The Canada market for Indian ashwagandha root extract & powder
Large US market for ashwagandha supplements; sold as a dietary ingredient under DSHEA, with the US importer responsible for FSVP and labelling. US duty on Indian goods as of 22 Oct 2026 (per our compliance research, secondary legal analysis): MFN rate plus a 10% Section 301 tariff in force since 24 Jul 2026; Section 232 goods (steel, aluminium, copper, autos/parts) pay the 232 rate instead. Re-verify before quoting landed cost.
Ashwagandha Root Extract & Powder specification for Canada orders
| Parameter | Typical export value |
|---|---|
| Withanolides | 1.5%, 2.5%, 5% by HPLC, or higher by gravimetric method; state the method (typical) |
| Plant part | Root only (preferred for EU/US) or root + leaf (typical) |
| Loss on drying | ≤ 5% (typical) |
| Mesh | 80 mesh (typical) |
| Heavy metals | Pb ≤ 3 ppm, Cd ≤ 1 ppm, As ≤ 2 ppm, Hg ≤ 0.1 ppm (typical buyer spec) |
| Microbiology | TPC ≤ 10,000 cfu/g; yeast & mould ≤ 1,000 cfu/g; E. coli and Salmonella absent (typical) |
Final values are agreed per contract and checked against the Canada requirements below, then confirmed by lab report or pre-shipment inspection.
Import requirements in Canada
| Requirement | Regulator | Document / registration |
|---|---|---|
| Importer licence & controls | CFIA (SFCR) | SFC licence (My CFIA); Preventive Control Plan; traceability; AIRS requirements |
| Labelling | CFIA / Health Canada | Bilingual labels; allergens; nutrition facts |
| Phytosanitary | CFIA | Import permit/PSC per AIRS; ISPM-15 |
| Notification / licence | Health Canada | Cosmetic Notification Form; NHP product licence |
General guidance as of November 2026. Confirm with your customs broker or the regulator before shipping. Final regulatory decisions require professional verification.
Shipping ashwagandha root extract & powder to Canada
Typical sea transit Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva) → Montreal: 26-34 via Suez; 34-42 via Cape days. Halifax alternative gateway; +1-3 days rail Montreal/Halifax to Toronto; St Lawrence winter restrictions
Container loading (estimate): 20' ~8-10 MT in 25 kg drums, 40' HC ~14-18 MT.
Quoted on FOB, FCA, CIF, CIP, DAP; CIF Montreal is the common choice for first orders.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to import ashwagandha root extract & powder into Canada?
Key requirements: Importer licence & controls — CFIA (SFCR) (SFC licence (My CFIA); Preventive Control Plan; traceability; AIRS requirements); Labelling — CFIA / Health Canada (Bilingual labels; allergens; nutrition facts); Phytosanitary — CFIA (Import permit/PSC per AIRS; ISPM-15); Notification / licence — Health Canada (Cosmetic Notification Form; NHP product licence). Your customs broker confirms the full list for your HS line.
How long does shipping from India to Canada take?
Typically 26-34 via Suez; 34-42 via Cape days port-to-port from Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva) to Montreal, plus 5–10 days for stuffing, export clearance and destination clearance (estimates).
Does Canada have a trade agreement with India?
No FTA. India–Canada CEPA negotiations relaunched March 2026 (2nd round May 2026; aim to conclude by end-2026) [S7]. Canada's GPT preferences apply to many Indian goods. CONFLICT: 06 §C.7 says talks 'paused'; S7 (28 Oct 2026) reports relaunch and rounds in 2026 — S7 is newer A preferential certificate of origin is needed to claim any reduced duty.
Which HS code applies to ashwagandha root extract & powder from India?
Usually HS 130219. Canada applies its own national tariff extension to the 6-digit code; confirm the full line with your broker.
HPLC or gravimetric - which withanolide figure should I ask for?
HPLC measures specific withanolides and gives lower numbers; gravimetric measures a broader fraction and gives higher numbers. Specify the method in the purchase order.
Root only or root and leaf?
Many EU and US buyers ask for root-only extracts, partly because of the Danish risk assessment. Leaf-containing extracts are cheaper.
Is ashwagandha allowed in the EU?
It depends on the member state. Denmark bans it in food supplements; elsewhere it is sold with warnings. Check before you buy.
Related guides
Request a quote: ashwagandha root extract & powder to Canada
Tell us grade, quantity and your port in Canada. We quote CIF/CFR with the destination documents listed above.