Export guide

Minimum Order Quantity for Egg Export (and Trial Orders)

By Dr. Mahesh Eknath Mungase2 min readUpdated 23 September 2026

In short: The minimum order for table-egg export is one 20 ft reefer container, approximately 236,160 eggs, or about 656 cartons of 360. Mixed grades can be loaded within a single container, and trial orders can be discussed with first-time buyers.

Key facts

MOQ: one 20 ft reefer
20 ft reefer ≈ 656 cartons ≈ 236,160 eggs
40 ft reefer ≈ 1,312 cartons ≈ 472,320 eggs
Mixed-grade loading within a container is possible
Lead time: 10 to 15 days from confirmed order to sailing

Why the minimum is a container

Eggs ship in temperature-controlled reefers, and a part-container load cannot hold the cold chain or the economics. So the practical minimum is one full 20 ft reefer, which also keeps freight per egg sensible.

What fits in a 20 ft reefer

A 20 ft reefer takes roughly 656 cartons, about 236,160 eggs. A 40 ft doubles that. The full breakdown is in how many eggs fit in a reefer.

Trial orders and mixed grades

First-time buyers can start with a single 20 ft container and load a mix of grades to match downstream demand. Tell us your split on the quote form and we configure the load.

Dr. Mahesh Eknath Mungase

Nilkamal Global Egg — writing on table-egg sourcing, export documentation, cold chain and Gulf/Asia market access. More about our team.

Questions

Frequently asked

What is the minimum egg order from India?

One 20 ft reefer, approximately 236,160 eggs (about 656 cartons of 360), with mixed-grade loading available.

Can first-time buyers place a trial order?

Yes. A single 20 ft reefer works as a trial, and grades can be mixed within the container to match your market.

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