Top Licorice (Mulethi) Powder & Extract Products Exported from India: Buyer Catalogue
By Saurabh Mittal, Founder, Altus Exports
A B2B catalogue of Indian licorice formats, from dried whole or cut root and mesh-grade powder to block/paste, ratio extracts, glycyrrhizin-standardized lots, DGL, and private-label bulk supply.
India licorice (mulethi) is not a single SKU. International buyers can source dried whole or cut licorice root, several powder mesh grades, spray-dried / block-paste grade, 4:1 or 10:1 ratio extracts, glycyrrhizin-standardized lots, and glycyrrhizin HPLC extracts. Each format has different handling, quality, and commercial uses. The export process guide explains how that choice shapes sampling, documents, and freight.
Licorice root powder is normally quoted by mesh, colour, moisture target, microbiological specification, treatment status, certification tier, and pack size. Extract buyers need the plant part (root / stolon), ratio, extraction medium, carrier, solubility, and agreed HPLC or glycyrrhizin method written into the RFQ. Note that glycyrrhizin assays can drift with heat, moisture, and processing abuse — method honesty matters. A clear specification prevents a nutraceutical buyer from receiving a food-grade powder that cannot support the intended formulation.
Organic NPOP/USDA/EU supply, steam-sterilized powder, glycyrrhizin-standardized powder, and private-label bulk are premium routes, but only where documentation supports the claim. Buyers can compare their market and application requirements in the premium licorice (mulethi) opportunity guide and use the direct sourcing playbook to set a sample protocol.
Key Takeaways
Summary Box
Executive Summary
Summary Box
Licorice (Mulethi) is a catalogue problem before it is a freight problem. Dried whole or cut root, churna powder mesh grades, spray-dried / block-paste grade, 4:1/10:1 extracts, and glycyrrhizin-standardized extracts are separate commercial products.
Catalogue buyers should demand a one-page SKU card covering plant part (root / stolon), mesh or ratio, glycyrrhizin method if claimed, HPLC marker where relevant, micro limits, pack, and certification scope before comparing price lists.
A brown root powder sample cannot substitute for lot-linked analytical evidence when the channel is food, nutraceutical, or private-label formulation.
Product Categories / Variants
Summary Box
- Conventional and certified organic root powder.
- Declared mesh and industrial packing options.
- Declared extract formats with transparent analytical basis.
- No unsupported health or therapeutic claims.
The export catalogue should give each licorice (mulethi) form its own card: botanical identity, root / stolon plant part, mesh or ratio, markers, micro limits, pack, MOQ, and cert scope.
Do not bundle spray-dried / block-paste grade with milled churna or 10:1 extract with glycyrrhizin HPLC lots under one price line.
Publish only SKUs the plant can reproduce with lot-linked evidence. Use the export process guide to connect SKUs to shipment gates.
Scan: SKU catalogue (one row per commercial form)
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| Product | Specification variables | Primary buyer channel |
|---|---|---|
| Dried whole / cut licorice root | Root integrity, moisture, cleaning level, *G. glabra* ID | Ayurvedic, respiratory/throat, digestive ingredient distributors |
| Licorice root powder (churna/mesh) | Mesh grade, colour, moisture, micro profile | Nutraceutical, confectionery-ingredient, formulation buyers |
| Confectionery block / paste / soft extract | Solids %, glycyrrhizin content, flavor profile | Confectionery houses, flavor houses, food manufacturers |
| Steam-sterilized powder | Treatment record, micro release, moisture | Premium brands and retail-adjacent programmes |
| Organic root powder | NPOP/USDA/EU scope, segregation, TC | Organic respiratory/digestive and Ayurvedic programmes |
| 4:1 / 10:1 / 20:1 ratio extract | Ratio, solvent, carrier, assay, solubility | Nutraceutical and formulation buyers |
| ~5% / ~10% / ~20%+ glycyrrhizin HPLC extract | Marker, HPLC method, acceptance band | Respiratory/digestive and confectionery ingredient buyers |
| DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) | Residual glycyrrhizin max, process disclosure | Digestive and gut-health brands |
| Glabridin / cosmetic-grade fraction | Glabridin %, solvent, cosmetic spec | Personal-care and cosmetic-ingredient buyers |
| Private-label respiratory / digestive / confectionery bulk | Pack format, label scope, MOQ | Retail and brand-owner programmes |
Quality Specification Reference
- Write acceptance limits before the first sample leaves India.
