Lactulose Export Market Intelligence: India's 154 Suppliers Shipping to 90 Countries — TransData Nexus 2026

Q: Who are the top lactulose exporters from India?

The top lactulose exporters from India are: 1. STERLING LAB, — $4.2M (31.0% market share); 2. LINCOLN PHARMACEUTICALS LTD — $1.8M (13.7% market share); 3. PANACEA BIOTEC PHARMA LIMITED — $1.2M (9.0% market share); 4. SANPRAS HEALTHCARE PRIVATE LIMITED — $1.1M (8.0% market share); 5. CAPLIN POINT LABORATORIES LIMITED — $763.1K (5.7% market share). Together they account for 67.3% of India's total lactulose export value.

Q: What is the total export value of lactulose from India?

The total export value of lactulose from India is $13.4M USD, recorded across 956 shipment transactions from 154 active exporters to 90 destination countries. The average shipment value is $14.1K.

Q: Which countries import lactulose from India?

India exports lactulose to 90 countries worldwide. The top importing countries are: SRI LANKA (34.9% share, $4.7M), TANZANIA (14.0% share, $1.9M), CHILE (12.2% share, $1.6M), GUATEMALA (6.4% share, $854.3K), PANAMA (5.8% share, $785.0K). These five markets account for 73.3% of total export value.

Q: What is the HS code for lactulose exports from India?

The primary HS code for lactulose exports from India is 30049099. This 8-digit classification falls under Chapter 30 (pharmaceutical products) of the Harmonized System and is used by Indian Customs (DGFT) for tracking and reporting pharmaceutical trade flows.

Q: What is the average price of lactulose exports from India?

The average unit price for lactulose exports from India is $2.84 USD per unit, with prices ranging from $0.01 to $83.86 depending on formulation, packaging, and order volume. The total market is valued at $13.4M across 956 shipments.

Q: Which ports handle lactulose exports from India?

The primary ports for lactulose exports from India are SAHAR AIR CARGO ACC (INBOM4) (14.6% of shipments), SAHAR AIR (12.4% of shipments), NHAVA SHEVA SEA (INNSA1) (9.9% of shipments), JNPT/ NHAVA SHEVA SEA (4.9% of shipments), Bombay Air (3.1% of shipments). These ports have dedicated pharmaceutical cargo infrastructure ensuring cold-chain and regulatory compliance during transit.

Q: Why is India a leading exporter of lactulose?

India is one of the world's leading exporters of lactulose due to its large base of 154 WHO-GMP and US FDA approved manufacturers, significantly lower production costs compared to Western markets, well-established API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) supply chains, and strong government support for pharmaceutical exports through the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council (Pharmexcil). India exports lactulose to 90 countries, demonstrating 46% global market coverage.

Q: What certifications do Indian lactulose exporters need?

Indian lactulose exporters typically require WHO-GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certification for most regulated markets, US FDA approval for exports to the United States, EU GMP certification for European markets, and country-specific regulatory approvals for markets in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Additional certifications may include ISO 9001, Schedule M compliance under Indian drug laws, and Free Sale Certificates issued by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO).

Q: How many buyers import lactulose from India?

There are 359 registered buyers importing lactulose from India, spread across 90 countries. The repeat buyer rate is 48.7%, indicating strong long-term trade relationships and consistent product quality.

Q: What is the market share of the top lactulose supplier from India?

STERLING LAB, is the leading lactulose exporter from India with a market share of 31.0% and total export value of $4.2M across 19 shipments. The top 5 suppliers together control 67.3% of total export value.

Suresh Sormare

Lactulose

India Pharmaceutical Trade Intelligence

$13.4M154 Suppliers90 CountriesHS 30049099

ExportsIndia → SRI LANKA34.9%India → TANZANIA14.0%

ImportsCANADA → India$4.0B SOUTH AFRICA → India$56.8K

#1 Supplier: STERLING LAB,

Lactulose Export Analysis | India Pharmaceutical Trade Intelligence | TransData Nexus

How India Exports Lactulose to the World

Between 2022 and 2026, India exported $13.4M worth of lactulose across 956 verified shipments to 90 countries — covering 46% of world markets in the Gastrointestinal segment. The largest destination is SRI LANKA (34.9%). STERLING LAB, leads with a 31.0% share. All figures are drawn from Indian Customs (DGFT) shipping bill records spanning four years of trade activity.

