How to Define Rice Specifications When Importing Basmati and Non-Basmati Rice from India
| 15 Oct 2026
Importing Basmati and Non-Basmati rice from India requires a clear understanding of rice varieties, processing methods, grain characteristics, quality parameters, packaging and shipment requirements.
For international importers, wholesalers, distributors and food businesses, identifying the correct rice product is essential before requesting a bulk quotation.
India offers a diverse range of rice varieties, including 1121 Basmati, 1509 Basmati, 1401 Basmati, IR64, Sona Masoori, Swarna and PR-series rice. Different varieties may be supplied in raw, steam or parboiled forms, depending on processing arrangements.
Padmashree Exim, an India-based agricultural products supplier and exporter established in 2025, includes Basmati and Non-Basmati rice within its Cereals catalogue.
Its documented rice names include Basmati 1121, Golden Sella, White Sella, 1509, 1401, IR64, Sona Masoori, Swarna and PR11/PR14.
This guide explains how buyers can prepare a complete rice Request for Quotation (RFQ), define measurable specifications and assess quality requirements before confirming a bulk rice purchase.
The first step in rice procurement is identifying whether the requirement concerns Basmati or Non-Basmati rice.
Basmati RiceBasmati rice is valued for its characteristic aroma, slender grain shape and cooking qualities.
Commercial varieties include 1121, 1509 and 1401, which buyers may select according to grain characteristics, processing preferences and the intended market.
Importers should specify the exact variety rather than requesting Basmati rice as a broad category.
Non-Basmati RiceNon-Basmati rice includes a wide variety of rice types with different grain lengths, textures and cooking properties.
Examples include IR64, Sona Masoori and Swarna.
Importers should identify the required variety and distinguish long-grain, medium-grain and other market classifications where applicable.
Important: IR64 is classified as Non-Basmati rice and should not be presented as a Basmati variety.
Each rice name may represent a variety, processing form or commercial product description.
| Rice name | Product classification | What buyers should specify |
|---|---|---|
| 1121 Basmati | Basmati variety | Grain length, processing form, broken percentage |
| 1509 Basmati | Basmati variety | Aroma, grain characteristics, processing |
| 1401 Basmati | Basmati variety | Grade, physical characteristics, processing |
| Golden Sella | Parboiled processing form | Underlying variety, colour, grain quality |
| White Sella | Parboiled processing form | Underlying variety, appearance, grade |
| IR64 | Non-Basmati variety | Grain length, broken percentage, processing |
| Sona Masoori | Non-Basmati variety | Grain characteristics, grade, cooking requirements |
| Swarna | Non-Basmati variety | Processing form, physical quality, packing |
| PR11 / PR14 | Commercial rice variety names | Exact variety, processing and quality specifications |
Golden Sella and White Sella describe processing forms rather than independent botanical rice varieties. Buyers should confirm the underlying variety when requesting either product.
These names reflect Padmashree Exim's supplied catalogue terminology. Availability of an individual variety or processing form must be confirmed for the relevant enquiry.
Rice processing influences grain appearance, texture, cooking characteristics and market suitability.
Raw RiceRaw rice generally refers to rice milled without the parboiling treatment used for Sella rice.
Buyers should define the degree of milling, polishing requirements, grain characteristics and other applicable parameters.
Steam RiceSteam rice is a commercial processing description. Its precise treatment can vary among processors.
Importers should request confirmation of the processing method, whether parboiling is involved and the finished grain characteristics rather than assuming all steam rice is produced identically.
White Sella RiceWhite Sella is a parboiled rice form that typically has a lighter appearance than Golden Sella.
The underlying rice variety, processing conditions and quality requirements should be clearly identified.
Golden Sella RiceGolden Sella is another parboiled rice form, commonly associated with a yellowish or golden grain appearance.
Its cooking characteristics and grain performance depend on both the rice variety and processing conditions.
Buyers should avoid treating the labels "White Sella" and "Golden Sella" as complete purchasing specifications.
Source: Surya Foods Blog
Rice quality specifications should identify measurable characteristics that influence the intended commercial application.
Grain length and shape are particularly important for Basmati rice, while broken percentage, appearance and consistency may be relevant across both Basmati and Non-Basmati categories.
Depending on the product, buyers may need to define:
Grain dimensions: Average grain length, width and acceptable size variation.
Broken rice percentage: Maximum allowable broken grains.
Physical quality: Colour, cleanliness, foreign matter, damaged grains and discoloured grains.
Cooking characteristics: Aroma, elongation, texture and other requirements where applicable.