- Match COA parameters to the finished lot — not only the approved sample.
- Extracts need residual-solvent and carrier disclosure where applicable.
- Retain a sealed reference sample for destination retest disputes.
Each catalogue SKU needs its own acceptance sheet; powder mesh limits are not extract residual-solvent limits.
Publish method expectations beside each card so buyers do not invent assays after PO.
Release only when the finished lot COA matches the SKU card that was sold.
Scan: spec checklist (agree limits before sampling)
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| Parameter | Dried root / cut root | Licorice root powder | Extract |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identity | Glycyrrhiza glabra root / stolon (not anise / fennel confusion) | Glycyrrhiza glabra root / stolon | Glycyrrhiza glabra root / stolon; disclose plant part |
| Physical specification | Cut size, colour, moisture, foreign matter | Mesh grade, colour, moisture, flow | Ratio, solubility, carrier, appearance |
| Glycyrrhizin / glabridin / markers | Where claimed — method stated | Where claimed — HPLC method stated | Glycyrrhizin / glabridin % by HPLC; residual solvents for extracts |
| Food-safety testing | Agreed microbiology and contaminants | Agreed microbiology and contaminants | Agreed microbiology, contaminants, residual solvents |
| Contaminants | Heavy metals, pesticides/EtO as agreed | Heavy metals, pesticides/EtO as agreed | Heavy metals, pesticides/EtO, residual solvents |
| Traceability | Farm or collection and batch records | Input-to-batch records | Input, extraction, and batch records |
| Organic status | Certificate where sold as organic | Certificate where sold as organic | Certificate scope and carrier review |
| Lot release | COA matched to packing list | COA matched to packing list | COA matched to drum labels |
Market Size & Industry Overview
Key Statistics
Product structure — not national acreage — defines usable licorice (mulethi) supply. Mesh bands, organic status, water-extract versus churna, and extract ratios create different available pools.
Industrial distributors and formulation buyers rarely share one acceptable grade, even when both say “licorice root powder.”
Catalogue architecture should mirror those pools so buyers can self-select without rewriting the RFQ mid-negotiation.
Manufacturing Overview
Export Tip
Catalogue SKUs imply different process routes: cut root, churna milling, water-extract conversion, and solvent extracts are not one line.
Publish process summaries that buyers can audit without revealing unnecessary trade secrets.
Change control is required when mesh targets or extract ratios shift See the licorice export process guide for release-to-booking handoff.
Licorice SKU Catalogue Depth for Export Buyers
Build a catalogue with one card per commercial SKU. Fruit-powder cards should show botanical identity, plant part, processing description, mesh, sensory description, analytical limits, pack options, storage, shelf life, certifications, and application limitations. Extract cards should additionally declare extraction approach, ratio or marker basis where substantiated, carrier, solubility, and required disclosure.
Do not turn broad nutritional interest into an unsupported product claim. The buyer should select the form based on its permitted local application and its own formulation work, while the exporter provides accurate identity, process, and quality evidence.
Use the premium-pathways guide when the request includes organic or standardized formats, then approve the exact SKU rather than a generic sample family.
Pricing Analysis
Buyer Tip
Catalogue pricing needs separate bands for conventional powder, organic powder, spray-dried / block-paste grade, and standardized extracts.
Directional cues: conventional low–mid single digits to low teens; organic mid-teens to mid-twenties+; extracts tens USD/kg — verify quote date.
Never let buyers compare HPLC extract FOB to commodity churna without stating differences.
