Imports & ExportsStart exporting

Processed food

Export ready-to-eat and other food preparations

Instant mixes, sweets, retort meals and food concentrates — a catch-all line that needs careful classification and labels.

Free to exportHS 2106
HS code
2106
Food preparations not elsewhere specified: protein concentrates (2106 10), sharbat, instant mixes, drink concentrates, flavourings, custard powder and other preparations (2106 90).
Export policy
Free to export
Free for most lines. Check your 8-digit line on DGFT; ready meals with meat, milk or egg also follow the importing country’s animal-product rules.
Registrations
5
IEC, GST and those below
India’s exports, 2025-26
US$ 958 mn
to 175 countries

What is exported

Heading 2106 covers many Indian foods that fit nowhere else: dosa and idli mixes, gulab jamun mix, sharbat and drink concentrates, protein powders, flavourings and many ready-to-eat items. Buyers are diaspora distributors and food makers. APEDA counts most of these under miscellaneous preparations, which went mainly to the USA, the UAE, Malaysia, the UK and Australia in 2025-26.

Varieties, grades and forms

  • Instant mixesDosa, idli, dhokla, upma, gulab jamun and halwa mixes.
  • Sharbat and drink concentrates (2106 90 11, 2106 90 50)Rose, khus and fruit syrups.
  • Protein concentrates (2106 10)Soy and other textured protein.
  • Ready-to-eat and other preparations (2106 90 99)Many retort and frozen Indian dishes — check whether a more specific heading applies.

Where it is grown or made

  • Karnataka and Tamil NaduInstant mixes and retort foods (Bengaluru, Mysuru, Chennai, Coimbatore).
  • Gujarat and MaharashtraSnack mixes, sharbat and ready foods.
  • Punjab and Delhi NCRReady-to-eat and frozen meals.

Export packing

  • Retail packs printed to the destination’s labelling law, in master cartons on pallets; mixed-product containers are common for diaspora buyers.
  • Retort pouches in cartons; frozen meals in reefers.

Who buys abroad

  • Indian and South Asian grocery distributors in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia and the Gulf
  • Gulf hypermarket chains and their private labels
  • Food manufacturers buying ingredients in bulk

The quality buyers ask for

Classification
2106 is residual — confirm no more specific heading (1904, 2005, 2103, 1601–1605) applies
Process
Retort, drying or freezing validated for the stated shelf life
Additives
Only colours, preservatives and additives permitted in the destination, at permitted levels
Microbiology
Meets the destination’s microbiological criteria and the buyer’s specification
Allergens
Controlled and declared to the destination’s list (the EU has 14 allergens; the USA includes sesame)

Certificates

  • FSSAI licenceRequiredCentral licence from FSSAI for the premises where the food is made, packed or stored for export. Apply on FoSCoS.
  • APEDA RCMCRequiredRegistration with APEDA, issued as an RCMC on the DGFT portal. Since 15 Sep 2026, a consignment up to ₹3 lakh FOB can go without it.
  • ISO 22000 / FSSC 22000Often askedFood-safety management certification; FSSC 22000 is GFSI-recognised, which large retailers and brands look for.
  • BRCGS Food SafetyOften askedGFSI-recognised standard asked for by UK and many EU retailers for private label.
  • HACCPOften askedA food-safety plan that controls hazards at each processing step. Most importers ask for it.
  • HalalOften askedAsked for by many buyers in the Gulf, Malaysia and Indonesia. Use a body the destination recognises.
  • US FDA food-facility registrationOften askedEvery facility making food for the USA must register with the FDA, and each shipment needs prior notice. Canned and acidified foods also need FCE/SID process filing.

Shipping, storage and shelf life

Container load

Dry containers for mixes and retort pouches; reefers at –18 °C for frozen meals.

How it travels

Sea freight; air for samples.

Storage

Cool and dry for ambient products; unbroken cold chain for frozen.

Shelf life

Typically 6–12 months for dry mixes and 12–18 months for retort pouches, depending on product.

