How to export coir pith from india?

According to the Coir Board of India, coir pith exports have shown significant growth in recent years due to rising global demand for eco-friendly growing media.

In 2022–23, coir pith exports from India crossed INR 2,000 crores (~USD 250 million) in value, making it one of the top exported coir products.

Major importers of Indian coir pith include the USA, Netherlands, China, South Korea, and Australia.

The increasing shift towards organic farming, sustainable horticulture, and soilless cultivation methods worldwide has fueled demand.

With better processing technology (washing, drying, and compressing), Indian manufacturers are now offering premium-quality low EC cocopeat, boosting exports further.

• Importer-Exporter Code (IEC): A mandatory registration with the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). The IEC is a unique code required for any business engaged in international trade – you cannot export without it​.
  
  Obtain the IEC by applying online through the DGFT portal; it’s a one-time registration that will be used on all export documents and customs filings.
• Coir Board Registration (RCMC): Coir pith falls under the coir industry, so exporters should register with the Coir Board’s Export Promotion Council (CEPC). This involves obtaining a Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) from the Coir Board, which certifies you as a coir products exporter​.
  The RCMC is often required to avail export incentives and to comply with industry regulations. (In contrast, APEDA registration – under the Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority – is generally not required for coir pith, since coir is not a food or edible product. Coir exporters are governed by the Coir Board rather than APEDA.) Make sure to follow the Coir Board’s registration process, which includes submitting your IEC, business documents, and a code of conduct form. Once registered, you become a member of the Coir Board and can access its resources for exporters.
• Goods and Services Tax (GST): Ensure your business has an active GST registration number (if you operate as a proprietorship or company in India)​
  While exports are zero-rated under GST (meaning you can claim refunds on input taxes), having a GSTIN is important for official invoices and for claiming any tax refunds or export incentives.
• FSSAI License (Food Export License): Not applicable in most cases. Coir pith is not a food item, so you do not need a license from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to export it. (FSSAI is only required for food or edible products.) This simplifies compliance, as coir pith is treated as an agricultural/horticultural product rather than a consumable.
• Other Compliance: Adhere to any other industry-specific standards or local laws. For example, if you operate a manufacturing unit, maintain your factory license or SSI/Udyam registration (for MSME) as applicable. Though not specific to exports, these ensure your business is properly registered domestically. Additionally, stay aware of quality standards for coir – exporters are expected to meet quality norms (such as limits on moisture and impurities) set by the Coir Board or international buyers. Having quality certifications (if available) can boost credibility, though they may not be legally required.
   Source- professionalutilities.com

• Commercial Invoice: This is the bill for the goods, issued by the exporter to the foreign buyer. It lists details of the sale – description of coir pith (e.g. “Washed Coir Pith Blocks”), quantity, unit price, total value, currency, terms of sale (INCOTERMS), buyer and seller details, invoice number and date. Customs uses the commercial invoice to assess the value of the shipment. Ensure the HS Code (Harmonized System code) for coir pith is correctly mentioned (for example, coir pith is often classified under HS Code 53050040 ) so that customs applies the proper tariff and any export incentives.
• Packing List: A comprehensive breakdown of all items included in the shipment.. It itemizes the number of packages, type of packaging (e.g. 5 kg blocks on pallets or compressed bales), gross and net weight, and dimensions. The packing list helps customs and the freight forwarder verify the cargo and is used by the importer to tally goods on arrival. It should correspond exactly with how the goods are packed. For instance, if you are sending 20 pallets each containing 200 coir pith blocks, the packing list will note the number of pallets and blocks per pallet, as well as total weight. 
• Bill of Lading (B/L): Issued by the shipping line or freight forwarder for sea shipments (or an Air Waybill for air shipments). The Bill of Lading is a transport document that serves as proof of shipment, a receipt for the cargo, and a document of title. It contains details like the vessel name, voyage, loading port (e.g. Chennai or Cochin port in India), destination port, container number (if containerized), and details of the cargo (often referencing the invoice and packing list). The B/L is required by the importer to claim the goods at destination and is an important document in payment settlements (especially if using Letter of Credit or bank collection). Make sure the B/L details match the commercial invoice/packing list (e.g., product description, package count)​
  
