Market
Potato starch in India is a B2B ingredient used across processed food and some industrial applications. India’s upstream potato supply is concentrated in major producing states (e.g., Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar), and UN Comtrade data (via WITS) shows two-way trade in HS 110813 (imports reported in 2023; exports reported in 2024). Imports must clear FSSAI’s Food Import Clearance System (FICS) integrated with Customs ICEGATE/SWIFT.
Market RoleTwo-way trade market (imports and exports) with domestic potato-based production
Domestic RoleIndustrial input for food manufacturing; also used in non-food applications
Risks
Regulatory Clearance HighFSSAI import clearance (FICS) can delay or reject potato starch consignments if documents, labelling declarations, or test results are found non-conforming during scrutiny, inspection, sampling, or testing at the point of entry.Align pre-shipment documentation and label declarations to FSSAI requirements; prepare for risk-based sampling/testing timelines and maintain a rapid response workflow for queries/non-conformance.
Logistics MediumOcean freight volatility can materially affect landed costs for imported potato starch and margins for exporters, especially for bulk shipments.Use forward freight planning (rate agreements, buffer inventory, flexible port routings) and monitor container availability on key lanes.
Supply MediumUpstream potato supply concentration in a small set of major producing states can amplify price/supply shocks for starch processors when regional yields are disrupted.Diversify procurement across producing belts and strengthen storage/contracting to smooth seasonal and regional supply variability.
FAQ
Which HS code is used to classify potato starch for trade into or out of India?India’s DGFT HS mapping lists potato starch under ITC-HS 110813 (HS 110813 at the 6-digit level).
Does India import potato starch, and where does it come from?Yes. UN Comtrade data displayed by WITS reports India imported potato starch (HS 110813) in 2023, with Denmark, Poland and the Netherlands among the top origins by value.
Does India export potato starch, and which markets are shown as importers from India?Yes. UN Comtrade data displayed by WITS reports multiple countries importing potato starch (HS 110813) from India in 2024, including South Africa, Thailand, Australia and Saudi Arabia.
What is the official import clearance pathway for food ingredients like potato starch entering India?FSSAI describes an import clearance process through the Food Import Clearance System (FICS), integrated with Customs ICEGATE/SWIFT, involving document scrutiny and (based on risk profiling) possible visual inspection, sampling and testing.