Indian onions, graded for buyers in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka grows red onion but imports large (big) onion, much of it from India.

Red onions supplied by minimum bulb size. Three sizes cover what organised retail and distribution buyers most often request. Ships under HS 0703.10 (fresh or chilled onions and shallots).

Short sea crossing into Colombo.

• Entry: Port of Colombo

We quote on Ex Works (EXW) and Free On Board (FOB): our responsibility ends at the Indian port or border point, and the onward leg is the buyer's. Import clearance in Sri Lanka is regulated by the National Plant Quarantine Service (NPQS), Department of Agriculture.

India controls onion exports with the domestic crop: they were banned from December 2023 to May 2024, then allowed with a minimum export price and a duty. Since 1 April 2025 there has been no export duty and no minimum export price. The policy can change at short notice, so we confirm the current DGFT position on the day we quote.

• The importer needs an NPQS import permit before the goods ship.
• Any additional declarations the permit asks for are written on India's phytosanitary certificate, which goes with every consignment.
• Clearance needs the original permit, the original phytosanitary certificate and any treatment certificate the permit requires.
• We provide a certificate of origin (India origin) from the DGFT certificate-of-origin system.

• Packaging: Leno mesh katta bags
• Pack sizes: 25 kg to 50 kg
• Shelf life: 2–4 months, kept cool and dry
• Harvest: Rabi crop, March to May