• Phytosanitary Certificate: Since coir pith is an organic plant product, a Phytosanitary Certificate from the Plant Quarantine authorities in India is mandatory​.
  This certificate confirms that the coir pith has been inspected and is free from harmful pests, diseases, and weed seeds. To obtain it, you must apply to the local agricultural quarantine office (often located near major ports or airports) for an inspection. An officer will inspect a sample of your coir pith (and they may require the product to be fumigated or treated if necessary) and then issue the certificate. The certificate will accompany your shipment and is often required by the agriculture/plant health department of the importing country before they allow entry of the goods.
  ​(source of info-  exportimportdata.in)

Tip: Schedule the phytosanitary inspection in advance of shipping – the process may include fumigation or treatment, so build this into your timeline. Using fumigated pallets or containers can help satisfy quarantine requirements​.

• Certificate of Origin (COO): This document certifies that the coir pith originates in India. Many importers or customs authorities require a COO for customs clearance or to avail preferential tariff rates (if a trade agreement applies). You can obtain the Certificate of Origin from authorized agencies like the Indian Chamber of Commerce or directly from the Coir Board/CEPC (if they are authorized to issue it). There are two types: a non-preferential COO (general proof of origin) and a preferential COO (for specific trade agreements where Indian goods get tariff concessions). For most coir pith exports, a non-preferential COO issued by a chamber of commerce is standard. It will list the exporter, consignee, product, and certify the country of origin as India.
• Coir Board Approval/RCMC Copy: While not a shipping document per se, it’s wise to have a copy of your Coir Board registration certificate (RCMC) on hand. Customs may not ask for it for each shipment, but it proves you are a registered coir exporter. Additionally, if there are any export incentive claims (duty drawback, RoDTEP, etc.), having the RCMC is usually required to claim those benefits. Include your RCMC number in the shipping documents if there’s a field for exporter licensing/registration. The Coir Board (through the Export Promotion Council) mandates that all coir product exporters hold this membership​.
  Being able to show this certificate can also reassure buyers that you are an accredited exporter under the national coir authority.

1. Product Preparation and Quality Control: Start by processing the coir pith to meet export-quality standards. Coir pith intended for export should be thoroughly washed to remove excess salts and then sun-dried to reduce moisture content​.
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   Buyers typically expect low Electrical Conductivity (EC) in the coir (indicating low salt content) and moisture usually below 15-20%. Achieving a moisture level under about 18% prevents mold growth and ensures the material is dry enough for fumigation and shipping​.
   After drying, sift or sieve the coir pith to remove any large particles or impurities, unless you are producing a specific mix. Quality control at this stage is crucial – test random samples for moisture and EC. Many international buyers will request specifications or lab reports, so maintaining consistent quality will help in building trust. Once the coir pith is clean and dry, compress it into exportable forms. This usually means using hydraulic presses to compress the loose coir pith into briquettes or blocks of desired size. Common formats are small 650 g briquettes (for retail or hobbyist use) and 5 kg blocks (for bulk horticultural use)​.
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   Blocks or briquettes greatly reduce the volume, making them cost-effective to ship. They can be rehydrated by end users to expand into many times their compressed volume. Ensure the compressed blocks hold together well and are properly sized and shaped as per buyer requirements.
2. Packaging and Labeling: Proper packaging protects the coir pith in transit and makes handling easier for both shippers and buyers. Compressed coir pith blocks are typically either shrink-wrapped and palletized or packed loose in containers depending on buyer preference and order size. For many exports, a common method is to stack a number of 5kg blocks on a pallet (for example, 200 blocks per pallet) and then stretch-wrap the pallet to secure the load. This makes loading and unloading faster via forklift. Smaller briquettes (650 g) might be packed in bags or cartons (e.g. 20 briquettes in a plastic-wrapped bundle), and then those bags/cartons are palletized or put into larger outer bags. If not using pallets, blocks can also be loaded as bare blocks tightly into the container (often called floor-loading) to maximize space. Labeling each package is very important. Each block or bale should ideally have a label or stencil indicating: the product name/grade (e.g. “Washed Low EC Coir Pith”), the weight or volume, moisture content, batch number (for traceability), and the exporter’s name, address, and “Made in India” country of origin​.
   Pallets should have markings showing pallet number (e.g. 1/20, 2/20, etc.) and content. Clear labeling helps both customs and the buyer to identify the product quickly. It’s also a good practice to include handling instructions on the labels or on the packing (for example, “Store in a dry place” or “Break brick apart and add water to expand” for end users). Use sturdy packaging material – UV-stabilized plastic wraps or bags are common, which resist tearing and also protect against moisture during transit. Where possible, use eco-friendly packaging materials (many buyers appreciate sustainable packaging in line with the product’s eco-friendly nature)​.
   Before sealing the packages, do a final check for foreign matter (like stones or metal) in the blocks and ensure weight consistency.
3. Choosing the Shipping Mode and Logistics Partner: Decide on the mode of transport and arrange the logistics. Sea freight is the most cost-effective mode for coir pith in bulk, since the product is heavy and voluminous​.
   A standard 40-foot shipping container can carry around 20–25 metric tons of compressed coir pith (exact loadability depends on block size and compression ratio). If the order is large (full container load or multiple containers), sea shipment from an Indian port (like Cochin, Tuticorin, Chennai, etc., which are close to coir-producing regions) will be ideal. Air freight is generally uneconomical for coir pith except for very small, urgent shipments or sample consignments, due to the weight-to-value ratio​.
   Next, selecting a reliable freight forwarder or shipping agent is crucial. A good logistics partner will help book vessel space, handle documentation, and guide you on freight rates and schedules. They can also assist in consolidating shipments if you are not sending a full container. Look for a forwarder experienced in agricultural or horticultural commodities. Obtain freight quotes and schedules for the shipping route to your buyer’s destination – for example, a transit time to Los Angeles might be different than to Rotterdam. Once you decide, book the container space in advance, especially during peak season. Coordinate with the forwarder on the container arrangement: whether you’ll get an empty container to your factory for loading (factory stuffing) or if you will deliver the cargo to a warehouse or port CFS (Container Freight Station) for stuffing. 

