Edible oil is exported from India in three broad formats: consumer packs such as PET bottles, jars and tins; mid-size packs such as drums and IBCs; and bulk in flexitanks or ISO tank containers.
Retail and ethnic food importers usually buy consumer packs. Food manufacturers and repackers buy drums or bulk. Pick the pack before you compare prices, because packing can change the landed cost a great deal.
Consumer packs
Consumer packs go into cartons and are loaded by hand or on pallets. Ask for drop and leak checks, carton strength and a loading plan so the bottom layers do not collapse.
- PET bottles: commonly 500 ml, 1 litre, 2 litre and 5 litre. Light and cheap, but clear PET lets in light, so tinted bottles or cartons help.
- Tins: the 15 kg or 15 litre tin is a familiar pack in Gujarat, with smaller tins for retail. Tins block light and suit long storage.
- HDPE jerry cans and jars: used for 5 litre to around 15 litre packs.
- Pouches: cheap but more prone to leaks and damage in transit.
- Glass: used for premium cold-pressed oils, heavier and breakable.
Drums and IBCs
Drums of around 200 litres, in steel or HDPE, and 1,000 litre IBCs suit buyers who use oil in production but cannot handle bulk. They are easier to store and move by forklift. Check that drums and IBCs are new or food-grade, with tamper-evident seals and lot numbers marked on each unit.
Flexitanks and ISO tanks
A flexitank is a large single-use bag fitted inside a standard 20 ft container. It is a common way to ship bulk edible oil at a low cost per tonne. Capacity varies with the bag and the shipping line rules, so confirm the fill quantity for each booking.
An ISO tank is a reusable stainless steel tank inside a frame. It costs more but is sturdy and can be heated. Because it is reused, you need its previous cargo history and a cleaning certificate.
- Use only food-grade flexitanks with a certificate from the maker.
- Check the container itself for damage, sharp points and floor condition before the bag goes in.
- Ask for a heating pad if the oil may solidify in cold weather.
- Agree who supplies the bag and who is liable for a leak.
- Check that your receiving site can discharge bulk oil.
Points that apply to every pack
Record lot numbers on every unit and on the packing list. Seal the container and record the number. Photograph loading. These steps decide whether a later claim succeeds. See what a packing list should show and the castor bulk equivalent in how castor oil is shipped in bulk.
How we help
We check packaging materials before filling, supervise loading of cartons, drums or flexitanks, and record seals, weights and photographs for you. If a pack fails in transit, you have the evidence. Ask for a free sourcing review.