Complete guide for Iranian buyers importing Indian sugar — ICUMSA 45, 100, 150, S-30, L-31 grades, specifications, packaging, MOQ, PSI, documents and shipping to Bandar Abbas.
Sugar is one of the most traded commodities between India and Iran. Indian refined white sugar (ICUMSA 45), S-30 and L-31 grades are widely imported by Iranian food and beverage manufacturers and traders. This guide walks Iranian buyers through every step of importing sugar from India.
Why buy sugar from India
- India is one of the world's largest sugar producers.
- Indian refineries produce high-quality ICUMSA 45 refined sugar.
- Indian S-30 and L-31 grades are competitively priced.
- The India-Iran trade lane is well-established with regular vessel services.
- Indian packers can pack in 50kg PP bags, 1 MT jumbo bags or private-label consumer packs.
Common challenges for Iranian importers
- Not understanding the difference between ICUMSA grades.
- Receiving sugar with high moisture or high ICUMSA (less white).
- Poor packaging leading to caking in transit.
- Missing Certificate of Analysis.
- Supplier not authorised to export sugar (DGFT policy).
- No PSI — quality disputes on arrival.
How Blueroute Exim solves this
- We source from authorised sugar mills and refineries.
- We coordinate samples for buyer approval.
- We run PSI and lab testing (ICUMSA, moisture, polarisation, sulphur dioxide, grain size).
- We prepare complete documents (invoice, packing list, BL, COO, COA, health certificate).
- We ship from Mundra, Kandla or Nhava Sheva to Bandar Abbas.
Sugar grades and specifications
### ICUMSA 45 (refined white sugar) - ICUMSA: max 45 (very white). - Polarisation: min 99.8%. - Moisture: max 0.04%. - Grain size: fine (0.5–0.8 mm) or medium (0.8–1.2 mm). - Sulphur dioxide: max 20 ppm. - Use: food, beverage, confectionery, pharma.
### ICUMSA 100 (plantation white) - ICUMSA: max 100. - Polarisation: min 99.5%. - Moisture: max 0.05%. - Use: food, beverage, industrial.
### ICUMSA 150 - ICUMSA: max 150. - Polarisation: min 99.3%. - Use: industrial, fermentation.
### S-30 / L-31 (Indian medium-white) - Indian grade names for medium-white sugar. - ICUMSA typically 100–200. - Use: everyday consumption, beverage, bakery.
Packaging options
- PP woven bags with inner polyliner: 25kg, 50kg.
- Jumbo bags (FIBC): 1 MT.
- Consumer retail packs (private label): 1kg, 2kg, 5kg.
MOQ and container loading
- MOQ: 1 FCL (one 20ft container).
- Loading: approximately 25 MT per 20ft (50kg PP bags); approximately 25–28 MT (1 MT jumbo bags).
- For multiple FCLs, ship in break-bulk or full vessel loads for very large buyers.
Step-by-step import process
- 1**Send your enquiry** with grade, ICUMSA, packaging, target quantity, target port (Bandar Abbas).
- 2**Receive a Proforma Invoice** with HS code (170199), country of origin, total value, payment terms.
- 3**Approve the PI** and arrange payment.
- 4**Sample approval** (if first order).
- 5**Production / packing** at the authorised sugar mill or refinery.
- 6**Pre-shipment inspection** and lab testing.
- 7**Stuffing and shipping** from Mundra, Kandla or Nhava Sheva.
- 8**Documents delivered**.
- 9**Clearance at Bandar Abbas**.
Required documents
- Commercial invoice (HS code 170199, country of origin).
- Packing list.
- Bill of Lading.
- Certificate of Origin.
- Certificate of Analysis (ICUMSA, moisture, polarisation, SO2, grain size).
- Health certificate.
- DGFT authorisation (where applicable for current sugar export policy).
- 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
- Authorised sugar mills and refineries only.
- Sample approval before bulk packing.
- Independent PSI on every shipment.
- Lab testing at NABL-accredited labs.
- Stuffing photographs and seal numbers shared.
Why choose Blueroute Exim
- Single-point India-side partner for sugar sourcing.
- Authorised sugar mill 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 Kandla.
- Business hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM IST.
- Contact: +91 93132 01754, info@bluerouteexim.in.
Key Takeaways
- ICUMSA 45 is the whitest, most refined sugar.
- S-30 / L-31 are Indian grade names for medium-white sugar.
- Buy from authorised mills only — DGFT policy changes periodically.
- Insist on COA and PSI.
- Bank-compliant payment (TT, LC, rupee) is the only safe route.
If you want to import sugar from India to Iran, contact Blueroute Exim at info@bluerouteexim.in or +91 93132 01754.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ICUMSA and why does it matter?
ICUMSA (International Commission for Uniform Methods of Sugar Analysis) measures the whiteness / purity of sugar. ICUMSA 45 is the whitest, most refined; ICUMSA 100 and 150 are less refined; S-30 and L-31 are Indian grade names for medium-white sugar.
Which sugar grade is most exported to Iran?
ICUMSA 45 (refined white sugar) and S-30 / L-31 (Indian medium-white) are the most common exports to Iran. ICUMSA 100 is also exported for industrial buyers.
What is the typical MOQ for sugar?
MOQ is typically 1 FCL (one 20ft container, approximately 25 MT in 50kg PP bags). For larger buyers, multiple FCLs or break-bulk shipments are viable.
Is Indian sugar export subject to government policy changes?
Yes. India periodically restricts or permits sugar exports based on domestic availability. Always check current DGFT policy before confirming a shipment. Blueroute Exim confirms current policy before issuing the PI.
What packaging is most common for sugar exports to Iran?
PP woven bags with inner polyliner of 25kg, 50kg or 1 MT jumbo bags (FIBC). For retail, smaller consumer packs (1kg, 2kg, 5kg) are also used.