How to Import Basmati Rice from India to Iran — Complete Buyer's Guide

Basmati rice is one of the largest Indian exports to Iran. Indian basmati — especially 1121 and Pusa varieties — is consumed in large quantities across Iranian households and the hospitality sector. Importing basmati from India requires attention to variety, grade, packaging, certification and documentation. This guide walks Iranian buyers through every step.

Why buy basmati from India

• India is the world's largest producer and exporter of basmati rice.
• Indian 1121 basmati is renowned for its extra-long grain, aroma and cooking quality.
• Indian basmati is well-known and trusted in the Iranian market.
• The India-Iran trade lane is mature, with regular vessel services from Mundra and Nhava Sheva to Bandar Abbas.
• Indian APEDA-registered packers meet the documentation standards Iranian customs requires.

Common challenges for Iranian importers

• Difficulty distinguishing between basmati varieties (1121, 1509, Traditional, Sugandha).
• Receiving lower-grade basmati mixed with non-basmati.
• Missing or outdated Certificate of Analysis (moisture, broken percentage, purity).
• Missing APEDA registration of the packer.
• Poor packaging leading to moisture damage in transit.
• Lack of pre-shipment inspection — quality disputes on arrival.

How Blueroute Exim solves this

• We source only from APEDA-registered packers.
• We coordinate samples for buyer approval before bulk production.
• We run pre-shipment inspection (AQL-based) on every shipment.
• We arrange lab testing (moisture, broken percentage, purity, aflatoxin, pesticide residues) at NABL-accredited labs.
• We prepare complete documents (invoice, packing list, BL, COO, COA, phytosanitary, health certificate).
• We ship from Mundra or Nhava Sheva to Bandar Abbas under FOB, CFR or CIF.

Basmati varieties and specifications

### 1121 Basmati (most exported to Iran) - Extra-long grain (8.4 mm average). - Aromatic, fluffy when cooked. - Available in steam, sella (parboiled), and raw white. - Broken percentage options: 0%, 2%, 5%, 10%, etc.

### Pusa 1121 - Similar to 1121 but slightly shorter grain. - More economical; preferred for value-conscious buyers.

### 1509 Basmati - Shorter grain than 1121. - Faster cooking; more economical. - Suitable for institutional and HORECA buyers.

### Traditional Basmati (Taraori, Ranbir) - The original basmati varieties. - Premium aroma and flavour. - Limited production; higher price.

### Sugandha (basmati-like) - A non-basmati long-grain rice with basmati-like aroma. - More economical; suitable for budget-conscious segments.

Typical specifications

• Average grain length: 8.0–8.5 mm (1121).
• Moisture: max 12%.
• Broken percentage: 0%, 2%, 5%, 10%, etc.
• Discoloured grains: max 1%.
• Purity: min 95% (DNA test on request).
• Foreign matter: max 0.5%.
• Aflatoxin: within EU/destination limits.
• Pesticide residues: within MRLs.

Packaging options

• PP woven bags: 5kg, 10kg, 20kg, 25kg, 50kg.
• Jute bags (premium, traditional look): 25kg, 50kg.
• Vacuum packs (premium retail): 1kg, 2kg, 5kg.
• Private-label packaging with buyer artwork (subject to MOQ and plate charges).

MOQ and container loading

• MOQ: typically 1 FCL (one 20ft container).
• Loading: approximately 19–25 MT per 20ft container (depends on bag size and stacking).
• For private label: MOQ is higher (typically 5 MT per SKU).

Step-by-step import process

1. 1**Send your enquiry** with variety, grade, broken percentage, packaging, target quantity, target port (Bandar Abbas).
2. 2**Receive a Proforma Invoice** from Blueroute Exim with HS code (100630), country of origin, total value, payment terms.
3. 3**Approve the PI** and arrange payment (advance TT, 50% + 50%, LC at sight, or rupee payment).
4. 4**Sample approval** (if first order).
5. 5**Production** at the APEDA-registered packer.
6. 6**Pre-shipment inspection** through SGS, Intertek, Bureau Veritas, Cotecna or TÜV.
7. 7**Lab testing** for moisture, broken, purity, aflatoxin, pesticide residues.
8. 8**Stuffing and shipping** from Mundra or Nhava Sheva.
9. 9**Documents delivered** — bank-to-bank under LC; courier under advance; telex release if requested.
10. 10**Clearance at Bandar Abbas** using the document set.

Required documents

• Commercial invoice (HS code 100630, country of origin).
• Packing list.
• Bill of Lading.
• Certificate of Origin (issued by APEDA or FIEO).
• Certificate of Analysis (moisture, broken, purity, aflatoxin, pesticides).
• Phytosanitary certificate.
• Health certificate.
• APEDA registration copy (of the packer).
• Pre-shipment inspection certificate (if requested).
• Insurance certificate (under CIF).

Payment — bank compliant only

• Advance TT.
• 50% advance + 50% before BL release.
• LC at sight.
• Rupee payment through permitted Iranian bank accounts.

No crypto. No hawala.

Quality assurance

• APEDA-registered packers only.
• Sample approval before bulk production.
• Independent PSI on every shipment.
• Lab testing at NABL-accredited labs.
• Stuffing photographs and seal numbers shared with the buyer.

Why choose Blueroute Exim

• Single-point India-side partner for basmati sourcing.
• APEDA-registered packer network.
• Independent PSI and lab testing on every shipment.
• Iran-ready Proforma Invoice for LC opening.
• Bank-compliant payment only.
• Based in Surat, Gujarat — close to Mundra and Nhava Sheva.
• Business hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM IST.
• Contact: +91 93132 01754, info@bluerouteexim.in.

Key Takeaways

• 1121 basmati is the most exported variety to Iran.
• Buy from APEDA-registered packers only.
• Insist on COA, phytosanitary and health certificate.
• Run PSI before shipment — non-negotiable.
• Bank-compliant payment (TT, LC, rupee) is the only safe route.

If you want to import basmati rice from India to Iran, contact Blueroute Exim at info@bluerouteexim.in or +91 93132 01754.