What goes on the pack and carton

  • EU retail packs (Regulation 1169/2011): name of the food, ingredients with allergens highlighted, net quantity, best-before or use-by date, storage conditions, the EU importer’s name and address, origin where required — in the language of the country of sale.
  • USA (21 CFR 101): product name, net quantity in US and metric units, ingredients, major allergens (including sesame), the packer’s or distributor’s name and place of business, Nutrition Facts unless exempt, and “Product of India”.
  • Gulf countries: Arabic text (Arabic plus English is normal), production and expiry dates, net weight, country of origin and importer details. Confirm current rules with your importer.
  • Lot or batch number on every pack and carton, matching the invoice and packing list, so the goods can be traced and recalled.
Where to get it tested

Use an FSSAI-notified or NABL-accredited lab (fssai.gov.in, nabl-india.org) for micro, nutrition and shelf-life tests. For retort foods, a qualified process authority must set the thermal process.

Benefits of exporting this product

Where to register

  • FSSAIFood business licence. Food exporters come under the Central licence; apply on FoSCoS and keep it valid for the premises you make or pack from.foscos.fssai.gov.in ↗
  • APEDARegistration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) for APEDA-scheduled products. Apply on the DGFT portal after you have your IEC.dgft.gov.in ↗
  • Buyer-country food registrationMany importing countries register the foreign plant or the product — for example US FDA food-facility registration, GACC registration for China, or product registration in some Gulf states. Check APEDA’s importing-country regulations page.apeda.gov.in ↗

Quality and checks

  • Labels made for the destination: ingredients, allergens, net quantity, best-before date, importer details and the language that country requires.
  • Only colours, preservatives and additives permitted in the destination, at permitted levels.
  • Microbiology and shelf-life tests from an NABL-accredited or FSSAI-notified lab.
  • Retort or canned ready meals for the USA need FDA process filing for low-acid canned foods.
How to start small

Start with dry mixes (dosa, idli, dhokla, gulab jamun) — low risk and long life — in a mixed LCL container for one diaspora distributor. Since 15 September 2026, a consignment worth up to ₹3 lakh FOB does not need an RCMC (DGFT Notification 36/2026-27); licences that a law requires, such as FSSAI, still apply.

Where new exporters go wrong

  • Wrong classification — 2106 is a residual heading; a product that fits a more specific heading must go there, which changes duty and RoDTEP.
  • Skipping US FDA facility registration or prior notice — the shipment is refused at the US port.

Documents this product needs

Schemes that apply

Sources (5)
  1. APEDA — Miscellaneous Preparations (exports and destinations, 2025-26)
  2. DGFT — Appendix 4R, RoDTEP schedule for DTA exports w.e.f. 10 Oct 2024 (Notification No. 32, 30 Sep 2024)
  3. APEDA — Importing countries’ regulations
  4. FSSAI — FoSCoS food licensing portal
  5. DGFT Notification 36/2026-27 (15 Sep 2026) — no RCMC needed for consignments up to ₹3 lakh FOB

Trade data

Indian ready-to-eat and other food preparations exports in numbers

From the Department of Commerce’s TradeStat, country by country. US$, Indian financial years (April–March).

Exports in 2025-26
US$ 958 mn
+13.7% a year on average, 2020-21 to 2025-26
Change from 2024-25
↑ +13.3%
US$ 846 mn → US$ 958 mn
Buyer countries
175
Average export price
US$ 3.29
per kg · 2,91,398 tonnes shipped · US$ 3.37 the year before
United States of America: US$ 214 mnUnited Arab Emirates: US$ 116 mnUnited Kingdom: US$ 65.1 mnAustralia: US$ 64.9 mnCanada: US$ 64 mnNepal: US$ 29.1 mnNetherlands: US$ 20.5 mnSingapore: US$ 19.9 mnSaudi Arabia: US$ 18.2 mnPhilippines: US$ 18 mnThailand: US$ 16.1 mnKenya: US$ 14 mnSudan: US$ 13.9 mnBangladesh: US$ 12 mnMalaysia: US$ 11.2 mnUkraine: US$ 11.1 mnNew Zealand: US$ 9.8 mnGhana: US$ 9.6 mnRussia: US$ 8.8 mnNigeria: US$ 8.7 mnBhutan: US$ 8.4 mnMyanmar: US$ 8 mnGermany: US$ 7.5 mnIraq: US$ 7.5 mnBrazil: US$ 7.3 mnUnited States of America: US$ 214 mnUnited States of AmericaUnited Arab Emirates: US$ 116 mnUnited Arab EmiratesUnited Kingdom: US$ 65.1 mnUnited KingdomAustralia: US$ 64.9 mnAustraliaCanada: US$ 64 mnNepal: US$ 29.1 mnNepalNetherlands: US$ 20.5 mnSingapore: US$ 19.9 mnSingaporeSaudi Arabia: US$ 18.2 mnPhilippines: US$ 18 mnThailand: US$ 16.1 mnKenya: US$ 14 mnSudan: US$ 13.9 mnBangladesh: US$ 12 mnMalaysia: US$ 11.2 mnUkraine: US$ 11.1 mnNew Zealand: US$ 9.8 mnGhana: US$ 9.6 mnRussia: US$ 8.8 mnNigeria: US$ 8.7 mnBhutan: US$ 8.4 mnMyanmar: US$ 8 mnGermany: US$ 7.5 mnIraq: US$ 7.5 mnBrazil: US$ 7.3 mnIndia
Where Indian ready-to-eat and other food preparations goes — among our 80 countries, 2025-26
2020-21: US$ 504 mn5042020-212021-22: US$ 597 mn5972021-222022-23: US$ 626 mn6262022-232023-24: US$ 747 mn7472023-242024-25: US$ 846 mn8462024-252025-26: US$ 958 mn9582025-26
India’s ready-to-eat and other food preparations exports, year by year · US$ million

