How to Export of Meat from India?

India ranks among the world’s leading producers and exporters of buffalo meat (carabeef). The meat export industry has grown significantly over the years, this contributes a decent amount to the country’s economy. The demand for Indian meat is high in international markets due to its quality, affordability, and adherence to global food safety standards.

This guide will provide you with a step-by-step overview of how the meat business operates in India and the procedures involved in meat export. You have to understand these processes which will help new businesses navigate to the industry efficiently and ensure compliance with all legal and quality requirements.

Meat Business Demand in India

India's meat industry is experiencing significant growth, driven by changing dietary preferences, urbanization, and increased health awareness. In the fiscal year 2023-24, the country's total meat production reached approximately 10.25 million metric tons, marking a 4.85% growth over the past decade.

Poultry remains the dominant segment, accounting for over five million metric tons of production in FY 2024. Buffalo and goat meat follow in production volume. Despite cultural and religious factors influencing meat consumption, about 80% of Indian adults aged 15-49 consume some form of meat.?

Per capita meat consumption in India is relatively low compared to global standards, standing at approximately 4.5 kg per person annually. However, this figure is gradually increasing, with projections indicating a rise to 4.31 kg by 2028 ?

The Indian meat market was valued at USD 55.3 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 114.4 billion by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5% . This growth is fueled by factors such as rising disposable incomes, increasing demand for protein-rich diets, and advancements in meat processing and packaging technologies.?

The butchery and meat processing sector is also expanding, with the market expected to grow from USD 518.35 million in 2024 to USD 1,188.86 million by 2032, at a CAGR of 10.93%. This expansion is attributed to the rising demand for processed meat products, particularly in urban areas where convenience and ready-to-cook options are gaining popularity.?

Despite the unorganized retail sector accounting for three-fourths of the meat market, there is a growing shift towards organized and processed meat, driven by consumer preferences for hygiene, quality, and convenience.?

In summary, India's meat industry is poised for substantial growth, supported by evolving consumer behaviors, technological advancements, and increasing health consciousness. This presents significant opportunities for stakeholders across the meat production and processing value chain.

Let’s have some meat demand observation in the market

According to the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, India produced 9.89 million metric tonnes of meat in 2022-23, marking a steady annual growth rate of over 5% in recent years.

1. Rising Non-Vegetarian Population

Despite religious and cultural diversity, a growing segment of the population consumes meat. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) found that over 70% of Indian men and 77% of women reported eating non-vegetarian food. This shift, especially in urban and semi-urban areas, is fueling the demand for poultry, mutton, buffalo, and seafood products.

2. Poultry Leading the Market

Poultry remains the most consumed meat category in India due to its affordability and fewer religious restrictions. Poultry meat accounts for nearly 50% of the total meat production in the country. Chicken is preferred not only in homes but also in restaurants and quick-service outlets, supporting a surge in commercial poultry farms and meat retail businesses.

3. Export Potential

India is one of the largest exporters of buffalo meat, catering to markets in Vietnam, Malaysia, Egypt, and the Middle East. According to the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), India exported 1.2 million metric tonnes of buffalo meat in 2022-23, generating approximately USD 3.17 billion in revenue.

4. Organized Meat Market on the Rise

While the unorganized sector still dominates, there is a noticeable shift toward organized, hygienic meat outlets. Brands like Licious, FreshToHome, and ZappFresh have revolutionized online meat delivery by ensuring quality, traceability, and compliance with FSSAI guidelines. This trend indicates a growing demand for clean, safe, and ready-to-cook meat products among urban consumers.

5. Regulatory & Compliance Opportunities

With the growing demand, regulatory compliance has become essential. Meat businesses now need FSSAI license, proper labeling, cold chain management, and hygienic processing to operate legally and gain consumer trust.

The meat business in India is witnessing unprecedented demand and transformation. As consumer preferences evolve and health, safety, and hygiene take center stage, there is immense scope for startups and established players to scale and innovate within this growing market.

India’s Leading Meat Export: Trends and Insights

India is one of the leading exporters of buffalo meat, due to its large population of water buffalo and well-established meat processing industry. According to the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), India exported around 1.29 million metric tonnes of buffalo meat in the 2023-24 fiscal year, this generated approximately $3.74 billion in revenue. It contributes to more than 82% of India’s total animal product exports. Indian buffalo meat is in high demand across the globe, with major buyers which include Malaysia, Vietnam, Egypt, Iraq, and the UAE. The meat is preferred in these markets due to its affordability and adherence to quality standards.

Apart from buffalo meat, India also exports sheep and goat meat, with around 10,829 metric tonnes being exported in 2023-24, valued at $77.68 million. The UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Maldives, and Bahrain are the primary importers of these products. It’s important to note that while India is a major meat exporter, beef exports refer exclusively to buffalo meat, commonly called "carabeef." This is because cow slaughter and beef sales are restricted or prohibited in many Indian states due to religious and cultural beliefs. India’s meat industry includes pork, cattle, goat, and chicken processing plants, but buffalo meat remains the top export product. With an increase in demand, a strong processing infrastructure, and strict quality control India continues to play a key role in the global meat trade.