Tip: Always use fumigated containers or pallets for loading coir pith​.
Before loading, the empty container should be clean, dry, and pest-free; liners can be used on the floor if needed. If required by the destination country or buyer, have the container fumigated (and get a fumigation certificate) after stuffing – though typically the Phytosanitary Certificate covers pest control, certain countries or importers might request separate fumigation. During loading, pack the blocks tightly and efficiently to maximize space utilization​.

Coir pith blocks are lightweight relative to their volume, so the challenge is often to pack as much as possible until you hit the weight limit or fill the container to capacity. Stack the blocks/pallets in a stable manner to avoid shifting in transit. Use straps or ropes to secure the load if floor-loaded. Seal and lock the container once loading is complete. Ensure all labeling (container number, seal number) is recorded accurately in the Bill of Lading. Coordinating closely with your freight forwarder at this stage will ensure the container is delivered to port on time for the booked vessel.

Customs Clearance and Export Dispatch: With the product packed and the container ready, you must clear the goods through Indian Customs before they can be shipped. This involves filing a Shipping Bill (the export declaration) online through the ICEGATE system (Indian Customs’ electronic portal) or via a customs broker (CHA). In the shipping bill, you will declare the goods (with HS code 53050040, description “Coir pith, compressed blocks”, etc.), value, quantity, and attach the required documents like the invoice, packing list, contract, etc. At the port, customs officers may inspect the shipment to verify the contents against the documents. They will especially look at the Phytosanitary Certificate to ensure plant quarantine requirements are met​.
, since coir pith is a plant product. Be prepared for a possible physical examination: customs or plant quarantine officials might take a sample of coir pith to ensure it is free from pests or excessive moisture. If all is in order, customs will issue a “Let Export Order” (LEO) which means the shipment is cleared for export. Your freight forwarder or agent will then collect the customs-cleared documents and ensure the container is loaded onto the intended vessel. Once the vessel sails, the shipping line will issue the final Bill of Lading, which you will need to forward to the buyer (often along with copies of the other documents) for them to clear the goods on arrival. Keep track of the shipment’s status using the container number or B/L number; inform your buyer of the ETA (expected arrival time) at destination. Good communication with the buyer and the shipping agent at this stage helps prevent any surprises. Finally, handle the post-shipment paperwork: submit the export documents to your bank if it’s an LC or bank collection transaction, file for GST refunds or duty drawback if eligible, and maintain all records.