The price cycle

India’s average export price per kg each year (total value ÷ total quantity). Highest in 2024-25, lowest in 2022-23 — a 3% swing between them. Keep this swing in mind when you quote.

2020-21: US$ 3.34 per kg2021-22: US$ 3.29 per kg2022-23: US$ 3.27 per kg3.272024-25: US$ 3.37 per kg3.372025-26: US$ 3.29 per kg3.292020-212021-222022-232023-242024-252025-26
Average export price of Indian ready-to-eat and other food preparations · US$ per kg · dotted = year in between not available

What next: a projection from the trend

The past trend carried forward — not a forecast by any authority. Sudden changes in policy, prices or demand are not in it.

2020-21: US$ 504 mn2020-212021-22: US$ 597 mn2021-222022-23: US$ 626 mn2022-232023-24: US$ 747 mn2023-242024-25: US$ 846 mn2024-252025-26: US$ 958 mn2025-262026-27: US$ 1.08 bn (US$ 1.04 bn – US$ 1.13 bn)1.1k2026-272027-28: US$ 1.23 bn (US$ 1.18 bn – US$ 1.29 bn)1.2k2027-28
India’s ready-to-eat and other food preparations exports and projection · hollow bars = projection, line = likely range
By 2027-28: US$ 1.23 bn

Likely range US$ 1.18 bn to US$ 1.29 bn.

Trend
+13.5% a year
Fit (R²)
0.99
Based on
6 years of official figures

Method: a straight line through the logarithm of yearly exports (log-linear regression); range = ±1 standard error.

Biggest buyer countries

By value in 2025-26. Change is against 2024-25.

Name2025-26Change
1United States of AmericaUS$ 214 mn+3.2%
2United Arab EmiratesUS$ 116 mn+16.2%
3United KingdomUS$ 65.1 mn+20.2%
4AustraliaUS$ 64.9 mn+6.8%
5CanadaUS$ 64 mn+0.8%
6NepalUS$ 29.1 mn+2.1%
7NetherlandsUS$ 20.5 mn+14.7%
8SingaporeUS$ 19.9 mn+32.1%
9Saudi ArabiaUS$ 18.2 mn+36.3%
10PhilippinesUS$ 18 mn+32.3%
11ThailandUS$ 16.1 mn+19.3%
12KenyaUS$ 14 mn+62.1%

Where demand is rising and falling

Only countries that buy at least US$ 1 million or 1% of India’s exports of this product. Change from 2024-25 to 2025-26.

High demand

  1. SudanUS$ 2.9 mn → US$ 13.9 mn+381.6%
  2. KenyaUS$ 8.6 mn → US$ 14 mn+62.1%
  3. GhanaUS$ 6.9 mn → US$ 9.6 mn+40.2%
  4. Saudi ArabiaUS$ 13.4 mn → US$ 18.2 mn+36.3%
  5. PhilippinesUS$ 13.6 mn → US$ 18 mn+32.3%
  6. SingaporeUS$ 15.1 mn → US$ 19.9 mn+32.1%
  7. United KingdomUS$ 54.2 mn → US$ 65.1 mn+20.2%
  8. ThailandUS$ 13.5 mn → US$ 16.1 mn+19.3%

Low demand

  1. BhutanUS$ 11.9 mn → US$ 8.4 mn-29.5%
  2. MalaysiaUS$ 14.9 mn → US$ 11.2 mn-25.1%

Which forms sell, and at what price

India’s exports by 8-digit tariff line, 2025-26. Average price = total value ÷ total quantity (TradeStat): the average of every shipment on that line, not the price of any one deal.