Source: Indian Customs (DGFT)·Published March 2026·Updated March 2026·HS 30049099

Lactulose export data from India — top exporters, importing countries, pricing and trade statistics compiled by TransData Nexus — Lactulose export data snapshot — $13.4M · 154 exporters · 90 countriesTransData Nexus · Indian Customs Data

Top Lactulose Exporters from India

154 active exporters · Ranked by export value

View all 154 →

Top Lactulose Exporters from India — Ranked by Export Value
#	Supplier Name	Export Value (USD)	Shipments	Countries	Market Share
1	STERLING LAB,	$4.2M	19	1	31.0%
2	LINCOLN PHARMACEUTICALS LTD

Top Countries Importing Lactulose from India

90 destination markets · Ranked by import value

All 90 countries →

Top Countries Importing Lactulose from India — Ranked by Import Value
#	Country	Import Value (USD)	Market Share
1	SRI LANKA	$4.7M	34.9%
2	TANZANIA	$1.9M	14.0%
3	CHILE	$1.6M	12.2%
4	GUATEMALA	$854.3K	6.4%
5	PANAMA	$785.0K	5.8%
6	PHILIPPINES	$726.3K	5.4%
7	ECUADOR	$318.3K	2.4%
8	KENYA	$289.0K	2.1%
9	MYANMAR	$195.8K	1.5%
10	NIGERIA	$188.4K	1.4%

SRI LANKA is India's largest lactulose export destination, absorbing 34.9% of total exports worth $4.7M. The top 5 importing countries — SRI LANKA, TANZANIA, CHILE, GUATEMALA, PANAMA — together account for 73.3% of India's total lactulose export value. The remaining 85 destination countries collectively receive the other 26.7%, indicating a broadly diversified export footprint across multiple regions.

Who Supplies Lactulose to India?

5 origin countries · Total import value: $4.0B

India imports lactulose from 5 countries with a combined import value of $4.0B. The largest supplier is CANADA ($4.0B, 13 shipments), followed by SOUTH AFRICA and UNITED STATES. All values are from Indian Customs (DGFT) import records.

Countries Supplying Lactulose to India — Ranked by Import Value
#	Origin Country	Import Value (USD)	Shipments	Share
1	CANADA	$4.0B	13	100.0%
2	SOUTH AFRICA	$56.8K	2	0.0%
3	UNITED STATES	$4.1K	8	0.0%
4	GERMANY	$148	2	0.0%
5	SWITZERLAND	$0	1	0.0%

CANADA is the largest supplier of lactulose to India, accounting for 100.0% of total import value. The top 5 origin countries — CANADA, SOUTH AFRICA, UNITED STATES, GERMANY, SWITZERLAND — together supply 100.0% of India's lactulose imports. Click any country to see detailed supplier and buyer data for that import corridor.

Regulatory Landscape — Lactulose

Product-specific regulatory status across FDA, EMA, WHO, and CDSCO · As of March 2026

1FDA & US Market Regulatory Status

In the United States, lactulose is approved for medical use and is available in generic forms. The FDA's Orange Book lists multiple approved Abbreviated New Drug Applications (ANDAs) for lactulose solution, indicating a well-established generic market. For instance, ANDA 75-911 was approved on February 21, 2002, for Lactulose Solution USP, 10 g/15 mL, submitted by Apotex Corp. The regulatory pathway for lactulose involves demonstrating bioequivalence to the reference listed drug, as per FDA guidelines. Given the substantial number of Indian exporters, compliance with FDA regulations, including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and accurate labeling, is crucial for market entry and sustainability.

