classification, shipping documentation, buyer engagement strategies, and costing and logistics, any entrepreneur can successfully start and scale this Foxnut export business from India.

Foxnut export is not just a business — it is a long-term opportunity to establish a strong and profitable global food brand while contributing to India's agricultural export growth.

How Viand Global Can Help with Exporting Foxnut from India?

Viand Global is a specialized export consultancy and sourcing partner that helps businesses successfully enter and grow in the international market. Whether you are a new exporter or an established food manufacturer, Viand Global provides complete support across every stage of foxnut export, including business setup, regulatory approvals, global buyer connections, packaging solutions, and logistics execution.

They assist with IEC, APEDA, and FSSAI compliance, help in sourcing premium-quality makhana directly from reliable producers, and guide exporters in selecting the correct HS codes, destination market requirements, labeling formats, and food safety certifications. Their team also helps connect exporters with real import buyers across the USA, UAE, UK, Australia, Singapore, and Europe and supports negotiations, pricing strategies, and shipment documentation.

With Viand Global, exporters gain access to professional market intelligence, competitive costing insights, and proven guidance to enter premium international retail chains, bulk commodity buyers, private-label buyers, and e-commerce marketplaces. This makes them an ideal partner for businesses aiming to expand and build a strong, profitable Foxnut export brand from India.