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🍜 NoodleExport Pro
🌍 Export Guide 2024
How to Export Instant Noodles from India - Complete Real Guide
Learn the complete process from sourcing low-cost noodles to finding international buyers. Everything you need to start your instant noodles export business.
Step 1: Where to Source Instant Noodles from India
Finding reliable suppliers at the best prices across India
Direct from Manufacturers
Best for: Large bulk orders
Suppliers: Ramen Food, Bhagwati Biscuits, local noodle manufacturers in Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat
Price Range: ₹8-12 per pack (wholesale)
Minimum Order: 5,000-10,000 cartons
Distributors & Wholesalers
Best for: Medium quantities
Locations: Delhi, Mumbai, Pune wholesale markets
Price Range: ₹10-15 per pack
Minimum Order: 1,000-5,000 cartons
Advantage: Flexible terms and logistics support
Online B2B Platforms
Platforms: IndiaMART, TradeKey, Alibaba China alternatives
Verification: Check certifications and reviews
Price Range: ₹9-14 per pack
Advantage: Compare multiple suppliers quickly
Popular Noodle Brands in India
Top Brands: Maggi, Yippee, Sunfeast, Wai Wai
Private Labels: Available from manufacturers
Organic Options: Growing demand internationally
Strategy: Consider generic brands for better margins
💡 Pro Tip: Sourcing Strategy
Start by getting 3-4 quotations from different suppliers. Compare unit cost, packaging, delivery time, and payment terms. Many exporters negotiate 8-12% discount for regular bulk purchases. Join the FTCCI (Federation of Tamil Nadu Trade and Industry) or CII for supplier connections.
Step 2: Manufacturing vs. Trading - Which Model to Choose?
Compare the two main business models for noodle exports
| Factor | Manufacturing Model | Trading/Sourcing Model |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Investment | ₹50 lakhs - ₹1 crore+ | ₹5-20 lakhs |
| Time to Start | 6-12 months (approvals) | 2-4 weeks |
| Profit Margin | 25-40% | 15-25% |
| Quality Control | Full control | Depends on supplier |
| Licensing Required | FSSAI, Factory Act, Pollution Control | IEC, GST, APEDA |
| Customization | Brand packaging, flavors possible | Limited to supplier's offerings |
| Scalability | High - can increase production | High - just need more working capital |
| Best For | Long-term brand building | Quick market entry, quick profits |
✅ Recommendation for Beginners
Start with the Trading Model. Source from established manufacturers, get your APEDA registration and IEC code, and begin exporting. Once you establish buyer relationships and understand market demand, you can invest in manufacturing for better margins and control.
Step 3: Competitive Pricing Analysis
Understanding costs and pricing for international markets
India Domestic Wholesale
₹9-12
per pack (400g)
- Retail pack (70-80g): ₹2-4
- Carton (30 packs): ₹270-360
- Export minimum: 5,000 cartons
Export FOB India
$0.12-0.18
USD per pack (70g retail)
- Includes: product + packaging + carton
- Containers: 20ft = 1.2 lakh packs
- Shipping added later
International Retail Price
$0.50-1.20
USD per pack (retail)
- Africa: $0.50-0.70
- Middle East: $0.80-1.20
- USA/Europe: $1.00-1.50
📊 Sample Export Calculation
Order: 20ft container = 120,000 packs (70g each)
Cost per pack (FOB): $0.15
Total product cost: $18,000
Shipping (India to Africa): $1,200-1,500
Documentation/clearing: $200-300
Total cost in Africa: ~$19,500
Retail selling at: $0.60 = $72,000
Gross profit: ~$52,500 (73% margin!)
Step 4: Complete Export Process & Documentation
Legal requirements and step-by-step procedure
1
Get IEC Code
Apply at DGFT portal. Required for all exports. Takes 3-5 days online. No cost.
2
Get APEDA Registration
Agricultural Products Export Development Authority. Essential for food items. Application at apeda.gov.in. 7-10 days.
3
GST Registration
If not already done. Export falls under 0% GST but registration needed for input tax credit.
4
Source Products
Get quotation from suppliers. Verify FSSAI compliance and quality certifications. Arrange payment terms.
5
Find Buyers
Use Volza.com to find international buyers. Join trade fairs. Connect through agents. Use email marketing.
6
Get Purchase Order
Finalize terms: price, quantity, payment (LC or 50% advance), delivery timeline, packaging specs.
7
Arrange Logistics
Book with freight forwarder. Get shipping quotes. Arrange export customs clearance from port of origin.