Scan: FOB USD/kg bands (dated quote — lock assay & solvent)
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| Product | Directional FOB band | Commercial driver |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional licorice/mulethi root powder | Low-to-mid single digits to low teens | Mesh, moisture, micro controls, packing, and lot size |
| Organic licorice/mulethi root powder | Mid-teens to mid-twenties+ | Valid NPOP/USDA/EU chain, segregation, and demand timing |
| Dried whole / cut licorice root (G. glabra — disclose species) | Quote by cut size and moisture specification | Visual grade, foreign-matter control, botanical identity |
| Spray-dried / block-paste grade | Premium to solvent-extract mid tiers when contracted | Water process disclosure, residual-solvent N/A or low, documentation |
| ~10% glycyrrhizin HPLC extract | Often ~USD 18–55 depending on assay tier, solvent, and docs | Assay method, solvent system, carrier, WHO-GMP plant |
| ~20%+ glycyrrhizin / DGL / glabridin specialty grades | Mid-tens to USD 55–140+ for premium HPLC / DGL / glabridin lots | Assay tier, DGL residual, glabridin fraction, organic, volume, documentation |
| Confectionery block / paste | Quote by solids % and glycyrrhizin content | Block/paste form, solids, flavor profile, carton/drum MOQ |
| Private-label respiratory / digestive / confectionery bulk | Quote after pack and artwork scope | Packaging conversion, label compliance, and approval lead time |
MOQ Analysis
Buyer Tip
Each catalogue SKU needs its own MOQ because fiber-drum extracts and bagged powder do not share fill economics.
Private-label and organic SKUs may raise minimums.
Publish MOQ on the SKU card to stop inbox haggling.
Scan: MOQ ladder (commercial practice — not statutory)
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| Stage | Typical quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Sample | 100 g–2 kg | Sensory review, lab testing, and formulation work |
| Powder trial | 100–500 kg | First commercial quality and packing validation |
| Extract trial | 25–100 kg | Formula compatibility and buyer approval |
| Powder wholesale | 1–5 MT+ | Distributor, processor, and recurring bulk demand |
| Extract wholesale | 200 kg–1 MT+ | Established ingredient programmes |
Packaging Standards
Export Tip
Catalogue SKUs should list pack options and when fiber drums beat bags for moisture-sensitive powder.
Private-label packs need artwork gates separate from bulk export bags.
Do not imply retail pouches are available at commodity MOQ.
Scan: pack format → config → use case
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| Format | Configuration | Use case | Control point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licorice root powder | 20/25 kg food-grade bag with liner or fiber drum | Bulk food and ingredient buyers | Lot code, moisture/heat/light barrier, clean outer pack |
| Dried root / cut root | 20/25 kg food-grade bag with liner | Ayurvedic, confectionery-ingredient, and respiratory/digestive-ingredient channels | Protect root integrity and prevent moisture pickup |
| Extract | 25 kg HDPE drum with double liner | Nutraceutical and ingredient supply | Seal integrity, drum label, and batch traceability |
| Private label | Buyer-approved pouches, jars, or cartons | Retail programmes | Artwork, destination labels, and master-carton plan |
Export Statistics
Key Statistics
- Cite India HS 130212 ≈ USD 176.99K CY2024 (WITS) as dedicated liquorice-extract context — re-verify grades/SKU demand; do not invent a 121110 India export total (WITS shows no CY2024 World rows).
- Verify the applicable India ITC-HS and destination HTS/TARIC for the exact finished SKU with CHA + importer broker.
- Re-check TradeStat/WITS/Comtrade before quoting figures to a buyer.
Catalogue teams should map each SKU to a likely HS family — 1211.10 for dried root/powder cues and 1302.12 for extracts — before publishing price sheets.
Product managers must footnote that parent HS 130212 totals are heading-level — verify grades/SKU demand volume proof.
Re-check filing practice when spray-dried / block-paste grade or HPLC extracts are added to the catalogue.