Top 5 Countries that Export Meat Globally

As of the fiscal year 2023-2024, the top 5 countries that are leading meat export globally are:

1. Brazil:

India continues to hold its position as the leading exporter of meat. Brazil's exports are bolstered by its vast cattle industry and favorable climatic conditions. The country exports significant quantities of beef, poultry, and pork, with key markets in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

2. United States:

The U.S. remains a significant force in the international meat industry. It exports beef, pork, and poultry. Its advanced meat processing infrastructure and stringent quality standards contribute to its strong export performance.

3. Australia:

This is mainly known for its high-quality beef and lamb. Australia has experienced a significant increase in meat exports. In 2023, Australian bovine meat exports surged by 26%, this marks the steepest increase in nearly five decades.

4. India:

India has emerged as a significant exporter of buffalo meat, commonly known as carabeef. In the fiscal year 2023-2024, India exported approximately 1.29 million metric tonnes of buffalo meat and generated around USD 3.74 billion in revenue. Key importers of Indian buffalo meat include Malaysia, Vietnam, Egypt, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates

5. European Union (EU):

Collectively, EU member states are prominent meat exporters, particularly of pork and poultry. Countries like Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands contribute significantly to the EU's meat export volume.

How you can start a meat export business in India?

In India, it is a promising business opportunity to export meat, but it comes with a set of challenges, that includes strict regulations, quality standards, and market research. If you want to start a meat export business, you need to follow the right steps to ensure smooth operations and compliance with government guidelines. Below is a simple guide to help you get started.

Step 1: Register Your Business

Before you begin a meat export business, you need to legally register your business. You can choose from different types of business structures, such as:

• Sole Proprietorship (small-scale businesses)
• Partnership Firm (for multiple owners)
• Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) (for more security)
• Private Limited Company (for large-scale operations)

If you want to register your business then you have to visit the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) website.

Step 2: Obtain the Necessary Licenses and Certifications

Since meat is a sensitive product, you’ll need to obtain several approvals before you can export it. There are some key licenses you must have to operate a meat export business in India:

1. Import Export Code (IEC): Issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), this certificate is mandatory for all exporters. You have to apply it from the official website of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).
2. FSSAI License: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) ensures that your meat products meet the food safety standards. You can apply for your FSSAI License from the official website of
3. Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) Registration: The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) regulates meat exports. You need to register at the official website of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)
4. Halal Certification: The Halal certificate is required if you plan to export meat to Gulf and Middle Eastern countries.
5. Health Certificate: This is issued by the veterinary department to certify that your meat is fit for export.
6. GST Registration: Since you’ll be selling goods internationally, you must register under Goods and Services Tax (GST) at the GST portal.

Step 3: Market Research

You have to understand the market demand is essential before you start meat export. Some of India’s top meat export destinations are:

• Vietnam, Malaysia, and Egypt for buffalo meat
• Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Oman for poultry products
• Japan and Kuwait for processed meat

You can check the official Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) meat export data to see which countries have the highest demand.

Step 4: Set Up a Processing and Storage Facility

Once you have all the licenses, you need a well-equipped meat processing unit that has:

• It meets the hygiene and sanitation standards set by APEDA and FSSAI
• Cold storage facilities to maintain freshness
• Proper packaging and labeling as per the destination import country’s rules and regulation

Step 5: Arrange the Export Documentation

Every export shipment requires proper paperwork. Below are some essential documents you will require during the process:

• Commercial Invoice: This is the details transaction about the export shipment
• Packing List: This document outlines the product specifications and its weight.
• Certificate of Origin: This certificate is to confirm that the meat is sourced from India
• Health Certificate: This certificate is the confirmation that the meat meets the food safety standards
• Bill of Lading/Airway Bill: This is required for shipping and customs clearance

All these documents must be error-free to avoid delays in export shipments.

Step 6: Manage Logistics and Shipping

You have to ensure the meat reaches international buyers in perfect condition:

• You have to choose a reliable shipping service with proper refrigeration.
• It is essential to ensure that the cold chain is maintained throughout transportation.
• Work with customs clearance agents to avoid delays.

Step 7: Find Buyers and Expand Your Business

Once your business is set up, you need to find buyers for your products. You can do the following steps for that:

• You have to register on B2B platforms like Alibaba, TradeIndia, and IndiaMART.
• You can attend global trade fairs and expos related to meat products.
• Use APEDA’s Buyer-Seller Meet platform to connect with international importers.

The key point to attract bulk buyers and secure long-term contracts is marketing your business properly.

If you want to start a meat export business in India may seem challenging, but with the right approach, it can be highly profitable. The key is to follow legal regulations, maintain strict quality standards and build strong international partnerships.

How Online Legal India Can Help You?

If you are going to start a meat export business in India. We know the paperwork can feel overwhelming, but that is where Online Legal India comes in. We can assist you from obtaining your Import Export Code (IEC) and FSSAI Registration to handling GST Registration, we take care of all the essential required formalities so you don’t have to take any stress and you can focus on the growth of your business. Whether you're just about to start out or already running a business, we’ll guide you through every step and ensure quick approvals and compliance with government rules and regulations. Visit Online Legal India today.