Natural, Hulled and Black Sesame from India for Saudi Food Manufacturers and Wholesalers
Tell us what the seed is for. The type, the cleaning and the test scope follow from that.
Three types of Indian sesame are available for Saudi Arabia: natural, hulled and black. Elysium Agri Corporation exports them from Jamnagar, Gujarat, through Mundra, Kandla and Pipavav, for food manufacturers, bakeries and wholesalers. Each lot carries a Certificate of Analysis from an NABL-accredited lab.
Sesame is bought by end use. A tahini producer, a bakery and a wholesaler each need a different seed, so the first question is what you make. India shipped about US$12 million to Saudi Arabia in 2025 under the oilseed heading that includes sesame. Our source does not report sesame separately.
Sesame Types and Their Uses
| Grade / form | Typical specification | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Natural sesame | Unhulled, machine-cleaned; purity, moisture and oil content as per your specification | Oil crushing, wholesale, repacking |
| Hulled sesame | Hull removed and dried; colour and purity as per your specification | Tahini, halva, bakery topping |
| Black sesame | Machine-cleaned; colour and purity as per your specification | Bakery, confectionery, seasoning |
Sesame at the Saudi Border: What Is Checked
SFDA treats sesame as a food product. Three checks decide whether a lot clears: safety, registration and marking.
- Safety: GSO 193 sets limits for contaminants and mycotoxins. Pesticide residues follow the lowest of the Codex, EU and US limits. See quality.
- Registration: the product is entered in your SFDA E-Account before import, and each consignment goes through SFDA E-Clearance.
- Marking: Arabic or an Arabic translation, with product name, packer, origin and shelf life. The origin mark cannot be a removable sticker.
- Documents: invoice certified by a chamber of commerce, chamber-issued certificate of origin, and a health or phytosanitary certificate as applicable.
- Cost: no trade agreement is in force between India and Saudi Arabia. Ask your broker for the duty on your HS line, then run the landed cost calculator.
How Sesame Is Packed and Routed
- Hulled sesame in paper or PP bags; natural and black sesame in PP bags.
- Lot numbers on the bags link to the test report.
- The discharge port is agreed first. Jeddah Islamic Port and King Abdullah Port are open to bookings now, while Dammam and Jubail are affected by the Strait of Hormuz closure.
- Routing and transit are confirmed with each quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which sesame type suits tahini production?
Hulled sesame is the usual choice for tahini and halva, because the hull is already removed. Send your specification or a reference sample, and the offer is matched to it.
Is the sesame tested for aflatoxin before loading?
Every lot is tested at an NABL-accredited lab and ships with a Certificate of Analysis. GSO 193 covers mycotoxins in Saudi Arabia. Tell us the parameters and limits your quality team applies, so they are in the test scope before loading.
Can sesame be shipped in jumbo bags without pallets?
The Saudi pallet rule introduced in mid-2025 exempted jumbo bags, and the rule itself was reported suspended in May 2026. Please confirm the present status with your clearing agent.
When is new-crop sesame available?
Availability moves with the Indian harvest. The crop calendar shows the timing. Ask for the current crop position with your enquiry.
Related Pages
Last reviewed: October 2026