Tariff lineValue 2025-26ChangeQuantityAverage price
Other food preparation not elsewhere specified2106 90 99 · Food preparations in item no. 2106.10US$ 794 mn+13.3%2,27,616 tonnesUS$ 3.49 per kgwas US$ 3.60
Pan-masala includinguding scented supari (betel spices prepared)2106 90 20 · Food preparations in item no. 2106.10US$ 66.4 mn+44.9%2,925 tonnesUS$ 22.71 per kgwas US$ 18.20
Protein concntrts and textured protn sbstncs2106 10 00 · Protein, concentrates and textured protein substancesUS$ 55 mn-4%49,450 tonnesUS$ 1.11 per kgwas US$ 1.30
Food preparations in item no. 2106.10 — food flavouring material2106 90 60US$ 7.5 mn+16.7%1,585 tonnesUS$ 4.73 per kgwas US$ 4.84
Food preparations in item no. 2106.10 — other diabetic foods2106 90 91US$ 7.3 mn+21.2%589 tonnesUS$ 12.35 per kgwas US$ 12.44
Soft drink - other than sharbat2106 90 19 · Food preparations in item no. 2106.10US$ 6.5 mn-49.7%2,174 tonnesUS$ 2.98 per kgwas US$ 4.61
Compnd prpns for mkng bevergs(non-alcohlc)2106 90 50 · Food preparations in item no. 2106.10US$ 5.8 mn+14.7%1,979 tonnesUS$ 2.92 per kgwas US$ 3.52
Betel nut product known as supari2106 90 30 · Food preparations in item no. 2106.10US$ 4.9 mn+112%1,050 tonnesUS$ 4.71 per kgwas US$ 7.72
Sugr-syrp contng flavrng/colrng mtrl not elsewhere specified2106 90 40 · Food preparations in item no. 2106.10US$ 4.8 mn+13.1%1,829 tonnesUS$ 2.64 per kgwas US$ 2.71
Other sterilised or pasturised millstone2106 90 92 · Food preparations in item no. 2106.10US$ 2.2 mn+5.3%584 tonnesUS$ 3.73 per kgwas US$ 5.91
Food preparations in item no. 2106.10 — soft drink -sharbat2106 90 11US$ 1.5 mn+19.8%788 tonnesUS$ 1.84 per kgwas US$ 1.89
Food preparations in item no. 2106.10 — churna for pan2106 90 70US$ 1.3 mn+27.5%304 tonnesUS$ 4.28 per kgwas US$ 4.20
Food preparations in item no. 2106.10 — custard powder2106 90 80US$ 860k+3.6%526 tonnesUS$ 1.64 per kgwas US$ 1.82

The world market

Each country’s own recorded exports and imports in UN Comtrade, 2023 (the latest year nearly every country has reported).

World imports
US$ 61 bn
2023
India among exporters
#25
of 165 countries
India’s share of world exports
1.2%
US$ 708 mn
Left for others to win
US$ 59.4 bn
exported by other countries

Top exporters — your competitors

  1. 1USAUS$ 6.39 bn 10.6%
  2. 2GermanyUS$ 5.53 bn 9.2%
  3. 3SingaporeUS$ 5.52 bn 9.2%
  4. 4NetherlandsUS$ 4.19 bn 7%
  5. 5ChinaUS$ 3.91 bn 6.5%
  6. 6FranceUS$ 2.29 bn 3.8%
  7. 7ItalyUS$ 2.11 bn 3.5%
  8. 8PolandUS$ 2.09 bn 3.5%
  9. 9United KingdomUS$ 1.77 bn 2.9%
  10. 10CanadaUS$ 1.5 bn 2.5%

Biggest buyers in the world

  1. 1USAUS$ 7.04 bn 11.5%
  2. 2ChinaUS$ 5.44 bn 8.9%
  3. 3GermanyUS$ 3.23 bn 5.3%
  4. 4Rep. of KoreaUS$ 2.29 bn 3.7%
  5. 5NetherlandsUS$ 2.23 bn 3.7%
  6. 6CanadaUS$ 2.11 bn 3.5%
  7. 7United KingdomUS$ 2.02 bn 3.3%
  8. 8FranceUS$ 1.81 bn 3%
  9. 9AustraliaUS$ 1.57 bn 2.6%
  10. 10China, Hong Kong SARUS$ 1.45 bn 2.4%

Opportunity: what these countries buy from the world, and from India

Each country’s own recorded imports in UN Comtrade, latest year it has reported. The long light part of each bar is demand other countries are filling today.

