Dry fruits are among the most traded food commodities globally, and India is one of the largest consumers. Almonds from California, cashews from Vietnam, dates from the Middle East, and walnuts from Chile are regularly imported to meet domestic demand. Understanding the regulatory framework involving FSSAI, plant quarantine requirements, and customs procedures is essential for a successful import dry fruits India operation.
This guide covers every aspect of the dry fruits import process, from licensing requirements and phytosanitary certificates to the dry fruits import duty structure and labelling compliance. Business professionals in food trade will find this resource useful for planning their operations.
Regulatory Framework
Dry fruits import is regulated by FSSAI for quality and safety, the Plant Quarantine Division for pest prevention, and Customs for duty assessment. Every importer must hold an FSSAI Central Import License, an IEC from DGFT, and be registered on ICEGATE.
Obtain your IEC through Patron Accounting IEC registration and FSSAI license through Patron Accounting FSSAI service. Both are mandatory before placing import orders.
Step-by-Step Import Process
Step 1: Obtain IEC, FSSAI License, and ICEGATE Registration
Complete all registrations before approaching suppliers. IEC from DGFT, FSSAI Import License from the FLRS portal, and ICEGATE registration from the customs portal.
Step 2: Source Suppliers and Verify Quality
Identify reliable suppliers and obtain a Certificate of Analysis confirming compliance with FSSAI standards for pesticide residues, aflatoxin levels, moisture content, and microbiological parameters.
Step 3: Obtain Phytosanitary Certificate
The supplier must obtain a Phytosanitary Certificate from the plant protection authority of the exporting country, confirming the dry fruits are free from quarantine pests and diseases.
Step 4: Arrange Shipment
Coordinate shipping logistics. Dry fruits require proper packaging to prevent moisture damage and pest infestation during transit. Temperature-controlled containers may be needed for certain products.
Step 5: Port Clearance and FSSAI Testing
At the Indian port, consignment undergoes plant quarantine inspection followed by FSSAI sampling. Testing covers aflatoxin, pesticide residues, heavy metals, and moisture. Clearance is granted only after satisfactory results.
Step 6: Customs Duty Payment
After FSSAI and quarantine clearance, the customs broker files the Bill of Entry. Pay applicable BCD, IGST, and surcharges. The consignment is released upon payment verification.
Documents Required
Required documents include IEC, FSSAI Import License, commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, phytosanitary certificate, fumigation certificate, Certificate of Analysis, insurance certificate, and ICEGATE Bill of Entry.
Maintain active GST registration to claim input tax credit on IGST paid at customs.
Dry Fruits Import Duty
Almonds attract BCD of 10% to 12%. Cashew nuts in shell have BCD of 5%, shelled cashews attract higher duty. Dates have BCD of 10% to 30%. Walnuts attract BCD of 10% to 30%. Pistachios have BCD of approximately 10%. IGST at 5% to 12% applies, plus Social Welfare Surcharge.
Duty rates are subject to periodic revision. The government may adjust rates based on domestic supply conditions. Always check latest applicable rates before calculating landed costs.
FSSAI Compliance and Labelling
All imported dry fruits must carry FSSAI-compliant labels including product name, net weight, dates, country of origin, FSSAI license number, and vegetarian symbol. Supplementary labels in English or Hindi must be affixed if original packaging lacks mandatory information.
Loose dry fruits repacked in India must carry the repacker's FSSAI license details. Proper labelling is critical as non-compliance is a common cause of rejection at ports.
Common Challenges
Aflatoxin contamination is the most common rejection reason. Almonds and groundnuts are particularly susceptible. Insist on pre-shipment testing from suppliers with robust quality control systems.
FSSAI testing delays can extend clearance to 10 to 15 days, accumulating storage charges. Working with Patron Accounting for documentation support helps minimize delays.
Key Exporting Countries and Popular Varieties
The global dry fruits market is dominated by a few major exporting nations. The United States, particularly California, is the world's largest almond producer and exporter, accounting for nearly 80% of global almond supply. Vietnam and India together dominate the cashew processing industry, with Vietnam being the largest exporter of shelled cashews globally. Iran, Turkey, and the Middle East region are the primary sources for pistachios and dates. Chile and China export significant quantities of walnuts, while Afghanistan remains a notable source for pine nuts.
Each exporting country has its own quality grading systems. California almonds follow USDA grading standards with categories like Supreme, Select, and Standard. Vietnamese cashews follow their national quality grades from W-180 to W-450, indicating the number of kernels per pound. Importers must familiarize themselves with these grading systems to specify requirements accurately in purchase contracts and avoid quality disputes.
Storage and Shelf Life Management
Proper storage is critical for maintaining quality and shelf life of imported dry fruits. Most varieties should be stored at temperatures between 5 to 15 degrees Celsius with relative humidity below 65%. Almonds, cashews, and walnuts are particularly susceptible to rancidity due to their high oil content and must be stored away from strong odours and direct sunlight in airtight containers.
Importers should invest in temperature and humidity controlled warehouses meeting FSSAI standards. Regular pest control measures including scheduled fumigation must be maintained. First-in-first-out inventory management ensures older stock moves before newer arrivals. For large volume operations, real-time temperature and humidity monitoring systems help prevent spoilage throughout the supply chain.
Cost Analysis and Pricing Strategy
The landed cost of imported dry fruits includes CIF value, customs duties, IGST, port handling charges, FSSAI testing fees, transportation, warehousing, and any additional fumigation costs at port. Currency fluctuations between the rupee and supplier currency impact final costs significantly. Importers dealing in high-value nuts like pistachios and almonds should consider currency hedging to protect margins.
Profit margins in the dry fruits import business vary by product and market segment. Premium quality California almonds command higher margins in urban retail markets compared to economy grades. Building strong relationships with suppliers for consistent quality and favourable payment terms is essential for maintaining competitive pricing while protecting profitability.
Selecting the Right Customs Broker
A customs broker experienced in food imports is invaluable for dry fruits importers. They navigate the complexities of FSSAI testing schedules, quarantine inspections, and HS code classifications. The broker coordinates between plant quarantine officials, FSSAI testing labs, and port authorities to minimize delays. Their familiarity with the documentation requirements specific to food imports from different countries ensures your consignment clears customs without unnecessary holds.
When selecting a customs broker, look for one with a strong track record in handling perishable food imports at your port of choice. They should have established relationships with FSSAI testing laboratories and quarantine officers. A good broker will proactively flag potential documentation gaps before the consignment arrives, giving you time to arrange missing certificates or corrections from your supplier.
Insurance and Risk Management
Marine insurance for dry fruit shipments should cover all risks including water damage, contamination, theft, and temperature excursions. The insurance value should reflect the CIF value plus expected duties and transportation costs. For high-value shipments of premium nuts like pistachios or macadamias, consider warehouse-to-warehouse coverage that protects the goods from the supplier's facility to your storage location in India.