Scan: trade & HS cues (directional — verify on quote date)
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| Metric | Directional position | Buyer note |
|---|---|---|
| Core product | Dried whole/cut licorice root, root powder (churna/mesh), confectionery block/paste, spray-dried extract, glycyrrhizin-standardized extracts, DGL, glabridin cosmetic fractions | Specify *G. glabra* identity, root/stolon plant part, mesh or glycyrrhizin assay in every RFQ |
| Production base | Punjab / sub-Himalayan mulethi cultivation · North India aggregation · Gujarat packing · Hyderabad/Indore extracts (lots may also finish imported roots) | Verify actual processing site and lot origin per COA — India programmes may cultivate and/or process imported roots |
| Dried root and powder (India export cue) | ITC-HS 1211.10 — India eight-digit cue 12111000 (Liquorice roots) | Confirm live ITC-HS with CHA; WITS shows no India 121110 World export rows for CY2024 — do not invent a root-export total from silence |
| Extract classification (India export cue) | HS 1302.12 — India eight-digit cue 13021200 (Liquorice saps and extracts) | Do NOT default Glycyrrhiza extract to residual 1302.19; confirm block/paste/spray-dried form with CHA before shipping bill |
| Trade-data (WITS CY2024) | India HS 130212 exports ≈ USD 176.99K; top partners Nepal, Germany, Spain, Myanmar, Indonesia | Dedicated liquorice extract heading — still reconcile grade/SKU; re-fetch WITS/DGCI&S on quote date |
| Export gateways | Mundra, Nhava Sheva; ICD from Punjab/Haryana/UP; air for samples | Select the named port after factory location and sailing schedule are fixed |
Import Statistics
Key Statistics
- Segment destinations by buyer type and product form.
- Confirm the importer’s local route before shipping.
- Re-verify current partner data.
Import demand differs by SKU: organic powder, dried cut root, spray-dried / block-paste grade, and HPLC extracts do not share one entry pathway.
Catalogue offers should list typical import-buyer types beside each SKU card.
Update import notes when a buyer switches from powder to extract.
Scan: market → form → buyer type
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| Market | Demand profile | Typical buyer |
|---|---|---|
| USA | Root powder, organic powder, glycyrrhizin–aware ingredients, and extracts | Ingredient importers, brand owners, private-label packers |
| EU / UK | Traceable root powder and organic programmes; extracts need pathway confirmation | Organic distributors, food brands; extract buyers need pathway confirmation |
| UAE / GCC | Bulk powder and retail-ready programmes with food-safety and Halal documentation | Distributors, re-export traders, retail chains |
| Australia / Canada | Canada: premium powder interest; Australia: food vs complementary-medicine pathway with counsel | Canada natural-product distributors; AU: confirm lawful product route before quoting |
| Japan / South Korea | Consistent fine powders and tightly specified HPLC extracts | Ingredient distributors and formulation companies |
| SE Asia | Accessible bulk powder, block/paste, and dried-root programmes | Wholesalers, distributors, confectionery houses, and regional packers |
Container Loading Details
Export Tip
SKU density differs — cut root, fine powder, and extract drums stuff differently.
Catalogue guidance should warn that powder can be volume-sensitive.
Offer LCL for trials below FCL economics.
Scan: dispatch mode (density-dependent — no fixed MT)
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| Mode | Use | Planning point |
|---|---|---|
| Courier / air | Samples and urgent approvals | Heat/moisture protection; confirm destination import rules |
| LCL | Trials below container scale | Use palletisation or secure cartons where appropriate |
| 20-foot FCL | Bulk powder or dried-root programmes | Confirm payload after actual pack dimensions and port limits — do not invent fixed MT |
| 40-foot HC FCL | High-volume powder programmes | Cube with forwarder; use stuffing plan and moisture/heat protection |
| Drum shipment | Extract orders | Verify drum count, gross weight, and hazardous-status declaration if applicable |
Shipping Methods
Export Tip
- Match freight to quantity, shelf-life, humidity risk, and receiving plan.
- Inspect and photograph the empty container before stuffing.
- Keep container, seal, and lot identifiers consistent across documents.
- Confirm who files destination entry before offering DAP/DDP.
SKU risk differs — extracts in drums and glycyrrhizin-standardized powders need stricter heat protection than some dried cut root.
