Makhana Export from India - Guide 2025: Top Buyer Markets, New HS Codes & Compliance Checklist

VIBHOR KATARIA
Nov 8
4 min read

The Global Rise of Makhana (Indian Fox Nuts)

Once known only as a traditional Indian super-snack, makhana (Euryale ferox) has now captured global attention. Its low-fat, gluten-free and plant-based profile has made it a regular feature in international retail chains across the USA, UAE and UK. For exporters and OEM brands, the timing has never been better to leverage India’s dominant production base and launch into international markets.

At Wiola Foods, we work closely with brands and bulk buyers to create export-ready makhana in multiple formats, roasted, flavoured and bulk plain grades. This guide explains how to build a robust makhana export pipeline from India in 2025.

The 2025 Snapshot of Makhana Exports from India

India contributes over 90 % of global makhana output, mainly from Bihar, West Bengal and parts of Eastern UP. According to recent APEDA data, the global market for popped fox nuts is expected to cross USD 500 million by 2026. Demand is growing in North America, the Middle East and Europe, particularly for roasted and flavoured variants that fit the “healthy on-the-go” category.

New HS Codes for Makhana Exports in 2025

APEDA introduced revised Harmonized System (HS) codes to better differentiate product categories:

2008 19 21: Popped Makhana
2008 19 22: Makhana Flour or Powder
2008 19 29: Other Forms

Correct classification under the appropriate HS code ensures faster customs clearance and accurate export incentives. Exporters should verify with their OEM partner or CHA before filing shipping bills.

Top Buyer Markets for Makhana Export from India

India’s makhana exports are currently driven by three major corridors, USA, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and UK/EU. The USA remains the largest premium market, where roasted and flavoured fox nuts are marketed as high-protein snack alternatives. Gulf countries focus on bulk and festival-season consumption, while the UK and Germany prefer private-label retail packs under vegan or organic segments.

Trade analysts predict a continued CAGR of 15–18 % for makhana exports till 2028, supported by rising awareness and supply-chain modernization within India.

Compliance Checklist for Makhana Exporters

To build a trustworthy export operation, brands must meet stringent food-safety norms across countries. Below are the essentials for 2025:

APEDA Registration & RCMC: mandatory for all agri-food exporters.
FSSAI Licence & Batch Traceability: ensures domestic food-safety validation.
Certificate of Analysis (CoA): covers moisture, microbiology, and residues.
Export Packaging Standards: use food-grade materials with proper barrier coatings to withstand temperature fluctuations.
Destination-Specific Labelling: EU allergen declaration, US FDA nutrition format, and Gulf Halal certification where applicable.

Having an experienced OEM partner like Wiola Foods simplifies this process, from lab testing and batch coding to document coordination with export agencies.

How a Makhana Export OEM Partner Adds Value

Working with an OEM like Wiola Foods means access to certified facilities, standardized roasting equipment and custom flavour development. Brands can choose between plain bulk sacks for B2B buyers or retail pouches for their own private-label launch. Our team manages sourcing, sorting, roasting, and packaging while ensuring that each batch is lab-tested and export-ready.

This structure is ideal for start-ups that want to enter foreign markets without owning infrastructure or navigating complex export licensing alone.

Documentation & Shipping Insights

Export documentation usually includes the Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin, CoA, and Phytosanitary Certificate. For processed or flavoured variants, declare additives and oils used as per destination rules.

Shipping terms like FOB or CIF depend on buyer agreements. OEM partners experienced in food logistics can help you choose optimal container types and moisture barriers to maintain product integrity during transit.

Budgeting and Pricing Signals

The international price of popped makhana varies by grade, size, and flavour. Bulk plain grades fetch lower rates, while value-added flavoured variants command premiums of up to 40 %. Instead of chasing short-term rates, exporters should build long-term buyer relationships focused on consistency and traceability. Wiola helps clients standardize spec sheets and pricing models that meet both domestic and foreign procurement standards.

Building an Export-Ready Private Label Snack Brand in India

The growth of makhana exports is also opening doors for new private label snack brand India start-ups that wish to sell their own retail packs overseas. Partnering with an OEM that understands both domestic and export compliance ensures your brand is production-ready for markets like the USA and EU. Wiola Foods provides recipe customization, labelling for target markets, and assistance with documentation, turning a local snack concept into an international product line.

Final Takeaway

Makhana is India’s superfood gift to the world, light, nutritious and highly versatile. As global demand rises, having the right OEM and export support can make all the difference between a one-time shipment and a sustainable brand. At Wiola Foods, we help companies build export-ready snack lines with clean recipes, certified processes and end-to-end logistics assistance. Whether you’re exporting bulk makhana or creating your own private-label range, we make the journey simpler, faster and fully compliant.