Sesame Seed Export

What It Is

Sesame (Sesamum indicum) is one of the oldest oilseed crops in the world, valued for its rich oil content, nutty flavor, and nutritional profile. Sesame seeds are tiny, flat oval seeds that come in white, brown, black, and golden varieties. They are a major raw material for the production of sesame oil and tahini, and they serve as ingredients in a wide range of food, bakery, confectionery, and cosmetic products.

What Export of Sesame Seed Is

The export of sesame seed involves sourcing high-quality cleaned seeds, grading them by color and purity, and supplying them in bulk to international markets. Sesame is traded in different forms: natural, hulled, roasted, or processed into oil. Exporters ensure that seeds are properly cleaned, free from foreign matter, and packaged according to buyer specifications.

Specifications

• Types of Sesame Seed:

  • Natural White Sesame Seed

  • Hulled Sesame Seed

  • Black Sesame Seed

  • Brown/Golden Sesame Seed

• Moisture Content: Maximum 6% – 8%

• Oil Content: 48% – 52%

• Admixture (Foreign Matter): ≤ 2% (premium grade ≤ 1%)

• Purity: 98% – 99.95% (depending on grade)

• Free Fatty Acid (FFA): ≤ 2%

• Odor/Flavor: Clean, nutty, free from rancidity or chemical smell

• Shelf Life: 12 – 24 months when stored in cool, dry conditions

• Storage Conditions: Away from direct sunlight, at temperatures below 25°C, humidity ≤ 65%

Nutritional Profile (per 100g sesame seeds)

• Energy: ~573 kcal

• Protein: 17 g

• Fat: 49 g (rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids)

• Carbohydrate: 23 g

• Fiber: 12 g

• Calcium: 975 mg

• Magnesium: 350 mg

• Iron: 14 mg

• Vitamins: Rich in B-complex vitamins and Vitamin E

• Lignans: Sesamin and sesamol (powerful antioxidants)

Grades of Sesame Seed Export

1. Premium Grade (99.95% purity): Used for tahini, bakery, and confectionery.

2. Standard Grade (98–99% purity): For oil crushing and general food use.

3. Industrial Grade: For sesame oil extraction and animal feed.

4. Black Sesame: Specialty grade used in Asian cuisines, health foods, and cosmetics.

Export Forms & Packaging

• Packaging Options:

  • 25kg or 50kg polypropylene bags

  • 1MT jumbo bags for bulk shipments

  • Vacuum-sealed bags for retail export (hulled sesame)

• Containerization:

  • 20ft container: ~19 MT

  • 40ft container: ~25–26 MT

• Export Forms:

  • Raw/Natural Sesame Seed

  • Hulled Sesame Seed (outer shell removed)

  • Roasted Sesame Seed

  • Sesame Oil (refined or crude)

Global Uses

• Food Industry:

  • Bakery: bread, biscuits, cookies, confectionery topping

  • Tahini (sesame paste) for Middle Eastern dishes

  • Sesame oil for cooking, frying, and seasoning

  • Roasted seeds as snacks and seasoning

• Cosmetic & Personal Care:

  • Sesame oil used in lotions, soaps, hair oils, and massage oils

  • Natural antioxidant properties enhance shelf life of cosmetics

• Pharmaceuticals & Nutraceuticals:

  • Used in herbal medicine as an anti-inflammatory

  • Dietary supplements rich in calcium, magnesium, and antioxidants

• Industrial Uses:

  • Sesame oil in paints, varnishes, and lubricants

Quality Assurance

• Cleaning and grading with modern processing equipment

• Fumigation to prevent pest infestation

• Tests for aflatoxins, pesticide residues, and microbiological safety

• Certificates available:

  • Phytosanitary Certificate

  • Certificate of Analysis (COA)

  • SGS/Intertek Inspection Report (on request)

  • Organic/Fair Trade Certification (if required)

Export Market Insights

• Top Importing Regions:

  • Asia: China, Japan, South Korea, India

  • Middle East: Turkey, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Israel

  • Europe: Netherlands, Germany, France, UK

  • North America: USA, Canada

• Market Trends:

  • Rising demand for plant-based oils and natural foods

  • Growth of tahini-based products in Europe & North America

  • Increased use in bakery and confectionery industries globally

  • Expansion of organic sesame seed demand in health-conscious markets

Trade & Compliance

• HS Codes:

  • 1207 – Sesame seeds, whether or not broken

  • 1515 – Sesame oil and fractions, whether or not refined

• MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity): 50 MT (bulk), negotiable for specialty grades

• Delivery Terms: FOB, CIF, CFR

• Payment Terms: L/C at sight, T/T, negotiable

Sesame seeds are one of the most sought-after oilseeds globally, with diverse applications across food, cosmetic, nutraceutical, and industrial sectors. Its versatility and high demand make it a strategic export product.