Catalogue sheets should state sample air options and ocean defaults.
Private-label retail cartons may need different handling notes.
Certifications
Compliance Notes
Catalogue SKUs should list which certs are available per form — organic powder is not automatically organic extract.
Mark example certificates clearly and keep scopes current.
Do not advertise WHO-GMP for a powder-only site that lacks extract scope.
Scan: cert/doc → purpose → who needs it
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| Item | Purpose | Most relevant for |
|---|---|---|
| IEC and AYUSH adjacency | Indian export readiness; Ayurvedic framing where applicable | Exporter supplier file |
| FSSAI licence | Food-business compliance in India | Food and nutraceutical handling |
| AYUSH adjacency | Medicinal-root / Ayurvedic programme participation where eligible | Dried root and selected powder programmes |
| Certificate of Analysis | Lot-specific identity, mesh or ratio, moisture, glycyrrhizin/HPLC where claimed, microbiology, and agreed tests | Every commercial shipment |
| NPOP / USDA / EU organic | Organic chain-of-custody and market claim support | Organic programmes |
| ISO 22000 / HACCP / BRCGS | Food-safety system evidence | Retail, distributor, and processor approval |
| WHO-GMP | Preferred manufacturing signal for extract plants | Extract and formulation buyers |
| Halal / Kosher | Channel-specific compliance | GCC and selected specialist markets |
| Certificate of origin | Origin declaration | When buyer, bank, or destination requests it |
Buyer Requirements
Buyer Requirements
- RFQ: form · mesh/ratio · destination · quantity · pack · Incoterm.
- Specs first: certs and analytical limits before you ask for FOB.
- Methods: agree lab methods and dispute process before the trial ships.
- Labels: approve artwork and document wording before production starts.
SKU cards are the fastest way to collect buyer requirements without endless email threads.
Ask buyers to annotate the card rather than rewrite specs from scratch.
Extract buyers must add solvent and residual-solvent fields.
Country-wise Opportunities
Market Snapshot
SKU-to-country fit matters: organic powder for EU/USA, Halal bulk for GCC, fine mesh for Japan/Korea, HPLC extracts for technical markets.
Catalogue notes should warn where extracts need pathway confirmation.
Do not push dried cut root into extract-only accounts Use the destination-market guide with the country table for a testable shortlist.
Scan: country → form × cert × channel
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| Market | Product fit | Requirement focus | Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | Organic root powder, glycyrrhizin-standardized lots, ratio/HPLC extracts | Supplier controls, lot COA, product and label review | Large ingredient and private-label base |
| EU / UK | Organic/documented root powder; glycyrrhizin food-limit grades; block/paste for confectionery | Glycyrrhizin labeling/limits, MRLs, contaminants, organic records | Root powder and extract demand strong; confirm form/use pathway with national authority |
| UAE / GCC | Bulk powder, dried root, retail programmes | Food-safety file, Halal where needed, suitable labels, reliable delivery | Regional distribution and re-export |
| Australia / Canada | Canada: organic/premium powder; AU: confirm food vs complementary-medicine route | Canada: organic + label review; Australia: counsel before retail-food assumptions | Premium natural-product and counsel-led AU programmes |
| Japan / South Korea | Fine mesh powder and HPLC extracts | Specification consistency and detailed technical documents | Quality-led ingredient channels |
| SE Asia | Value-oriented bulk root powder and dried root | Practical pack sizes and import-document alignment | Distributor-led regional expansion |
Sourcing Checklist
Checklist
Catalogue sourcing checks confirm the plant can make each SKU on the card — not adjacent botanicals.
Verify mesh, water-extract, and extract capabilities separately.
Ask for anonymized COA examples per SKU family.
Common Buyer Mistakes
Common Mistakes Box
- Form mix-up: do not treat root powder and HPLC extract as interchangeable commodities.
- Method gap: do not approve samples without a written glycyrrhizin/HPLC lot-release method.
- Late rules: do not add destination requirements after cargo is already produced.