8
Health Certificates
Get from FSSAI inspection. Certificate of Origin from Chamber of Commerce. Required for food items.
9
Customs Declaration
File shipping bill at customs. HS Code for noodles: 1902.19. Declaration through licensed customs broker.
10
Ship & Track
Goods loaded on vessel. Get AWB/BL. Share tracking details with buyer. Manage payment receipt.
Step 5: How to Find International Buyers
Real channels and strategies for connecting with buyers worldwide
Volza B2B Platform
Why Best: Database of 40+ million importers
How: Find African, Middle Eastern, Asian importers searching for noodles
Cost: Plans from ₹5,000/month
Discount: Get $100 OFF via our link
ROI: Usually 1-2 buyers per month
Trade Fairs & Exhibitions
Events: Sial Paris, Gulfood Dubai, IFE London
Cost: ₹2-5 lakhs for booth
Advantage: Meet 100+ potential buyers
Best for: Establishing credibility and getting multiple enquiries
Email Marketing & Cold Outreach
Process: Find importers on Google, LinkedIn, Yellow Pages
Message: Personalized product offer with pricing
Response Rate: 1-3% typically
Cost: Nearly free (time investment)
Export Agents & Distributors
Role: Connect you with retail buyers
Commission: 5-15% on sales
Find: Contact chambers of commerce in target countries
Advantage: Handle local documentation & relationships
LinkedIn & Social Media
Strategy: Join import/export groups
Post: Product updates, testimonials
Connect: With food importers directly
Cost: Free but requires consistency
WhatsApp & Direct Contact
Channels: Business directories for target countries
Message: Quick product info + pricing + samples offer
Follow-up: 2-3 times over 2 weeks
Conversion: 1 in 20 typically
🎯 Top Buyer Markets for Indian Noodles
Africa (High Demand): Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Ghana - prefer budget brands
Middle East: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait - premium packaging appreciated
Asia: Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal - similar taste preference
Diaspora Markets: USA, Canada, UK - Indian community buying Indian brands
Required Licenses & Certifications
Complete checklist for legal compliance
IEC Code (Importer-Exporter Code)
Authority: DGFT
Time: 3-5 days online
Cost: Free
Validity: Permanent (until cancelled)
Process: Self-registration at dgft.gov.in
APEDA Registration
Authority: Ministry of Commerce
Time: 7-10 days
Cost: ₹3,000-5,000
Requirement: Mandatory for food exports
Process: Online at apeda.gov.in
GST Registration
Authority: State GST dept
Time: 5-7 days
Cost: Free
Importance: For export benefits & rebates
Export Rate: 0% (IGST not applicable)
FSSAI Certificate
For: Manufacturing/sourcing food
Type: Basic or State license
Cost: ₹2,000-5,000
From: Your supplier's FSSAI certificate
Use: Health certificates for customs
Certificate of Origin (CoO)
Authority: Chamber of Commerce
Time: 1-2 days
Cost: ₹200-500
Requirement: For FTAs & preferences
Importance: Reduces buyer's import duties
Quality Certifications
Types: ISO 22000, BRC, Halal
From: Supplier's certifications
Cost: Share from supplier
Advantage: Increases buyer confidence
Markets: Halal needed in Middle East
Common Challenges & Solutions
Real obstacles you'll face and how to overcome them
Working Capital Shortage
Challenge: Buyer wants payment after delivery, but supplier wants upfront payment
Solution: Use EXIM bank financing, letter of credit from buyer, or find suppliers offering 30-day credit terms
Logistics & Shipping Costs
Challenge: Shipping to Africa/Middle East can be ₹1-2 lakhs per container
Solution: Join consolidation shipments, negotiate with forwarders, build volume for better rates
Finding Reliable Buyers
Challenge: 80% of enquiries are not serious orders
Solution: Ask for bank references, use credit checks, start with smaller orders, use escrow payment
Quality Control Issues
Challenge: Buyer rejects shipment due to damaged/expired stock
Solution: Inspect before shipment, get insurance, clear quality standards in PO, maintain documentation
Regulatory Compliance
Challenge: Each country has different food standards
Solution: Get certifications from buyer's country requirements, maintain test reports, hire customs broker familiar with destination
Language & Communication
Challenge: Buyers speak different languages
Solution: Use translation apps, hire part-time translator, document everything in writing, video calls for clarity
Ready to Start Your Noodle Export Business?
Follow this 30-day action plan: Week 1 - Get registrations (IEC, APEDA), Week 2 - Source products & get quotes, Week 3 - Join Volza & find buyers, Week 4 - Get your first orders and start exporting!