2EU & UK Regulatory Framework

In the European Union, lactulose is subject to marketing authorization by national competent authorities or the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for centralized procedures. The EMA conducted a Periodic Safety Update Report Single Assessment (PSUSA) for lactulose, concluding in November 2025, which led to updates in product information regarding hypersensitivity reactions. (ema.europa.eu) Manufacturers must adhere to EU Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines, ensuring product quality and safety. In the UK, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) oversees the authorization and monitoring of medicinal products, including lactulose, requiring compliance with similar GMP standards.

3WHO Essential Medicines & Global Standards

Lactulose is included in the World Health Organization's Model List of Essential Medicines, underscoring its importance in basic healthcare systems. The specific edition of inclusion should be verified from the latest WHO publications. While lactulose may not be listed under the WHO Prequalification Programme, it must comply with international pharmacopoeia standards, including the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), British Pharmacopoeia (BP), European Pharmacopoeia (EP), and Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP), to ensure global quality standards.

4India Regulatory Classification

In India, lactulose is classified under Schedule H of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, indicating it is a prescription drug. The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) regulates the pricing of essential medicines; however, as of March 2026, lactulose is not listed under the Drug Price Control Order (DPCO), allowing market-driven pricing. For exports, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) mandates a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for certain pharmaceuticals, but lactulose is generally permitted for export without specific restrictions, facilitating its international trade.

5Patent & Exclusivity Status

Lactulose is off-patent, allowing multiple manufacturers to produce and market generic versions globally. This has led to significant generic competition, contributing to its widespread availability and affordability.

6Recent Industry Developments

In August 2025, the EMA's Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) recommended updates to lactulose product information to include warnings about hypersensitivity reactions, including rash, pruritus, and urticaria, based on post-marketing surveillance data. (ema.europa.eu)

In January 2026, the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare announced a revision of the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM), considering the inclusion of additional formulations of lactulose to enhance accessibility for hepatic encephalopathy treatment.

In March 2026, the NPPA initiated a review of non-DPCO drugs, including lactulose, to assess market prices and ensure affordability, signaling potential future price regulations.

These developments highlight the dynamic regulatory environment surrounding lactulose, emphasizing the need for manufacturers and exporters to stay informed and compliant with evolving standards and requirements.

TransData Nexus Research · FDA Orange Book, EMA, WHO Model List, CDSCO/NPPAUpdated Mar 2026

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Global Price Benchmark — Lactulose

Retail & reference prices across 9 markets vs. India FOB export price of $2.84/unit

Global Price Benchmark for Lactulose across major pharmaceutical markets
Market	Price (USD/unit)	Currency	Reference
United States	$0.08	USD	Pricing data sourced from PharmacyChecker.com.
United Kingdom	N/A	GBP	Specific pricing information for lactulose in the UK is not readily available from government sources.
Germany	N/A	EUR	Specific pricing information for lactulose in Germany is not readily available from government sources.
Australia	N/A	AUD

Supply Chain Risk Assessment — Lactulose

API sourcing, concentration risk, storage requirements, and current alerts

MEDIUM RISK

1API Sourcing & Raw Material Dependency

India's pharmaceutical industry has historically relied heavily on China for Key Starting Materials (KSMs) and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), with imports accounting for approximately 70% of its API needs. This dependency has exposed the sector to supply chain vulnerabilities, particularly during periods of geopolitical tension or regulatory changes in China. For instance, in recent years, environmental regulations in China have led to the shutdown of several API manufacturers, causing supply disruptions and cost escalations for Indian pharmaceutical companies.

In response, the Indian government launched the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to bolster domestic API and KSM manufacturing. This initiative aims to reduce import dependence by providing financial incentives for local production. As of November 2024, two greenfield plants were inaugurated under this scheme to produce critical molecules like Penicillin G and Clavulanic Acid, which had not been manufactured domestically for over two decades. While these efforts are steps toward self-reliance, the transition to domestic production is gradual, and the industry remains susceptible to external supply chain disruptions in the interim.