- Scale jump: do not jump to FCL before a sealed sample and trial succeed.
Catalogue mistakes include selling powder and extract as interchangeable, or hiding mesh/method differences behind one price.
Glycyrrhizin / glabridin brochure percentages without methods create disputes.
Separate SKU cards prevent most catalogue errors.
Future Market Trends
Key Statistics
Product trends emphasize cleaner SKU differentiation — organic, steam-sterilized, spray-dried / block-paste grade, and HPLC extracts over vague “superroot powder.”
Private-label bulk continues where artwork control is strong.
Unsupported claim language is shrinking.
Challenges & Solutions
Challenge: catalogue sprawl without plant capability — solve by publishing only reproducible SKUs.
Challenge: buyers comparing unlike extracts — solve with solvent/ratio/HPLC disclosure.
Challenge: private-label artwork delays — solve with freeze dates.
Compliance Checklist
Checklist
Compliance Notes
Catalogue compliance means claims on cards match evidenced pathways — no therapeutic language on food SKUs.
Organic and HPLC claims need scope and method proof.
Retire noncompliant SKU marketing immediately.
Sources
- WITS — India HS 130212 liquorice extract exports by country, 2024
- WITS — India HS 121110 liquorice roots exports by country, 2024
- UN Comtrade Database
- DGCI&S / TradeStat — Indian trade statistics
- DGFT — Directorate General of Foreign Trade (IEC)
- ICEGATE — Indian Customs EDI Gateway
- Ministry of AYUSH
- FSSAI — Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
- NMPB — National Medicinal Plants Board
- Chandigarh Administration — Madhu Yashti / Glycyrrhiza glabra cultivation note
- Apni Kheti — Mulethi farming (Punjab)
- APEDA — NPOP organic certification
- EximGuru — ITC HS 12111000 Liquorice roots
- Indian Business Portal — Dry Licorice / Mulethi (ITC-HSN 121110)
- XIMPEX — HS 13021200 Liquorice extracts (India ITC-HS)
- USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule
- CBP CROSS — NY K88301 licorice roots HTS 1211.10.0000
- FDA — Dietary Supplements (USA)
- FDA Prior Notice (USA food imports)
- EUR-Lex — Commission Directive 2004/77/EC (glycyrrhizinic acid labelling)
- EUR-Lex — Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 (FIC)
- EU Novel Food status Catalogue
- EU TARIC — customs tariff database
- Access2Markets (EU)
- EU Pesticides Database — MRLs
- TGA — Therapeutic Goods Administration (Australia)
- Health Canada — Natural Health Products
- ITC Trade Map
- ICC — Incoterms rules
Catalogue claims should be footnoted to live sources for HS families and market pathway notes.
Re-check the links below whenever you refresh a SKU card or price sheet.
Re-verify HS, duties, food-labelling / food-supplement pathways, and lot documents on the quote and shipping-bill dates. WITS CY2024: India HS 130212 ≈ USD 176.99K; India HS 121110 shows no World export rows — re-check DGCI&S/TradeStat and CHA filings before quoting.
US duty planning cues (verify live on USITC HTS): licorice roots HTS 1211.10.0000 General/MFN Free (CBP NY K88301); licorice extract HTS 1302.12.00.00 General/MFN Free on published schedules — Chapter 99 / reciprocal overlays may still apply. Confirm with the importer’s broker.
EU glycyrrhizinic-acid labelling for prepacked confectionery/beverages follows Commission Directive 2004/77/EC / Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 Annex III thresholds — labelling rules, not a single bulk-ingredient maximum. Clickable government and trade references used for this licorice (mulethi) cluster:
Conclusion
A clear catalogue of dried root, powder, spray-dried / block-paste grade, and extracts lets buyers compare like with like.
Altus helps international buyers map SKUs to verified Indian supply and export execution. Start with our Licorice (Mulethi) sourcing resources for SKU context.
Start with the product fit, then lock specs, samples, and documents before freight Contact Altus Exports with form, quantity, destination, application, certificates, and analytical needs to proceed.