United States of AmericaUS$ 7.08 bnIndia 2% · gap US$ 6.93 bn
ChinaUS$ 6.3 bnIndia 0.1% · gap US$ 6.3 bn
GermanyUS$ 3.17 bnIndia 0.6% · gap US$ 3.15 bn
CanadaUS$ 2.26 bnIndia 0.8% · gap US$ 2.24 bn
NetherlandsUS$ 2.25 bnIndia 0.6% · gap US$ 2.24 bn
South KoreaUS$ 2.17 bnIndia 0.6% · gap US$ 2.16 bn
United KingdomUS$ 2.02 bnIndia 1.5% · gap US$ 1.99 bn
FranceUS$ 1.77 bnIndia 0.3% · gap US$ 1.76 bn
AustraliaUS$ 1.57 bnIndia 2.2% · gap US$ 1.53 bn
SpainUS$ 1.22 bnIndia 0.1% · gap US$ 1.21 bn

TradeStat’s 2023-24 quantities are double-counted, so that year is left out of the price. Sources: TradeStat — Export Import Data Bank, Department of Commerce · UN Comtrade database (United Nations Statistics Division) · Figures taken 29 October 2026.

Step by step

How to export ready-to-eat and other food preparations

Ready-to-eat and instant Indian foods are among the fastest-growing processed-food exports, as Indian cuisine spreads beyond the diaspora. Thai, Chinese and European makers compete in ready meals generally, but authentic Indian mixes and meals are a field where Indian makers lead. APEDA reports miscellaneous preparations went mainly to the USA, the UAE, Malaysia, the UK and Australia in 2025-26. The openings are retort and frozen Indian meals and instant mixes for mainstream retail — for plants that pass importer audits.

  1. 01Classify the product

    Confirm the correct heading with your customs broker before quoting.

  2. 02Check ingredients

    Animal-origin ingredients (milk, egg, meat) bring extra import rules.

  3. 03Validate the process

    For retort foods, have a process authority validate the thermal process; file with FDA for the USA.

  4. 04Make the export label

    Design a label for the destination’s law — not the Indian label — and have the importer approve it before printing.

  5. 05Pass the buyer audit

    Most importers ask for BRCGS, FSSC 22000 or their own audit.

  6. 06Book, stuff and file

    Book the container, stuff it with a pre-shipment check, file the shipping bill on ICEGATE and get the certificate of origin and any health certificate.

  7. 07Get paid and close the file

    Send the original documents through your bank (or to the buyer if paid in advance). Once the money arrives, get the e-BRC and claim RoDTEP and drawback where they apply.

Meet buyers

Trade fairs

Questions

Questions about exporting ready-to-eat and other food preparations

Is my ready meal under 2106?
Only if no more specific heading fits. Vegetable curries may go under 2005 and meat dishes under 1601–1602 — check with your broker.
Do retort meals need FDA filing?
Yes, low-acid canned and retort foods need FCE registration and SID process filing for the USA.
What RoDTEP applies?
Most 2106 90 lines: 0.9% of FOB; protein concentrates 2%, capped at ₹2.70 per kg; pan masala nil.
Can I use my Indian label abroad?
Rarely. Each market has its own label law — make a separate export label and get the importer to approve it.
Do I need an RCMC for my first small shipment?
Since 15 Sep 2026, a consignment up to ₹3 lakh FOB can go without an RCMC (DGFT Notification 36/2026-27). FSSAI and other legal licences still apply, and you need an RCMC to claim most export benefits.
Sources (6)
  1. APEDA — Miscellaneous Preparations (exports and destinations, 2025-26)
  2. APEDA — Processed Foods
  3. DGFT — Appendix 4R, RoDTEP schedule for DTA exports w.e.f. 10 Oct 2024 (Notification No. 32, 30 Sep 2024)
  4. US eCFR — 21 CFR Part 101, food labelling
  5. EU — Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on food information to consumers
  6. FSSAI — Notified food testing laboratories

Who buys Indian ready-to-eat and other food preparations

All countries →

More in processed food

All products →