Sesame seeds (Til) are one of the oldest oilseed crops known to humanity, and India is currently the second-largest exporter in the world. But here is the catch: The global market is divided into two strict categories—"Commodity Grade" (for oil crushing) and "Premium Grade" (for baking/toppings).
If you want high margins, you must target the Premium Grade (Sortex Cleaned / Hulled) market in Europe, USA, and South Korea. These buyers pay top dollar but have zero tolerance for Salmonella or pesticide residue.
This guide covers the grades, sourcing hubs, and the critical IOPEPC compliance roadmap you need to follow.
1. Market Intelligence: The Numbers (2025 Outlook)
Global Demand: The market is booming due to the "Plant-Based Protein" and "Tahini" craze in the West.
Top Importers:
South Korea: A massive buyer via government tenders (at very specific prices).
USA: Huge demand for Hulled and Organic seeds for burger buns and health bars.
European Union (Germany/Netherlands): The highest-paying market but the hardest to enter due to strict Pesticide & Salmonella norms.
China: Imports raw seeds for crushing (lower margin).
Pricing Power:
Sourcing Cost (Mandi): ₹130 - ₹160 per kg (varies daily).
Export Price (FOB): $1,800 - $2,400 per Ton depending on purity (99.95% vs 99.99%).
2. The Product: Grades & HS Codes
Sesame seeds are classified by purity and processing level.
| Product Category | HS Code | Description & Use Case | Target Market |
| Natural White (99/1) | 1207 40 90 | 99% Pure, 1% Impurity. Standard grade for oil extraction or crushing. | China, Vietnam, Turkey |
| Sortex Cleaned | 1207 40 90 | 99.95% Purity. Machine cleaned, color-sorted. Used for bakery toppings. | USA, Russia, Europe |
| Hulled Sesame | 1207 40 90 | The outer skin (husk) is removed. Pure white, nutty taste. Used in Hamburgers & Tahini. | USA, Germany, Netherlands |
| Black Sesame | 1207 40 90 | Niche market. High medicinal value. | Japan, Taiwan |
3. Sourcing Hubs: The "Saurashtra" Monopoly
While grown across India, Gujarat is the undisputed hub for Export Quality sesame.
Unjha & Rajkot (Gujarat): The world's sesame capital. 80% of India's hulling and Sortex plants are located here. The weather is perfect for sun-drying (which Europeans prefer over auto-dried).
West Bengal: Produces a significant volume, often used for the domestic market or lower-grade exports.
Madhya Pradesh: Emerging hub for organic sesame cultivation.
4. Regulatory Compliance: The "Salmonella" Barrier
This is where 90% of new exporters get banned.
IOPEPC Membership: Mandatory. You must be registered with the Indian Oilseeds and Produce Export Promotion Council.
EU Exports (Strict):
Any shipment to the EU requires a Health Certificate and a Salmonella Analysis Report from an EIC-approved lab.
Warning: The EU has banned ETO (Ethylene Oxide) treatment. Do not use ETO sterilization for EU shipments; use Steam Sterilization instead.
USA Exports:
Requires FDA Registration.
Strict limits on pesticide residues (Glyphosate).
Phytosanitary Certificate: Mandatory for all countries to prove the cargo is pest-free.
5. Logistics & Packaging
Sesame seeds are high-value and sensitive to moisture.
Packaging:
Standard: 25kg / 50kg Poly Propylene (PP) Bags.
Premium: 25kg Multi-wall Paper Bags (for USA/EU bakeries).
Super Premium: Vacuum Packing (25kg) for Hulled seeds to prevent oxidation and rancidity.
Container:
Use Dry Containers lined with "Kraft Paper" and silica gel to absorb moisture ("Container Sweat").
Capacity: A 20ft container holds approx 19 Metric Tons.
6. Action Plan for Exporters
Don't Start with EU: The compliance cost and rejection risk are too high for beginners. Start with Vietnam or Turkey (easier norms) to build cash flow.
Visit Unjha: Go to the Unjha APMC market. Meet the "Processors" (hullers). You don't need to own a factory; you can buy processed seeds directly from them on a "White Label" basis.
Check the "Oil Content": International buyers ask for "Oil Content > 48%". Buy a portable oil tester or get a lab report before confirming the deal with the farmer.