Building BusinessServices

Section 14

Paper, paperboard and packaging

India’s exports: 2,694.75 US$ million · 2025-26 (provisional)

HS codes
3
top markets
5

How to start

  1. Get an Import Export Code (IEC) from DGFT online; it is free and linked to your PAN.
  2. Register with CAPEXIL and get your RCMC (Registration-cum-Membership Certificate) through the DGFT e-RCMC system.
  3. Paper bags, moulded pulp and printed cartons are growing as buyers replace plastic packaging.
  4. Handmade paper products sell through gift and stationery importers.

Top buyer countries

  1. United States145.98 US$ million · 2025-26
  2. United Kingdom26.39 US$ million · 2025-26
  3. United Arab Emirates26.22 US$ million · 2025-26
  4. Netherlands14.17 US$ million · 2025-26
  5. Greece10.69 US$ million · 2025-26

Certificates and registrations

  • CAPEXIL RCMC (paper and board)
  • FSC chain-of-custody certificate asked by many retail buyers
  • Food-contact compliance for cups, plates and food packaging

Watch out for

  • Freight on bulky cartons is costly; quote FOB and check volume before quoting CIF.
  • Kraft paper and waste paper prices swing.

Businesses in the encyclopedia

Corrugated Box Unit →Paper Bag Making →Moulded Pulp Packing (Egg and Fruit Trays) →Sustainable Gift Packaging Trading →

Sources (3)
  1. TradeStat, Department of Commerce — Export: Principal Commodity-wise, April–March 2026 (provisional), US$ million — row "J9, PAPER, PAPER BOARD AND PRODUCT"
  2. TradeStat (Export Import Data Bank), Department of Commerce — Commodity-wise all countries export, HS 4819, 2025-26, US$ million · 2025-26
  3. HBP Appendix 2T — List of EPCs / Commodity Boards (DGFT), via research/export-import.json · 2023