Knowledge centre

How to import spices & Indian food from India

Clear, practical guidance for importers, distributors and supermarket buyers — from first enquiry to goods in your warehouse.

Step by step

The import process in six steps

Define your list

Products, grades, pack sizes, labelling and target price. Check your country’s import rules for food.

Request quotes & samples

Compare specifications, not just price. Approve samples and agree the specification sheet.

Confirm order & payment

Proforma invoice, payment terms (T/T or L/C), Incoterm and shipment window.

Production & inspection

Cleaning, packing and lab tests. Optional third-party inspection before stuffing.

Shipping & documents

Container sails; you receive the bill of lading, invoice, packing list, certificates of origin and analysis.

Clearance & delivery

Your clearing agent clears customs using the documents; goods move to your warehouse.

Quick reference

Essentials every importer should know

Export documents

Commercial invoice & packing list
Bill of lading
Certificate of origin
Phytosanitary & fumigation certificates
Certificate of analysis

Incoterms explained

FOB — you arrange sea freight from Nhava Sheva
CFR — we pay freight to your port
CIF — freight + marine insurance included
Choose based on your freight contracts

Shelf life planning

Whole spices: up to 24 months
Ground spices: 12–18 months
Rice & pulses: 12–24 months
Packaged foods: check remaining life at stuffing

Container loading

20 ft FCL: about 18–24 MT bagged goods
40 ft: higher volume for light items
Mixed loads planned by weight & volume
Desiccants & liners for humid routes

In-depth articles

Guides & insights

All articles

8 min read

How to Import Spices from India: A Complete Guide for International Buyers

An industry-focused, step-by-step guide for food procurement managers on navigating regulations, quality standards, shipping, and documentation when sourcing bulk spices from India.

6 min read

Top Spices Exported From India: Demand, Quality Grades, and Sourcing Seasonality

Analyze the highest-demand Indian spices, their global import regulations, quality grading parameters, and the agricultural calendar for planning purchases.

Importer questions

Common first-time questions

How do I import spices from India for the first time?

Start with a clear product list and your country’s import requirements, request quotes and samples from a registered Indian exporter, agree specifications and Incoterms, and work with a local clearing agent. Many first-time importers start with a mixed container to test several products at once.

What is the difference between FOB, CFR and CIF?

FOB means the price covers goods loaded on the vessel in India; you pay freight and insurance. CFR adds sea freight to your port. CIF adds both freight and marine insurance. Import duties and local charges are always paid by the buyer.

How long does sea shipping from India take?

Roughly 5–10 days to the Gulf, 18–25 days to Europe and East Africa, 25–35 days to the US East Coast and 20–30 days to Australia, depending on the route and transhipment.