All acceptance criteria should be agreed upon before confirming the order.
General descriptions such as "premium rice" or "export quality" are less useful than numerical product specifications.
Moisture content is an important quality consideration for rice because unsuitable moisture and storage conditions may contribute to deterioration.
International buyers should define the acceptable moisture limit for the rice variety and processing form.
Other relevant quality considerations include insect infestation, foreign matter, damaged grains and contamination risks.
Depending on the importing country and intended application, buyers may also need to assess pesticide residues, mycotoxins and heavy metals, including inorganic arsenic.
The Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries (CBI), in its guidance updated 29 June 2026, identifies rice among the grain products requiring attention to contamination risks, traceability, moisture management and product-specific food safety requirements.
Source: CBI
For example, applicable limits for inorganic arsenic can differ between rice product forms and intended uses.
Buyers should verify the current requirements of the destination market rather than applying a single contaminant limit to all rice products.
Packaging is essential for protecting rice during bulk storage, cargo handling and international transportation.
Importers should specify the preferred packaging type, packing weight, material and moisture protection requirements.
Commercial packaging may involve woven bags, protective liners or other suitable formats, depending on the order.
Labelling requirements may include the product name, variety, net weight, lot identification, country of origin and destination-specific information.
For retail-ready packaging, buyers may also require additional consumer labelling and branding details.
Packaging options must be discussed and confirmed with the supplier before order finalisation.
Pre-shipment checks help buyers establish whether the prepared rice consignment matches the agreed purchasing specifications.
An inspection may address rice variety, processing form, grain characteristics, broken percentage, moisture, packaging and labelling.
Where appropriate, buyers may request representative samples, laboratory testing or independent third-party inspection.
Relevant documents can include a product specification sheet, Certificate of Analysis, inspection report and shipment-related records.
CBI's grain buyer guidance highlights the importance of representative sampling, laboratory analysis and product traceability in international procurement.
Source: CBI
Testing arrangements and acceptance requirements should be confirmed before shipment, rather than assumed to be included with every order.
A clear RFQ helps exporters understand the exact rice product and commercial requirements.
| RFQ field | What to provide |
|---|---|
| Rice variety | 1121, 1509, 1401, IR64, Sona Masoori, Swarna, PR11 or PR14 |
| Processing form | Raw, Steam, Golden Sella, White Sella or another agreed form |
| Grain quality | Length, broken percentage, colour, foreign matter |
| Moisture | Maximum acceptable moisture content |
| Quantity | Required kilograms or metric tonnes |
| Packaging | Bag material, unit weight and labelling |
| Inspection | Sampling, laboratory testing, certificates |
| Destination | Importing country and named port |
| Commercial terms | Preferred Incoterm and payment requirements |
For example, instead of requesting "25 tonnes of Basmati rice," buyers should state the exact variety, processing form, grade, quantity, packaging and delivery requirements.
Padmashree Exim sources agricultural products through Indian suppliers and sourcing partners, focusing on buyer specifications, applicable quality considerations and commercial requirements.
Its Cereals catalogue includes Basmati and Non-Basmati rice names relevant to international wholesale procurement.
Buyers can enquire about their required rice varieties, processing forms, grain specifications, quantities, packaging and destination markets.
Product availability, quality parameters, laboratory testing and shipment arrangements are subject to confirmation and mutual agreement.
Buyers should specify the rice variety, processing form, grain length, broken percentage, moisture limit, physical quality, packaging, quantity, destination and required inspection documents.
Basmati rice is a recognised aromatic rice type with characteristic long, slender grains and cooking qualities. Non-Basmati rice covers other varieties with different grain characteristics, textures and intended uses.
No. IR64 is a Non-Basmati rice variety. India's APEDA identifies IR64 alongside other Non-Basmati varieties, including Sona Masoori and Swarna.
Source: APEDA
Both refer to parboiled rice processing forms. Golden Sella generally has a more yellowish or golden appearance, while White Sella is lighter in colour. Buyers should also confirm the underlying rice variety, processing method and grain specifications.
Buyers should consider moisture, broken percentage, foreign matter, grain condition, cleanliness and relevant contamination risks. Pesticide residue, mycotoxin and heavy metal testing may be required according to the product and destination market.
Yes. Buyers can request laboratory testing and independent inspection as part of their procurement requirements. Testing methods, sampling, costs and report availability should be confirmed before order acceptance.
Buyers can submit an RFQ specifying the rice variety, processing form, quantity, grain specifications, packaging, destination and commercial requirements. Product availability, testing arrangements and shipping terms are subject to confirmation.