2Supplier Concentration & Single-Source Risk

Our proprietary trade data indicates that the top five exporters of lactulose from India account for 67.3% of the total export value, with STERLING LAB leading at 31.0%. This high supplier concentration poses a significant single-source risk, as any operational or financial issues within these key companies could disrupt the supply chain. The PLI scheme is designed to mitigate such risks by encouraging a broader base of domestic manufacturers to enter the API market, thereby reducing reliance on a limited number of suppliers. However, the effectiveness of this scheme in diversifying the supplier base will depend on its successful implementation and the industry's response to these incentives.

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Frequently Asked Questions — Lactulose Exports from India

Data-backed answers sourced from Indian Customs shipping bill records

Who are the top lactulose exporters from India?

The leading lactulose exporters from India are STERLING LAB,, LINCOLN PHARMACEUTICALS LTD, PANACEA BIOTEC PHARMA LIMITED, and 9 others. STERLING LAB, leads with 31.0% market share ($4.2M). The top 5 suppliers together control 67.3% of total export value.

What is the total export value of lactulose from India?

The total export value of lactulose from India is $13.4M, recorded across 956 shipments from 154 active exporters to 90 countries. The average shipment value is $14.1K.

Which countries import lactulose from India?

India exports lactulose to 90 countries. The top importing countries are SRI LANKA (34.9%), TANZANIA (14.0%), CHILE (12.2%), GUATEMALA (6.4%), PANAMA (5.8%), which together account for 73.3% of total export value.

What is the HS code for lactulose exports from India?

The primary HS code for lactulose exports from India is 30049099. This 8-digit classification falls under Chapter 30 (pharmaceutical products) of the Harmonized System and is used by Indian Customs (DGFT) to track and report pharmaceutical export flows.

Official References & Regulatory Resources

Research Methodology & Data Transparency

Suresh Sormare

Verified Author

Pharmaceutical Export-Import Analyst & Trade Intelligence Expert

Suresh Sormare is a pharmaceutical export-import analyst with deep expertise in Indian Customs (DGFT) data, HS code classification, and global pharmaceutical supply chains. His analysis covers 10M+ shipment records across 150+ countries and is used by manufacturers, procurement agencies, and trade consultants worldwide. Suresh specializes in identifying verified suppliers and buyers from customs records, mapping bilateral pharmaceutical trade corridors, analyzing tariff structures and regulatory frameworks across 170+ destination markets, and benchmarking competitive positioning for finished pharmaceutical formulations. His methodology combines granular customs transaction data with regulatory intelligence from FDA, EMA, WHO, CDSCO, and 40+ national drug authorities to deliver actionable trade insights for the pharmaceutical formulations sector.

linkedin.com/in/sureshsormare

Primary Data Source

All trade data is sourced from Indian Customs (DGFT) official shipping bill records — the authoritative government database for India's pharmaceutical trade. Each verified record contains exporter name, consignee (buyer) name, detailed product description, quantity, declared FOB value (USD), port of loading, destination country, and shipment date.

Lactulose

Lactulose

Top Lactulose Exporters from India

Top Countries Importing Lactulose from India

Who Supplies Lactulose to India?

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Regulatory Landscape — Lactulose

1FDA & US Market Regulatory Status

2EU & UK Regulatory Framework

3WHO Essential Medicines & Global Standards

4India Regulatory Classification

5Patent & Exclusivity Status

6Recent Industry Developments

Global Price Benchmark — Lactulose

Supply Chain Risk Assessment — Lactulose

1API Sourcing & Raw Material Dependency

2Supplier Concentration & Single-Source Risk

Access Complete Lactulose Trade Intelligence

Frequently Asked Questions — Lactulose Exports from India

Who are the top lactulose exporters from India?

What is the total export value of lactulose from India?

Which countries import lactulose from India?

What is the HS code for lactulose exports from India?

Official References & Regulatory Resources

Research Methodology & Data Transparency

Suresh Sormare

Primary Data Source

India Cost Advantage

3Geopolitical & Shipping Disruptions

4Risk Mitigation Recommendations

What is the average price of lactulose exports from India?

Which ports handle lactulose exports from India?

Why is India a leading exporter of lactulose?

What certifications do Indian lactulose exporters need?

How many buyers import lactulose from India?

What is the market share of the top lactulose exporter from India?

Analysis Methodology