The global haircare market is experiencing a massive shift towards "Kitchen Ayurveda," and Onion Hair Oil is currently the hottest commodity. Thanks to brands like Wow Skin Science and Mamaearth educating the global consumer, the demand for Indian Red Onion Oil (rich in Sulfur & Potassium) has exploded in the USA, UAE, and Southeast Asia.
However, exporting hair oil is tricky. It is a "Liquid Cosmetic," which means you face two nightmares: Leakage during transit and Strict Labeling Laws (FDA/EU).
This guide covers the market data, HS codes, formulation strategies (masking the smell), and the compliance roadmap for 2025.
1. Market Intelligence: The Numbers (2025)
Global Demand: The global Onion Oil market is growing at a CAGR of 9-10%.1
Top Importers:
USA: The largest buyer. Huge demand for "Sulfate-Free" and "Paraben-Free" onion oil blends.
UAE & Saudi Arabia: Culturally familiar with oiling; high demand for "Strong Hair" marketing claims.
Malaysia & Singapore: Strong market for herbal/ayurvedic haircare.
UK/Europe: Growing niche, but requires strict CPSR (Cosmetic Product Safety Report).
Key Trend: The market has moved beyond pure onion oil.2 The current bestseller is "Onion + Black Seed (Kalonji) + Redensyl". If your product is just plain onion oil, it won't sell.
2. The Product: HS Codes & Classification
Hair oil falls under "Cosmetics," not "Edible Oils."3 Using the wrong code (like vegetable oil) to save duty will get your shipment seized.
| Product Category | HS Code | Description | Export Incentives |
| Herbal Hair Oil | 3305 90 19 | Preparations for use on hair (Other). Use this for Export. | RoDTEP benefits available (~0.5% - 1%) |
| Perfumed Hair Oil | 3305 90 11 | Specifically for highly fragranced oils (e.g., Jasmine). | - |
The "Smell" Barrier:
The #1 consumer complaint about Onion Oil is the pungent smell.
Export Strategy: You cannot export raw cold-pressed onion juice oil. You must formulate it with Essential Oils (Rosemary, Lavender, or Sandalwood) to mask the sulfur smell. Western buyers will return the product if it smells like a salad.
3. Sourcing Hubs: Contract Manufacturing (Private Label)
You do not need to set up a factory. India has world-class Third-Party Manufacturers (Contract Fillers) who will make the oil, put your label on it, and box it.4
Ahmedabad & Surat (Gujarat): The hub for "Herbal & Ayurvedic" cosmetics.
Pros: Very low MOQs (Minimum Order Quantity) – sometimes as low as 500-1000 pieces.
Baddi (Himachal Pradesh): The "Pharma Capital."
Pros: Large scale, FDA-compliant factories. Best for big volume orders (5000+ units).
Delhi/Noida: Good for premium packaging and essential oil blends.
4. Regulatory Compliance: The "FDA" & "EU" Trap
Exporting cosmetics requires strict documentation.
A. USA (MoCRA Act 2024):
Facility Registration: Your Indian manufacturer must be registered with the US FDA.5
Ingredient Listing: All ingredients must be listed in descending order of weight. You cannot just say "Herbal Extracts." You must say "Allium Cepa (Onion) Bulb Extract".
Claims: Do NOT claim "Cures Baldness" (Medical Drug claim). Claim "Helps Reduce Hair Breakage" (Cosmetic claim).
B. European Union (The Hardest Market):
Responsible Person (RP): You need a legal representative in Europe.
CPSR: You must pay a lab to generate a Cosmetic Product Safety Report proving the product is safe.6
Allergens: If you use fragrance, you must declare specific allergens (like Limonene, Linalool) on the label.
C. Middle East (ESMA):
Requires GSO Standard compliance and Halal Certification (preferred).
5. Logistics: The "Leakage" Nightmare
Oil leaks. Air pressure changes in planes or heat in sea containers will pop caps open.
Induction Sealing: MANDATORY. Every bottle must have an aluminum foil seal (wadded) on the mouth.
Shrink Wrap: The neck of the bottle should be shrink-wrapped.
Pump vs. Cap: Pumps look premium but leak easily. If shipping with a pump, use a "Locking Clip" or ship the pump separately in the box and seal the bottle with a flat cap.
6. Action Plan for Exporters
Start with "Private Label": Find a manufacturer in Gujarat. Ask for their "Stock Formula" for Onion Hair Oil. Don't waste money inventing a new formula.
Focus on Packaging: In the USA, the bottle sells the oil. Use Amber or Blue bottles (looks apothecary/medical) with a premium dropper or comb applicator.
Lab Reports: Get a "Microbial Limit Test" and "Heavy Metal Test" report from an NABL lab in India before shipping. Amazon FBA will ask for this.