Ask the Collective

What are the regulatory and commercial challenges of exporting spirits to India?

India is highly protectionist toward spirits imports and presents a distinctly challenging market entry compared to other territories. **Key barriers:** - Each state has separate regulations and licensing requirements, significantly complicating distribution - Retail pricing is substantially higher than other markets—expect pricing of $80+ per 70cl bottle, the highest reported by any member selling globally - The super-premium spirits segment in India is very small, limiting addressable market **Market reality:** Members advise treating India as a long-term, niche opportunity rather than a near-term revenue driver. The protectionist regulatory environment and fragmented state-by-state system create both compliance complexity and demand constraints that differ markedly from Western markets.