Importing spices from India: a buyer's checklist

India is the world's largest producer of spices and the leading source of cumin, chilli and turmeric. Prices are competitive, but quality varies widely between suppliers and between lots. These are the points to settle before your first order.

1. Agree the exact grade

"Cumin" is not a specification. Agree purity (for example 99% or 99.5%), moisture, admixture, and whether the product is machine cleaned or sortexed. Ask for the grade in writing and approve a sealed sample. That sample becomes the reference for every shipment.

2. Check what your market requires

Each destination has its own rules on pesticide residues, aflatoxin, microbial limits and treatment. Australia, for example, sets import conditions for each product, so check your product's conditions before ordering. The EU and UK set strict residue limits. Your supplier must be able to produce lot specific lab reports that match those limits.

3. Decide on treatment

Many buyers require steam sterilisation to reduce microbial load without chemicals. Agree whether it is needed, who performs it and how it is certified, before production starts.

4. Know the documents

• Commercial invoice and packing list
• Certificate of origin, which matters for duty under trade agreements
• Phytosanitary certificate
• Laboratory analysis report for the lot
• Fumigation or treatment certificate where required

5. Understand the duty position

India has trade agreements with several markets, including Australia, the UK and the UAE. Under these, many Indian goods enter at reduced or zero duty, provided the certificate of origin is correct. Confirm the tariff code and rate with your customs broker for each product.

6. Inspect before loading

Most problems with spices are found after arrival, when it is too late. A pre shipment inspection checks the bulk against the approved sample, confirms the lab results relate to your lot, and supervises loading and sealing.

7. Start with a trial order

A trial order of one or two tonnes lets you test the supplier, the product and the paperwork before committing to containers. Once the trial passes, agree a supply programme with fixed specifications and scheduled shipments.

Need help with a spice order? SRV sources, inspects and ships spices from Gujarat, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala. Contact our team for a quote.