Rice Export to UK from India
Kumud Group has been growing, milling and exporting rice from India since 1994. Our two mills, one in Sandi Chungi, Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh, and the other in Village Nariana, Taraori, Karnal, Haryana, sit inside India’s GI-certified basmati belt. Over 30 years we have supplied more than 970 buyers across 30+ countries in Asia, the Middle East and Europe, and the UK is one of the markets we ship to regularly. Our range covers Basmati (1121, 1401, 1509, 1718, Pusa and Traditional) and Non-Basmati (PR11, PR14, Parmal, Sharbati, Sona Masoori, Ponni, Matta, Idli, Kolam and Black Rice), plus a Pesticide Residue Free line for buyers who want extra assurance on residue limits. This page sets out what UK importers should know before placing an order with us, from compliance to packaging.
1994
Milling Since
30+
Countries Served
1000+
Satisfied Clients
2
Rice Mills
Food Business Registration and Border Checks
UK buyers importing rice need to be registered as a food business with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and their local authority. Rice from India currently falls under the UK’s retained Regulation 2019/1793, which places semi-milled and wholly milled rice (commodity code 100630) under a higher level of official control at UK Border Control Posts. This means a shipment can be selected for document, identity or physical checks on arrival, so buyers should allow for this in their clearance timelines.
Labelling Requirements
Rice sold in the UK as “basmati” must follow the UK Basmati Code of Practice 2022. Under this code, a pack can show a single country of origin (India or Pakistan) only if at least 97% of the grains come from that country, and if the product is labelled basmati, non-basmati grains cannot make up more than 7% of the pack. The recognised basmati varieties are set out under Commission Regulation (EC) 972/2006, which also protects the geographical origin of basmati grown in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and western Uttar Pradesh. Kumud Group’s basmati lines, including 1121, 1509, 1718 and Traditional, are grown within this belt. Note: the approved basmati variety list is reviewed from time to time, so please confirm the current status of any specific variety with us before this claim goes live.
Pesticide Residue and Food Safety Testing
The FSA sets Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for pesticides on imported rice, and shipments are also checked for contaminants such as arsenic and cadmium. Moisture content is checked as well, since rice that carries too much moisture on a long sea voyage can develop mould. For buyers who want an extra layer of assurance, we also offer a Pesticide Residue Free rice line grown and processed under stricter residue controls.
Our Certifications
Popular Rice Varieties Among UK Buyers
1121 Basmati Rice
Long grain, known for its length after cooking, a common choice for bulk food service buyers.
1509 Basmati Rice
Shorter cooking time than traditional basmati, popular with importers who want faster turnaround.
Traditional Basmati Rice
Aged basmati with a stronger aroma, used by buyers who want a premium grade.
Pesticide Residue Free Rice
For UK with stricter food safety requirements, we also supply Pesticide Residue Free rice across select basmati varieties. This is tested for pesticide residue limits before it leaves our mill.
Note: Non basmati rice from our range, including Sona Masoori, Parmal, Sharbati can also be supplied to UK on request.
Packaging and Shipping for UK Orders
Packaging Options
We pack rice from 500g retail pouches up to 50kg bulk bags, based on what the buyer needs. Private label packaging is available for UK importers who want to sell under their own brand, and we can work from a buyer’s existing artwork and specifications.
Order Quantities and Shipment
Our minimum order quantity is 20-21 MT, equal to one container load. Orders are shipped by sea in standard export containers. Note: the exact loading port, shipping line, transit time to UK ports such as Felixstowe, Southampton or Tilbury, and the Incoterms on offer (FOB, CIF, etc.) should be confirmed with the client before publishing, as these can vary by order.
FAQs
Q1: What is the minimum order quantity for UK buyers?
Ans: Our MOQ is 20-21 MT, equal to one container load.
Q2: Can Kumud Group supply rice under our own brand?
Ans: Yes. We offer private label packaging and can pack rice from 500g to 50kg under a buyer’s own brand and design.
Q3: Do you supply Pesticide Residue Free rice for UK buyers?
Ans: Yes, we grow and process a dedicated Pesticide Residue Free line for buyers who want extra assurance on residue limits ahead of UK port checks.
Q3: How long does shipping from India to the UK take?
Ans: Transit time depends on the shipping line, loading port and UK port of discharge.